Is It True...

[Fenjer]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, so please be gentle!

I have set up a tank at home, trying to establish a community tank, currently have 2 choc gouramis 5 neons and 6 glowlight tetras.

My boyfriend has his heart set on a male "fighter fish" (sorry if you don't like them being called that!)

I already realise that if we were to get one I'd need to do something about the current in the tank (currently have a Fluval 3 in-tank underwater filter).

Do you think that a male betta would be ok in this tank or is he dreaming?

Do they live companionably (sp) with other fishes, I already know we can't/shouldn't keep two males together, just wanted some more advice.

Thanks all.

Jen

 

[TribeOfShroom]

Most siamese fighters do not appreciate a strong current, and the general concensus is that bettas and tetra & gouramis don't mix. Not to say that it might not happen. But it seems that there's more horror stories than there are good stories when it comes to keeping bettas with those species.

If your bf really wants a Betta get a special tank for him.. it is xmas soon afterall.


Although I just saw that you have a 110L tank... you could pull it off providing you have loads of plants... but be wary.

 

[Fenjer]

Most siamese fighters do not appreciate a strong current, and the general concensus is that bettas and tetra & gouramis don't mix. Not to say that it might not happen. But it seems that there's more horror stories than there are good stories when it comes to keeping bettas with those species.

If your bf really wants a Betta get a special tank for him.. it is xmas soon afterall.

I've already got his present... and it doesn't involve another fish tank! LOL

I don't think he wants one bad enought o let me set up another tank, and we don't really have much space...unless his ridiculous trophy cabinet is evicted!

Although I just saw that you have a 110L tank... you could pull it off providing you have loads of plants... but be wary.

I'm having a bit of trouble keeping real plants alive, I just have dorset pea shale in the bottom of the tank... would artificial plants be ok for a betta to hide in?

Jen

 

[TribeOfShroom]

Hmm if you have to use fake plants, try and use silk plants. A bit more expensive, but they won't tear your bettas fins.

There are a few plants that you could have that would grow in your tank anyway. Hornwort is the first to spring to mind, I'm sure there are a few others that you could use.

 

[devon_charm]

to be honest hun i think you would be taking a huge risk putting a betta in with the fish you currently have, even though your tank is large and even if you had lots of plants tetras tend to B line for the pretty fins. You may also find that you have big arguments between the betta and the gurami as they are both very teratorial.

I would go for one of the following two options, or even both

1. Get 4 plus female betta for the community, you can get very pretty colours but not the flowy tempting finnage, they are also not as aggressive as the males so the gouramis shouldn't be a problem

2. Do as Shroom says and get a 3gal plus tank with a gentil filter and heater and have just a male betta in there (they are happier this way)

Good luck with what you decide