Male Betta

[fish mom]

My friend recently purchased my son a small 1.5 gal tank and 2 platy. He wants a male betta. Can I put the betta in with the platy?

 

[the_lock_man]

My friend recently purchased my son a small 1.5 gal tank and 2 platy. He wants a male betta. Can I put the betta in with the platy?

I personally wouldn't - the tank is only 8-9l, that's too small for 2 platies, in my opinion, let alone a betta as well.

The problem with these really small tanks, is that toxins in the water can build up VERY quickly, and you can find the fish die pretty quickly.

Is there a filter and a heater on the tank?

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I second what the_lock_man said...the tank is too small for all three fish.

 

[three-fingers]

Have to agree with the above, platys are very active fish and would be swimming in circles in a small tank like that!

I prefer bettas in bigger tanks too, but the better is miles more suited than the platys.

As above, either will need a filter+heater .

I would be looking at cherry shrimp, different aquatic snails and plants to stock that size of tank, there's not really any suitable fish commonly available in shops, far easier and cheaper to get a bigger tank .

If its for a child, maybe look into Triops to raise in that tank instead of fish? http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/276695-triops/

You can pick up Triops kits for like £/$5 in most toy stores.

 

[fish mom]

Ok thanks I thought it was small, but I know nothing abt fish so, if I get a bigger tank what size should I get? I also have no clue how to take care of them. Any advice would be appreciated

After re-reading I see I need a heater and filter as well is that right

 

[Fishy friend2]

A ten gallon heated and filtered should be okay for 2 platys and a betta

 

[fish mom]

So I purchased a 30gal tank because I see mo point in a 10 when I will be adding more fish as I go I ws told I need to cycle it first but I dnt what that is please help

 

[Dieses Madchen]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

This is some excellent reading for beginners. It helped me out a lot. It will tell you all about cycling (which basically is building up the ammonia/nitrite eating bacteria essential to removing toxins from the water) and because you already have fish, you will want to read up on "fish-in" cycling. Invest in a test kit to check your water for ammonia(which is highly toxic to fish) and nitrite (also toxic). The good thing is, with a 30g tank and 2 fish, the water will not get polluted as fast. But be prepared for a lot of water changes((daily or every other day) over the next several (4-6) weeks. And any questions you have along the way, just pop em up on here and we will be glad to help you through it

 

[fish mom]

Thanks I'm sure you will tire of hearing from me

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Thanks I'm sure you will tire of hearing from me

Nope, I have been where you are at, and I am glad to be able to pass on what I have learned here.

 

[fish mom]

So my new 30 gallon tank has an ammonia level of 9.8 while the small tank has a level of 2.7 . Would it be better for my fish to stay in the small tank for now or to go ahead n move them to their new home

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Keep them in the small tank for now and do a large water change. You may have to do a couple to get that ammonia down! greater than .25 is toxic to the fish.

 

[the_lock_man]

So my new 30 gallon tank has an ammonia level of 9.8 while the small tank has a level of 2.7 . Would it be better for my fish to stay in the small tank for now or to go ahead n move them to their new home

Hiya, how are you testing? The reason I ask is that i can't quite believe that 9.8 ammonia reading.

Did you put the fish in the big tank? If not, then it's impossible to get 9.8ppm ammonia. If you did, then I still struggle to see how even an unfiltered 120l tank can get 9.8ppm ammonia from only 2 platies and a betta. Something just doesn't sit right.

Can you tell me how you set up the big tank, and how you're testing?

 

[fish mom]

No the fish are not in the big tank and I do apoligize the reading are. .98 &.27 I did a partial water change in my. my small tank n put that water into my large tank then added treated tap water to fill the tank. I'm using test strips

 

[the_lock_man]

No the fish are not in the big tank and I do apoligize the reading are. .98 &.27 I did a partial water change in my. my small tank n put that water into my large tank then added treated tap water to fill the tank. I'm using test strips

First priority, then, is to get a liquid test kit, because test strips are notoriously inaccurate. This would explain why you are showing ammonia in a tank with no ammonia source. It is also possible to have ammonia present in your tapwater, but then I would expect to see a higher level in the small tank as well, since that's not cycled. I believe the National Academy of Sciences in the US recommends a maximum of 0.5ppm in drinking water.

I personally would remove all the water from the big tank, and refill it with dechlorinated tap water. That should give you 0ppm ammonia in that tank. Try to make the temperatue in there match the temp in the small tank. I would then move the 3 fish into the big tank. The reason for this is one of dilution of the ammonia. The 3 fish produce a finite amount of ammonia - in a small tank, the concentration (ie parts per million) is greater than in a large tank.

But that liquid test kit is a MUST. You need to keep monitoring the levels of ammonia and nitrite, and keep them below 0.25ppm at all times. Whilst those test strips can give you an indication, the liquid kits are that bit more accurate.

A fish-in cycle is a lot of work, but worthwhile to ensure the health of your fish.

I often liken ammonia poisoning to smoking in humans. Outwardly, there can be little or no sign of a problem, for a long time. But inside it's a different story, until one day, the doctor has some bad news. Keeping the levels of ammonia and nitrite down will ensure that your fish live their lives to their full potential.

Keep up with the questions as and when you need - we won't tire, I promise!