How Many

[HODDY]

How many females can i put in a 12.5g uk galon tank?

thanks,Ben.

 

[jollysue]

5 to 6 easily--with appropriate decore and territories, etc. Watch for a bit for any overly aggressive girl and for treating nipped fins and battle scars, which will happen at first.

 

[HODDY]

do you recon i could fit 8 in? maybe more if i made the tank look like a jungle of plants?

 

[jollysue]

I never tried. The common wisdom is 5 per 10 usg. Although I believe 6 can do in 10. 8 in 12 is pushing it. Do Lots of filtration and frequent water changes. Test often at first for water quality. While the Betta gulps air with their labrynth, ammonia will burn and damage them irrepairably. Also bacteria and other bad organisms take advantage of poor water quality, including dirty water and substrate. It isn't just about ammonia and nitrites, it is also about bacteria. The aggression among the females can be handled as you suggest, setting up lots of cover and territories. Actually, some well experienced fish hobbiest suggest heavy fish loads for aggressive fish. It spreads the aggression.

 

[HODDY]

i am going to make 2 filters and will put lots of filter wool etc in them.I will also do water changes 2 times a week,

 

[jollysue]

You can try it. Have an alternative plan in place. I didn't say, but the footprint of the tank also makes a difference. Less height more bottom works best for this.

 

[HODDY]

yes the tank is only a ft high,

 

[jollysue]

It just may work for you.

We will of course be expecting lots of good clear pics.

 

[HODDY]

sure will be piccies.

 

[Glod]

12.5 UK gallons is 15 US gallons. If it's heavily planted I would be inclined to say that 8 should be fine. The plants will also help with any additional bio load, and keep the water nice and stable for them.

Bettas aren't particularly messy fish so it should be ok. Aggression is the main worry, but i'm sure you'll keep a close eye on them