New To Betta's

[jonny_dw]

Hey all,

Ive kept quite a few community tanks over the years and most recently piranha's. I decided I wanted something different that wouldnt need a big tank for space reasons.

Anyway Im very keen on the betta idea.

Ive been doing quite alot of research and find there is ALOT of contridicting information about so I wanted to get a few things checked over with you guys who have experience.

Im looking into a 25-30l tank is that a good size for life?

Do they require lights?

What filter's can you suggest as Ive struggled finding ones small enough.

If I do get a larger tank, will a betta be ok with some zebras or neons?

Thanks for the help, im such a noob with them lol

 

[Declan]

Hey all,

Ive kept quite a few community tanks over the years and most recently piranha's. I decided I wanted something different that wouldnt need a big tank for space reasons.

Anyway Im very keen on the betta idea.

Ive been doing quite alot of research and find there is ALOT of contridicting information about so I wanted to get a few things checked over with you guys who have experience.

Im looking into a 25-30l tank is that a good size for life?

Do they require lights?

What filter's can you suggest as Ive struggled finding ones small enough.

If I do get a larger tank, will a betta be ok with some zebras or neons?

Thanks for the help, im such a noob with them lol

Hi,

You did the right thing in checking beforehand.

25-30L is fine for one male betta, and some corydoras. If you wanted females you could have 4-5.

Yes, they require lights, during the day, as with any other fish.

I cant help you too much with filters, but you could try searching for 'sponge filters' on eBay.

HTH, D.

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

1 male in 25lts would be perfect However, its not large enough to add cories. Cories are shoaling fish and do quite like a nice current in the water, and prefer cooler temps than bettas. Also, if you need to add aquarium salt to boost meds for the betta the cories would have to be removed.

As for females, 3 max in 25lts. However you may have problems with fighting with only 3.

I would say either 1 male betta and a few pygmy cories or otos once the tank is mature. Mind you, some male bettas wont tollerate any tank mates. Or, if the tank is a standard rectangle you could divide into two and have 2 males.

We use sponge filters in all our betta tanks as they dont disturb the water very much.

Andy

 

[jonny_dw]

Thanks for the help guys.

Im not that keen on corys so I'll stick with the betta lol

Is this kind of filter what your talking about?

CLICK

And I connect this to a pump?
I know I need a heater so a 25w should be sufficent. Im planning on a live plant with broad leaves for the fish to rest on so I will have a light.

What about water changes? With the filter do I do 50% weekly?
Thanks for the help

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

Thats the type of filter yes, but these are better http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/40L-sponge-filter-be...%3A1|240%3A1318

A 25w heater is fine

50% water change will be more than adequate with a mature sponge running

 

[jonny_dw]

Well I went out today and got myself a betta. Got him in a 5 gallon tank atm with a heater and low current filter (Ive taken media from my other tank). Hes sitting on the pebbles alot at the moment which I assume is normal?

I was going to put in some neons from another tank is this a good idea? Or possibly some white cloud minnows?



Is there any particular way I can help the little fella settle in quicker?

Any help is much appreciated

 

[bronzecat]

I was going to put in some neons from another tank is this a good idea? Or possibly some white cloud minnows?
Is there any particular way I can help the little fella settle in quicker?
Any help is much appreciated

Hi
Putting neons in is a sure way of upsetting him even more. Not a good mix with a male betta as they can be fin nippers.

White clouds are more peaceful, but do prefer lower temps. I would leave him be for a while and let him settle.

 

[jonny_dw]

Ok thanks

Should I cover the tank over for a few days to help him settle down? Or is that not needed and just let him adjust on his own to the new surroundings?

EDIT: would zebra's be a better option to the minnows because of the temp?

 

[Honeythorn]

To be honest, fish like danios,tetras and so on are really not the best tankmates ( well known for fin nipping ) and really need much more room than 5 gals in order to school properly . You betta doesn't really need any tankmates. Giving him plenty of hiding places and resting spots will help him adjust . Lots of soft silk or live plants for him to lurk in . Mossballs to rest on are also a good idea. Coconut caves are also a popular choice for a hidey hole.

 

[jonny_dw]

To be honest, fish like danios,tetras and so on are really not the best tankmates ( well known for fin nipping ) and really need much more room than 5 gals in order to school properly . You betta doesn't really need any tankmates. Giving him plenty of hiding places and resting spots will help him adjust . Lots of soft silk or live plants for him to lurk in . Mossballs to rest on are also a good idea. Coconut caves are also a popular choice for a hidey hole.

Yeah I know it is abit too small for such like. Thanks for the help, once it settles down Ill get some pics up

 

[bronzecat]

Hi

Just leave the lights out, he should be more active tomorrow

In a 5 gallon you are restricted by a) inch of fish per gallon and b) whether the betta will tollerate any tank mates.

Most smaller fish like danios, tetras etc....are shoaling so you would need at least 5. But 5 gallons wont be big enough.

Most people tend to either leave the betta alone or add pygmy cories or oto's once the tank is mature.