Thinking About Getting A Betta...

[jsmathieson]

I have a 10 gal tank with 3 albino corys in it. I have been wanting to ad to the tank and I was thinking about bettas. I was wondering if I should get a male or if I get females how many can I put in there? do they need anything special? They are so pretty and I think it would be a nice addition to my tank...

 

[lisie]

The general rule for keeping females in a 10 gallon is at least 4 but no more than 6... but since you have the cories in there, I wouldn't keep any more than four in there.

Personally, though, if it were me... I'd get a male. I used to have 5 females in a 10 gallon tank, and I just think it's too small of a tank. Bettas like their space, and I just can't stand seeing them being mean to each other. Some people have had luck with girls in a 10 gallon, but it's taking a chance, and only do it if you're willing to separate them into their own tanks if things don't work out.

 

[RANDYS]

10 Gallon would be a great size for a male, only one due to their instinct on fighting and that they'll do, for females I think it's usually good to have at least 4-5 with alot of cover so they can get away from each other incase there is a bully. I'm not much of an expert, so listen to those who have done this for a long time--there great.

 

[Rynoah]

I would stick with just one male betta to avoid overstocking. Four cories in ten gallons sounds like a full tank to me, but I'm no expert on cories.

Edit: Whups. You said you had three cories. Still, maybe just one male betta will do.

 

[demonmagus]

just 1 male betta would be an awesome idea

 

[jsmathieson]

Thanks for the advice... If I can get my ammonia to 0 ( I am almost there) I am gonna go get one this weekend. Any tips on buying one?

 

[jsmathieson]

oh I forgot to ask... I have a big airstone in my tank.. It makes my corys happy will it upset a betta?

 

[splashluff]

My only tips on buying a Betta is, don't support stores who keep their Bettas in small, filthy cups. It's just better to not give in & pay money to those stores. Look for an active, flaring Betta preferably with a bubblenest. There should be no signs of disease, bright coloring, full fins (steer clear of fin rot, as you do not have experience with treating Bettas), no fungus/white spots/lethargy/etc. And... look for marbles, because marbles are the best! =)

As for the airstone, I recommend turning it to a low setting or placing it on one end of the tank so he can avoid it. Current definitely bothers male Bettas, especially Veiltails.

 

[jsmathieson]

I went to a store today that specializes in fish... It was so pretty there and they had so much stuff. But when I was asking about the price of the bettas ( they had some beautiful ones!) the lady was all snooty and got all weird when I said I was gonna put it in my tank... I was gonna buy plants there too but with her attitude i decided just to leave... I guess I will just go to pet-co or petsmart... I don't think it's really good customer service to treat someone like they are stupid! Anyways thanks for all the advice and wish me luck!