Question Tank Size And Start Up

[guineapigqueen]

Hello,
I had a crowntailed Betta who passed over and my tank has been stood empty for at least 4 months but kept running without the heater being on.
I would like another Betta and I have been eyeing up the ones which are for sale. I would like my tank be perfect before introducing him into my tank.
My tank is a Aquastart 320
[URL="http/www.onlineaquariumstore.com/acatalo..._Start_320.html"]http/www.onlineaquariumstore.com/acatalo..._Start_320.html[/URL]

BTW I have read some of the FAQ but still a little confused. My questions are...
Is a 28litre tank big enough for a Betta, sorry I am not so sure on the gallens etc?
Would I be able to have a small plec or something that lives on the bottom of the tank in with him or is the tank too small?
I am awaiting a testing kit from work, what does the ph have to be for them?
I have set the powerhead up with the spray bar, facing the tank wall because I had read they do not like too much water movement, is this ok?

As I said my Crowntail had his tank set up in just the same way and I lost him to popeye. I am going to do a clean out today to freshen it up and my testing kit should arrive on Monday.

Thanks Emma x

 

[Netty]

Hi Emma

An aquastart 320 is fine....in fact we have one that is divided into 2. We've also got some Ottos in with them which help to keep things a little cleaner. A baby bristlenose might be ok....I don't think they get too big but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

The spray bar should be ok but just keep an eye on him. We have just changed our trickle filter for a sponge one as the betta in that tank was miserable with the flow and now he's happy as larry

PH.....6 - 8

 

[guineapigqueen]

Thanks!
I orginally thought of a bristlenose because I have a Juwel Vision 180 with a female in, once it gets a little too big I could pop him/her in their.
Sorry for being thick, I am a guinea pig person really, lol! Whats an Otto?

I orginally wanted a Dragon, pref long fins but I cant find anywhere.

Emma x

 

[Netty]

Otocinclus are these little guys. They dont get very big so you could have a few of them.

Don't know of any dragons around at the moment. They tend to be snatched up pretty quick when they do appear.

 

[ibbledibble]

shell has a couple of dragons on her website, they are PK's but worth a look

the betta lady

 

[guineapigqueen]

Thank you very much, they are gorgeous.
I love this fella, hes wonderful...
http/www.thebettalady.co.uk/DSCF5228.JPG

See I like all the finage and with only have the one small tank I would prefer a long finned Betta.
I have a large community tank which would house a plakat dragon, are they ok with Congos, X-Rays, Rainbow Shark and Clown loaches?

Emma x

 

[ibbledibble]

it really depends on the temperament of the individual betta, with a plakat you don't have to worry so much about fin nippers, because they don't have those long tempting fins going, "eat me, eat me" but if you have an aggressive male, he may object to the other tank occupants. talk to shell (devon_charm on here) and she might have some insight into his personality.

 

[guineapigqueen]

Thank you for that.
I thought originally with them being short finned he may not attract the attention like you said BUT then I thought my Congos are long finned being males so he may take a fancy to them.

I will have a word with shell because the Dragons have always caught my eye.

Emma x

 

[Million]

I'd go for otos, and maybe a zebra nerite snail, between them they'll keep the glass clean and provide interest. Otos prefer to be in groups, ideally 5+, but you could prob get away with 3