do bettas like company?

Question

i am thinking of starting an aquarium. originally i wanted a gigantic salt water one with clown fish and other clourfuls. i was told it is very hard to maintain salt and to go fresh. now i am thinking maybe even a large tank isnt a good idea. it is a lot of money to invest in something i may get bored or lazy with. so i was thinking a small tank (roughly 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot). First question is do they have genuine tanks that small. Secondly i would like a betta as it is a colourful fish, however i would also like some neon tetras as well. would it be ok to 1. have a betta in a tank that sized and 2. would it be happy living with little neons?

any other information, eg websites on maintaining a healthy happy betta would be great.

Answer 1

I have many male bettas housed with other, mostly they just ignore the other fish in the tank. I have 1 male that schools with my black neon tetras, its so funny.

It really just is a matter of fish temperment.

Answer 2

Hi one thing about bettas is do not put two male bettas in the same aquarium. They are very territorial and are knowen to fight to the death. So rule #1 is only one male betta to a tank.
If you wanted to keep neon tetras in the tank with a betta then I would suggest say a ten gallon aquarium. The neons may nip at the bettas large flowing fins this is where plants such as anacharis and cabomba come to play. They will give the fish a place to hide out if necessary. Try not to overfeed your fish and perform a regular partial water change at least once a week. I do 1 - 2 gallons for a 10 gallon tank. Oh by the way Yes ONE male betta can be housed in a tank with neon tetras. You can even add a female betta to the mix.

Good luck

Answer 3

1) If you want to put another species with a Betta, it should be an aggressive type. Even then, they will probably nip fins.

2) Remember that fish are not people. Folk psychology gives human emotions to animals. Fish do not "like" company because it makes them "happy". Do not worry about this. Fish that live in groups, or schools, do so as a defense mechanism that confuses predators. They may also do this to obtain food more easily, or for breeding. Betta fish "like" company if that company says "hey, I'm the opposite sex... let's make tons of little bettas!" Many fish live alone, but to them it is not "loneliness" as we would feel. It's the best way to ensure they get all the food and best places to live, for themselves.

I would suggest starting with a 10 gal. tank. Get a light, thermometer, gravel, a water pump/filtration system, rocks/plants for hiding, a siphon hose for cleaning (to do this, just suck out about 20-30% of the water each month by sticking the hose into the rocks to clean them. Then refill what you took out and add in the Chlorine neutralizer), maybe a bubble stone to maintain oxygen concentrations, and some fish! For your first time, I would suggest tetras, neons, and molly's. Don't add goldfish because they release ammonia at concentrations that can be lethal to other species. If you want to start with some larger, more expensive fish, try gouramis, but don't put any smaller fish in or they will try to eat them. You can add algae eaters, or a plecostamus (sp?) with any of these. Freshwater shrimp are an interesting addition as well. Also, Oscars will not be a good choice because they get BIG... and you'll find all your smaller fish in their mouths.

**Make sure you set up the tank and let the water cycle for about a week before buying your fish. It helps. And if you get the 10 gal, tell the people at the store that you have a 20 gal. HAHA... They will try to tell you that you can't put this many or that many fish in. Based on their knowledge, you will be fine putting the amount they think is acceptable for a 20 gal, into a 10 gallon. ssshhhhh. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Yes, you can certainly find genuine tanks in about that size. Many smaller tanks come in kits with filter heater lighting etc all combined, makes for a good price.

Yes, a betta would be at home in a tank that size with room for a few other fish. A betta will usually not bother other fish at all, except other bettas.

I would suggest you look for a tank in the 5 gallon range. This would support a betta, a small school of neons (6) and a cory catfish for the bottom.

Here's a very good beginners site. At the bottom of the first page there are links to additional pages, I think you will probably find all of them informative and useful.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/

MM

Answer 5

You can get a small tank like that and put a betta in it. Get a ten gallon tank if you want to put in some neons or other small fish. Also add some plants for hiding places.

Answer 6

Yes Yes YES! Contrary to popular belief, bettas do like company. They just cant be put with other bettas most of the time. They should get along with fish like tetras. I've heard that they dont really like guppies because of their tails but I dont know if it's true or not. Like Magicman said, 5 gallons is a decent size. 10 gallons would be even better.

