Tank size for bettas

[Chrisv32]

I recently got a 10 gallon tank and I already have it cycled. Basically I need any information you guys can give me on bettas, like how many can I fit in that big of a space without crowding. I am usually a chiclid kind of guy so this is all new to me. Thanks for any help. )

 

[riogal_11]

With a 10 gallon you could put in at least 6 girls if not a couple more depending on how well you do on water chages. Or you could have one boy and maybe white cloud minnows or an African Dwarf Frog(not clawed). Other than that the only other option would be to divide it if you wanted more than one male betta, as I am sure you know they cannot go together.

 

[RandomWiktor]

That all depends on how much space/quality you want each betta to have, how many dividers you are willing to buy and clean around, and what gender you would like.

As a general rule, bettas like long, shallow area of water. So while you could divide your tank into 10 one gallon strips, it is doubtful that the fish will be content, or have adequate airspace. Usually, 3 or 4 dividers is the maximum amount for a 10 gallon if you want to maintain a decent habitat for each male betta.

If you want to spoil two boys, split the tank in half, and give them each 5 gallons to enjoy! One gallon may be the minimum space for the species, but 2.5-5 is generally considered best, and the fish certainly do appreciate it! Or, there is always the option of getting only one male betta, and spoling the heck out of it. I did this for my male betta Dickey Barret, and he greatly enjoyed the space - used every inch of it! However, I can understand if you don't really want only one fish in a tank that size.

Now, if you'd like several bettas and no dividers, you can go the route of females. I've heard that 4-5 females in a heavy planted 10 gallon tank is your best bet so far as them getting along goes. Be sure to either buy them all at once and introduce them all at once so you don't have to rearrage the tank and upset the heirarchy with each addition. If you are buying from a store, look for ones allready in a community tank together; females who are not used to community life can be much to agressive to live peacefully together. And remember the point of heavily planted; betta girls can be downright nasty, so there needs to be a variety of hiding spaces for them in the tank. And, you'll want to keep in mind that if one does get severely bullied, you'll need a back-up habitat for her.

I am going to suggest that if you get bettas for your tank, get them from a breeder. There are many wonderful breeders on this forum alone, and many breed varieties with smaller finnage. I don't know what current you have in your 10 gallon, but some males can not handle a strong current, and the bigger the tank, the quicker it usually is. Bettas from reputable breeders tend to live longer, healthier lives, and come in a variety of beautiful colors, shapes, sizes, and types.

Good luck with getting your bettas, and however you end up arraging it, I'm sure you'll enjoy the company of this fascinating species!

 

[OrkyBetta]

Sorry, have to disagree on the white clouds as they can be nippy, and really like cooler water as opposed to tropical fish.

ADF's would be nice, with some snails. I've had rotten luck with dividers, as it leads to stress and disease spreads like nobody's business. Also I've had problems with tail biting due to stress from seing eachother. I'd think that one male along with some dull colored fish with short fins that aren't notorious nippers would be OK. (I've heard success stories of bettas and danios) or, just one male and some live plants, snails, ADF's and stuff would look cool. Or a female community. It is good to slightly overstock a female tank, and over plant it. Fake or real doesnt matter, they just need hiding spots to get away from eachother. I say overstocked because this makes sure the agression is settled out. But I don't mean stuff it to the brim with fish. If you go for females it is best to get them all as sisters from the same spawn who have been living together. If not, quarantine them for a while in seperate containers, then try to add them all in relatively at the same time. Watch the tank closely for a few days and remove one if they are really being picked on.

edited to add, if you are keeping a longer finned betta in the tank, make sure you kill the current or minimize the flow as well as put sponge in the intake, as bettas have a hard time with filters. Their tails get all sucked in the filter intake because they're a slow moving fish, and the current really throws them around.

 

[riogal_11]

I suppose suggesting WCM's are the same as some ppl suggesting livebearers. Some people have success and some don't. Personally I have never tried a male in a community setting so I do not know firsthand about the effects, but the general consensus for the latter two examples is keep an eye on things if you try it. I suppose I should have added that to my prior post.