So, How Easy/difficult Are Bettas?

[Salam]

I currently have a 10 gallon tank which originally was my son's birthday present last year. I got addicted to fish and we are currently in the process of upgrading to a 30 gallon tank. All the fish will be rehomed into the bigger tank once it is cycled. I first thought about keeping the small tank as a breeding tank, but then I thought to myself that it doesn't make sense as we will have far too many frys which would overstock the bigger tank in time and we will just let nature take it's course in the big tank (as in no breeder trap / nets, if the fry get eaten then so it may be).

So, there is a 10 gallon tank spare, fully cycled and mature with heater and filter. As it was my son's birthday present I was thinking of letting him choose his special fish that can live there and I have been looking at bettas. I know that I could only get one and that is fine, as I said it would be his very special fish. But reading up on them I am a little worried that they are too difficult to look after (fin rot et al). Please be honest, is it easy to keep a betta or hard work? I don't want my son to choose one and then be disappointed if the fish died prematurely.

 

[Fishy friend2]

Bettas are one of the most rewarding easiest fish out there, fin rot will only become a problem in poor stressful water conditions, and stocking. I highly recommend that you get one for your tank was they are very fun fish and aren't a hassle to take care of at all

 

[Salam]

Thanks, that's good to hear. So, as long as I keep the water conditions perfect (which they are at the moment) the little guy should be happy. And in case I ever have a problem I know I can ask here, this forum has been fab since I joined!

They are so beautiful, I am sure we will enjoy him. Am I right thinking that some live plants and a hiding place would do? Do they like coconuts as hiding places (with a big enough opening)?

I haven't told my son yet, but he will be very happy when he can choose his own fish.

 

[Fishy friend2]

Yes, they do really appreciate live plants, especially broad leafed ones, and yes. Coconuts wil make great hiding places, mine love to hide in them

 

[Salam]

Sounds great, thank you so much. Feel much better about it now, was getting worried when I read some of the horror stories on the internet.

 

[OldMan47]

I find that a Betta splendens is among the easiest of fish to keep. If you feed them regularly and do water changes as required, they often live to a ripe old age of over 5 years. I always keep mine in a community setting since I don't like to think of my fish being "lonely". I have no idea whether or not a betta can actually be lonely but I do not want to find out by seeing one that does not thrive. A 10 gallon tank is plenty of room to provide a few non-aggressive tank mates for your betta.

 

[Salam]

Thanks, Old Man (Everytime I see your name I wonder how old you really are ) I have already looked at Fishy Friend2's link on betta compatibility and I will add some friends into the tank. I am going to have a sand base, so thinking about bottom feeders like cories. Getting really excited, but want to make sure the little babies that are in there are big enough to survive in the other tank so need to be patient. After all that hard work I don't want them to be eaten by their parents / aunts / uncles

 

[pablothebetta]

Some pygmy cories would be fine for a 10 gal tank. 8 or so would probably be fine in there with a betta. Or you could maybe have a group of smaller tropicals with him in there(eg ember tetras, male endlers, microrasbora, etc). The choice is yours

I agree that bettas are easy to keep. So long as there's no harsh or sharp surfaces or decor in the tank for them to damage their fins on and water quality remains alright, you're good to go

 

[seizethecupcake]

I agree about bettas being easy to keep. I've kept so many bettas over the years, and I've only had one case of fin rot. I currently have a 10 gallon set up with a male betta and 7 male endlers, and they all seem happy

 

[Sly13Cat]

I've been keeping bettas for a year and 3 months now and I can honestly say that they're very easy fish to keep. Only about a hour a week for tank/bowl (hopefully not a bowl) maintenance and about 5 mins a day to feed. They're very beautiful fish and are worth the time.

 

[Salam]

Thanks all for your suggestions and advice.. I like the idea of pygmy cories, will get those.

Now, another question. Do I add the betta first and let him settle down or the cories? Would the betta become territorial if he was in the tank on his own for a few weeks?

 

[Sly13Cat]

Adding the betta last is better. If he gets added first, he'll claim his territory and more than likely try and hurt the other fish. Besides that he shouldn't really care about the cory cats as long as the tank's big enough.

 

[Salam]

Thanks, that is what I thought (that he might claim territory). Will get the cories first, let them settle down and then add him later. Tank is big enough, but really don't want to risk anything.

 

[OldMan47]

I am an old man Salam. The 47 part is my year of birth.

 

[Salam]

You are only as old as you feel. And remember - men are like wine. The older, the better
On a sidenote - my partner is 24 years my senior, so I do like oldies