Can I add my beta to my comunity tank?

Question

I have a 29 gallon tank with 2 guppys, 5 platys, and 5 kuhlii loaches. Would it be ok if I added my male betta to the tank?

Answer 1

Bettas can be added to a community tank. However, they tend to attack fish with large fins or bright colors. If you put a Betta in the tank, be sure to only put him with fish with smaller fins.

I got this advise from PetSmart the last time my wife and I bought a fish.

In your specific case, I wouldn't try it because of the colorfulness of the Platys and the large tail fins of the guppies.

Answer 2

Most bettas (even males) are good community fish and will not attack anything but other bettas, although they should not be kept with fin nippers.
Here is the problem with bettas and guppies:

1) Some bettas (not all) get confused by the extremely long and flowing fins of some fancy male guppies and will think they are male bettas and attack them.

2) Some betta breeders (again, not all) raise bettas by feeding them guppy fry, so the bettas learn that guppies are food and will attack guppies, trying to eat them or nip at their fins and tails.

Before putting any betta with fancy guppies it's always best to test them for reactions first to see how your betta will behave. Try putting the betta in a small, clear container floating inside the tank with the guppies and see if he flares at them or tries to strike at them through the container when they swim close to check him out. This will let you know if your betta will be safe with your guppies or not and prevent possible tragedies.

Answer 3

The kinds of fish you have i would say okay but watch the guppies the betta may nip at the fins. in my tank I have 2 males in a 55 gallon tank but i have been taking care f fish all my life. So try it and see what happens it will probably turn for the better. From Jr. Vet Fish Store : Adam C.

Answer 4

Yes we have a 55 gal tank & I have one in mine, I also have 5 loaches & a shark, cats, anyway, I have about 35 fish & they all seem to be doing fine. Just watch your betta to make sure no fin nipping, sometimes they will bite fins but not all betta's are like that. Good luck & have fun with your tank..

Answer 5

The platys and loaches would be fine, I'd keep an eye out for any aggression towards the guppies though, if they're males. Their long, colourful fins might spark off the betta's temper.

Answer 6

Are your guppies fancy tailed? If so probably not. Betta's usually get along with most peaceful fish. They don't get along with species that have flowing fins and bright colors like themselves. You could try it and keep a close watch on him. If he get's fiesty then take him back out.
I house my Male Betta with platies, swordtails, 3 types of Tetra's among a few others and they all get along fine.

Answer 7

I'm not sure because bettas will attack anything with long flowing fins or fish that look similar to them. The fancy guppies look similar to male bettas because they have those fancy attracting tails so you might want to be cautious.

Answer 8

You could try it, but maybe the guppies might be a problem, maybe not. It depends on the beta. the younger the better. Also beware of airstones, bubblers, powerheads etc. bets'a don't like fast flowing water and are very prone to fin rot under these circumstances. if your tank conditions are right, I say give it a try.

Answer 9

It would be ok. Bettas are usually quiet fish. Just make sure you don't add 2 bettas (of the same gender) to the same tank, or else they will fight.

Answer 10

Contrary to the popular belief bettas do not kill or harm other fish whatsoever. A betta would do excellently (if that's even a word) in your tank.