Planning first ever Betta sorority

[Betta Fan]

I’m in the very early stages of planning my first Betta sorority tank (bought a 65gal long tank + heater, light, filters etc). I am not new to Bettas, but I’ve only ever kept solitary males. I’ve heard a few horror stories from people who tried a sorority in smaller tanks (a 10gal- yeesh), and would love some more insight from people who have experience with this.

My goal for this tank is to have it be a heavily planted, possibly dirted with a sand cap. Substrate recommendations would be greatly appreciated, hoping to keep it somewhat affordable. Currently in my 20gal solitary betta tank I have a clay based substrate layer, capped with sand + gravel, which I find works well, but I hear so many different opinions regarding substrates.

A few of my local fish stores stock groups of female bettas together, so I am planning to get a group of 5 all from the same tank. My hope is that by doing this (and adding them all simultaneously, of course), the risks of aggression will be lower.

I haven’t heard any stories from someone who did it the “right” way, with a proper tank size and adequate coverage. Whether a success or fail, I would appreciate insight from people who have tried this in a large tank that’s been adequately prepped for a sorority.

I am willing to part ways with this dream of mine if it would put fish in any distress/harm, and just plan an entirely different community.

 

[Innesfan]

I haven’t heard any stories from someone who did it the “right” way, with a proper tank size and adequate coverage.

That's because most betta sororities fail. Some would say all betta sororities fail eventually. That said, starting with a 65g and doing a jungle-dense planting may give you a shot or at least forestall the inevitable. Housing it with true sisters from the same spawn that have never been separated is the other path to greater success. That was true in my case many years ago. Also, are you saying your total planned population is 5? It is recommended that many times that number--nearly to the point of overstocking-- will give you a better outcome and disperse aggression.

 

[Gertrudae]

Does it have to be Betta splendens? Try getting Betta imbellis or B. smaragdina. You can keep them in mixed groups, and they will reproduce in the type of setup you have planned.

 

[Betta Fan]

I’m not opposed at all to increasing the number of fish if that would help disperse any aggression. My LFS seems to have about 20-30 bettas from what appears to be a sibling group (I have to inquire further about this), so increasing the amount I get at once would be doable.

I’ve seen a few people say this, that it is doomed to fail no matter what you do, and if thats the consensus I’ll scrap the idea entirely!

 

[Betta Fan]

Does it have to be Betta splendens? Try getting Betta imbellis or B. smaragdina. You can keep them in mixed groups, and they will reproduce in the type of setup you have planned.

Does it have to be Betta splendens? Try getting Betta imbellis or B. smaragdina. You can keep them in mixed groups, and they will reproduce in the type of setup you have planned.

I was looking into getting Betta imbellis, they still have the striking colours and personality I love, and I’ve heard better things about them in groups. Luckily they are easy for me to source in my area as well.

 

[Archerfish]

That's because most betta sororities fail. Some would say all betta sororities fail eventually. That said, starting with a 65g and doing a jungle-dense planting may give you a shot or at least forestall the inevitable. Housing it with true sisters from the same spawn that have never been separated is the other path to greater success. That was true in my case many years ago. Also, are you saying your total planned population is 5? It is recommended that many time that number--nearly to the point of overstocking-- will give you a better outcome and disperse aggression.

Spot on @Innesfan. Back in 2005 or so, I visited the Iowa home of Dr. Gene Lucas who was a famous betta expert and breeder. I spent the day with him and came away much smarter than when I arrived! While touring his fish room and discussing breeding and hybridization, I came across a tank full of male bettas. It was simply astonishing. He told me they were all siblings. It wasn't a case of them living a non-aggressive life, rather, it was being raised together and having enough to space and quantity of fish to prevent any one of them from being singled out. It was really fascinating. Dr. Lucas was a remarkable, kind man and I am grateful for his contributions to our hobby.