How large of a tank do I need for my two orandos?

Question

Hi! I just got two baby orandos who are in a 10 gallon tank for the day, and I am going to get a bigger tank tomorrow (I hope I am not too mean, but I fell in love with these guys and had to get them instead of smaller fish). Would it be healthy and not mean for me to start them while they are still small in a 30 gallon tank until I get to my new place in a couple months. I could get a 55 or so gallon then, and use the 30 gallon for some smaller varieties. Also, I want to put my betta in a bigger tank because I love it when bettas swim around a lot (I have had girl bettas who go nuts in a 10 gallon tank). Are these OK with the goldfish, or should I use my 10 gallon with the betta. Is there any other kind of fish that a betta would be happy with, or is it realistic to keep one betta in a 10 gallon tank? Thanks for your help, you guys seem to know a lot. Fish are so sweet, and these Orandos, they are calico, just have the most adorable eyes I have ever seen on a fish. Beth

Oops, I submitted this twice, it looked like the page went offline.. But here is an extension to the question. thanks!
Wow, thanks for all the great answers so far! Can anyone also add whether a long or a "tall" or more squarelike tank is better? I would guess they would probably like a longer triangular one, but then these guys seem to be middle swimmers also. Wow, thanks, this forum is so helpful. And as one extra question -- should I add a snail or anything else to their tank, to keep it clean and just add to the environment they live in? Thanks! Beth

Answer 1

For the most part, it sounds like a good plan. The betta would rather have a different tank than the goldfish - goldfish don't need a heater and like their water around 70-75o. Bettas would be happier with more warmth (78o).

A betta would be fine in a ten gallon. They can be kept with quite a number of fish, but nothing with long, flowing fins - it would look too much like another betta to the first. Also, they do better with slower fish and ones that don't nip their fins. A few corydoras would be good and they're fun to watch!

It's nice to see someone giving their goldfish a proper sized tank for them to grow!

Answer 2

1. For the Orandas, your current plan will be fine, a 30 gallon will be sufficiant for now, but you may want to upgrade to a 40-55 gallon once they start to get big.

2. No, Bettas and Goldfish should not be kept together, they have completely different requirements. A betta however would love a 10 gallon for himself! Tankmates for Bettas can be awkward, it depends on the personality of the Betta in question! But in a 10 gallon you could try otocinclus (but only in a mature algaefied tank), pygmy corydoras or apple snails. something peaceful, bottom dwelling, and that can keep out of the Bettas way! (No plecs though, a 10 gallon is too small for plecs).