On the topic of making your betta happy: In the wild, bettas live in large shallow bodies of water like rice patties. There are even other bettas in there but since they are in such a huge area, they dont fight often. Never put your betta in a tiny container. They are naturally very active fish. Putting them in tiny 'betta bowls' make them lazy and lethargic. If you feed your betta variaties of food like betta pelets and then frozen brine shrimp and things like that, his colors will stay bright. If you do end up putting it in a small container, make sure to do water changes and condition the water. Your fish can still be healthy in a small container if you do water changes often.

Direct answers to your questions: Yes your betta could be happy in a tank like that. Two: yes. It should be find with tetras.

Answer 7

i have a small 10 gallon tank with a betta, two neons, and a guppy and they are happy as can be. you should make sure the temps are in the low 70's for them, they have filtration, and make sure to make the tap water safe for them by using aqua safe (or similar products).....

just DO NOT put two bettas together!

Answer 8

Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of the most popular types of fish found in homes across the world. Their vibrant color and active lifestyle seems to draw in fish fanatics as well as those who have never had fish before. Betta’s are relatively easy to care for and their low maintenance is particularly appealing to people who would like to have fish but don’t have a lot of time to care for them.

Once you bring your Betta’s home you should begin to familiarize yourself with their movements and typical behavior patterns. When you look at your fish after you’ve had them for awhile you’ll know if something is wrong, if they are not feeling well, or if the water in their bowl is not in the best condition simply by being observant.

1. Make sure the jar or bowl that you keep your Betta in is big enough so that he can swim around and not bump or tear his fins or scales. Also be sure there is plenty of surface area so that he can get enough oxygen.

2. Your Betta will thrive in the cleanest water that you can provide for him. He does not require a filtration system, but you should change out a third of his water every three days so it stays fresh and clean and keeps your finned friend from getting bacterial or fungal infections. Aged water (water that has set out for twenty four hours) is what should be used to replace the old water.

3. Do not put your Betta fish with other Betta’s. They are called Siamese fighting fish because they are, in fact, fighting fish. They will tear at one another, often causing the death of at least one fish before they stop. Betta’s can be coupled with algae eaters, guppies, or corydorus catfish safely.

4. Use a turkey baster to clean small particles of uneaten food or debris from the bottom of the bowl or jar. Allowing this debris to sit at the bottom of the jar will cause the water to become cloudy, unsanitary, and to smell awful.

5. The PH of your tank should be at exactly 7.0. You can get a PH testing kit at your pet store along with solutions to minimize or increase the PH of your water.

6. When you clean the plants, rocks, or decorations in the bowl you should never use soap on them. It’s very hard to completely rinse all soap from these items and the soap residue can harm or even kill your Betta. Instead, use warm water and an abrasive brush to clean his things.

7. Keep your Betta tank, jar, or bowl covered! Your Beta will jump and you don’t want him to end up flopping on the tabletop! Keeping the water level at least two inches from the top of the tank should also cut down on this problem.

8. Your Betta is a meat eater and likes live foods, such as brine shrimp the best. Frozen bloodworms are also a good choice for your meat eater. Most Betta fish will happily eat the Betta pellets sold at most pet stores. For a special treat every now and again you should offer some live food! You’ll have fun watching him eat it up!

9. Do not decorate your Betta bowl with rocks or marbles that may cause your Betta to get stuck between or under them. Be sure that they are a flat smooth surface that provides no risk to the health of your fish.

10. Remember that your fish is a living, breathing responsibility. You need to feed, clean, and care for your Betta just like you would any other pet. If he’s sick take him to the vet, if he’s hungry feed him, if his home is dirty, clean it.

That’s it! These ten tips for caring for your Betta fish will have you well on your way to keeping a healthy fish. Internet Betta Groups or library books can be a great source of information should you want to learn more about your finned friend!

Adam Short is the owner of Betta Fish Center and co-wrote the above article with Amanda Fenton. Amanda has been caring for Betta fish for over 25 years. She is a contributing writer to http://www.bettafishcenter.com - site providing information and tips on betta fish care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Short

Answer 9

A little 5 gallon tank would work for one beta. They can not stand company and will kill the neons and any other fish.

Answer 10

I have put bettas in with other fish and they were all ok but avoid putting fish in with the betta that have long fins like the betta.