Help Me Stock A Tank - Please

[jaarus]

I have recently bought a rio 125 tank as an upgrade to my 5 gallon Hex!
I would really like some advice.

I would really like a community tank - but there is one small problem
...and his name is Chewie
Chewie is my beautiful blue/black crowntail Betta......he is usually pretty peaceful - but does seem to love chasing the "two fellas" (2 small cory cats) when he gets bored.
The fellas are faster than him but he has manged to nip them once or twice...but thats not too bad for a year of being in the same small tank in my opinion!

It has been suggested that I put Chewie up for adoption - but that is something I just couldnt do - cant believe how attached I have grown to this fish and his grumpy little smile )


So, I am going to seed the tank and add these guys as soon as I think its safe for them.
But 3 tiny fish in a circa 30 gallon tank would frankly look ridiculas - so I would love some suggestions on what people think would make good tankmates.

I know its a bit hit and miss with a betta - but suggestions would be appreciated in any case.
No flowy tails or Chewie will be on them like a shot.
No 'nippy' fish - reverse situation of above (hehehe)

just harmless fish that keep to themselves

I have 3 LFS, one is ok but the other 2 are frankly useless at advice and their stock whilst plentiful in quantity is pretty limited in variety.
Hoping you guys could suggest something I havent thought of...

 

[catxx]

why don't you let chewie have the 5 gallon hex to himself?

move the corys to the big tank and up their number a by 2 more? (guessing they're bronze corys)

 

[jaarus]

why don't you let chewie have the 5 gallon hex to himself?

That what I said but my fiance - said no....and sadly no means no with her.

 

[catxx]

tell her if you did that you could have much more pretty pretty variety in the big tank. emphasis on pretty and colourful and sparkly. like gouramis.
hehe

(gouramis can't go with a betta, they're both anabantoids, they WILL fight)

without the betta you could also get dwarf cichlids like Rams. but again, they're a nono with a betta.

if you kept the betta you could stick with corys, or otos, or maaaybe a small plec, but triple check on their final size and you have adequate filtration.

betta tankmates consist of anything dull in colour, short fins, and keeps themselves to themselves.

my boo used to eat corys too, he had to be put into solitary confinement, too fiesty!

 

[James007]

If you cannot leave your betta in the 5 gall on his own then an option would be platies. I kept platies in with my betta and had no problems in the 9 months they were together.

My betta is very placid though and a lot will depend upon you bettas personality/aggression.

Would definately try to convice your girlfriend about keeping the betta in the 5 gal as it will seriously restrict your options.

Its not just who chewie will attack but also who will nip his fins to shreds. There is nothing more soul destroying than seeing your proud betta will shredded fins.

 

[jaarus]

Yeah that is something I am keen to avoid - my LFS suggested 6-8 neons...but I heard that these little buggers like to nibble so I am not doing that!

These forums are way more informed through trial and error than any fish shop I have been to


any other ideas warmly welcomed

 

[catxx]

although, i did once catch one of my corys nibbling on my bettas tail when he had a bout of fin rot. they can nibble too!

 

[jaarus]

Ok - after a long tank Chewie is staying is his tank.
So - my 125 litre (30 gallon approx) tank is all empty.

Thank you for your help so far - but I am back on a 'suggestion beg'

I would like a snazzy central fish/pair/group
no fancy guppies (long story)
nothing that grows enormous later on - not found of parting with my fishies!

Was very keen on angels as the ones in a decent LFS are tiny - but I have heard that some species get pretty big so I dont know



We basically want some bright coloured snazzy fish for our living room (where the tank is)

Its nearly ready now - so I can stock soon - so excited!!