New tank question...

[ImACoolguy]

So been to my local fish store just to have a look around, one of the assistants advised to get some julli corydoras as they will keep the tank clean.



Fish that caught my eye were Sunburst wagtails, neons, red wagtail platys, cherry barb and chill rasboras.



Obviously I wouldn't stock all of these the assistant said that all these would be fine with a betta do you agree?

1st thing you will learn in this hobby is that *MOST*.. Not all.. LFS even locally owned no matter how experienced they are want to make money. They will tell you want you want to hear to make money unless it's obviously going to end in disaster.

Many on here, myself included, will listen to what LFS associates have to say, but we have done our research first to see if ours lines up with theirs. One of the associates at my PetSmart sometimes asked me for advice! ? Its always better to read up first and know everything about the fish you plan on getting first, food, size, care, compatibility, before buying it.

I've just heard so many stories that I wouldn't do a Betta in a community unless the fish didn't look anything like the Betta.. Size, color, fins, and fast moving. Some people have made it work and/or just have a very docile Betta. It's really a hit or miss in the end.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

 

[t4runnr]

I've just heard so many stories that I wouldn't do a Betta in a community unless the fish didn't look anything like the Betta.. Size, color, fins, and fast moving. Some people have made it work and/or just have a very docile Betta. It's really a hit or miss in the end.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

There was an LFS near me that actually sold bettas there were in larger tanks with tetra or other schooling fish. It didnt take long to see that the betta was fine with other fish so it was a easier decision for me to buy each of my kids a betta and put them in their own community tanks.

Unfortunately that store went out of business. I haven't bought a betta since.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[ImACoolguy]

I'm not sure how it would work but maybe if it is a baby Betta and it grew up in a community setting it will adjust to it. That's just my theory though I would have to research it some.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

 

[Coursair]

You can get away with a lot of things in large tanks that you can't do in small tanks.

Bettas are VERY different individuals. There is no guarantee.

One of mine slaughtered Cories, but tolerated White Clouds.

One of mine was fine with Ghost Shrimp.

A 10g is small for the "normal" Tetras, esp in recommended groups of 6 or more. Neons like cooler water than Bettas. Cardinals get bigger and should probably be in at least a 20g.

I recommend lots of plants, Ghost Shrimp and maybe a snail. No other fish.

If you want a 10g community tank ?
I'd skip the Betta and get Nano fish
Like Chili Rasbora or CPDs. Dwarf Cories only, like C habrosus.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
My Bettas average 5 yrs or more.
I recommend under stocking tanks esp for beginners.

There are some who have luck with Bettas in community tanks. BUT if you search you'll see lots of posts of Bettas killing other fish, other fish harassing Bettas, Bettas getting too fat eating all the food, Bettas starving from other fish stealing all the food, etc...

Have a backup plan. Consider keeping a 5g as a QT and/or emergency home for the Betta.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[addisonnolann]

I've owned four betta fish in community settings and all have done amazing. African dwarf frogs are easy and you could have a few of them in a ten gallon. Just try to find a more mellow betta. Two of my mom and pop LFS keep all their bettas in community tanks. That has various fish, shrimp, snails, and other creatures in it, and there is zero aggression.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[sproutyrouty]

The LFS I went to today had bettas in community tanks and they were just swimming around freely which is what made me think they would be ok.

Stupid question how do I know if it's a 'mellow' betta or is it just a case of get one and see.

He was highly knowledgable the guy I spoke to and they can order any fish within reason in for customers you can even request the colour and type of betta you want. He advised not to get a betta with a big body as that shows age and probs won't live as long.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[addisonnolann]

If the LFS had bettas in community tanks get one of the them. They would already be proven mellow enough. If not just make sure the fish is healthy and active. Then put them near another betta, or other fish (if they are in a cup). If they flare at anything they probably won't be good community tank members.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Coursair]

If the LFS had bettas in community tanks get one of the them. They would already be proven mellow enough. If not just make sure the fish is healthy and active. Then put them near another betta, or other fish (if they are in a cup). If they flare at anything they probably won't be good community tank members.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

Even a "mellow" Betta will flare at another Betta. That's not a reasonable test.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[addisonnolann]

When I purchased both of my current bettas they did not flare at any of the surrounding males. It's not the best indicator, sure, but it has worked for me twice now. Both bettas are currently in community set ups.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[sproutyrouty]

Good news peeps nitrite is at 0 and so is ammonia, nitrate however is at 160ppm.

So I've dosed back upto 2ppm and as long as both drop again to 0 within 24hrs I presume I'm good to go?

And night before I get fishies I do a 90% water change?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[ImACoolguy]

If both are at 0ppm in 24 hours and you have nitrate the tank is cycled, do a massive water change and ur good to go.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

 

[sproutyrouty]

We have cycled, tonight I went and bought 3 cardinals to start my tank off.

How often should I be checking the water with the API test kit?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[ImACoolguy]

Do it every couple days to see how fast your nitrate builds up so you can determine water change intervals.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

 

[sproutyrouty]

Do it every couple days to see how fast your nitrate builds up so you can determine water change intervals.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

Thank you, is it normal for them to huddle in a corner? I've attached an image of my tank they hide in the corner near the Orange plant bottom right corner.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[SpaceFish42]

No, hiding in a corner indicates stress.

 

[ImACoolguy]

No, hiding in a corner indicates stress.

OR... It is a new tank. It's been 2 weeks and my Bolivian ram still hides some. Give it time he could warm up.

Do a water test anyway because I wouldn't rule out stress either.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

 

[SpaceFish42]

OR... It is a new tank. It's been 2 weeks and my Bolivian ram still hides some. Give it time he could warm up.

Do a water test anyway because I wouldn't rule out stress either.


Caleb

Sent via TARDIS

Well fish can be stressed by a new tank.

 

[sproutyrouty]

I did water test, all fine for now.

All of them are now freely swimming around it must of just been being in a new environment.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Rodeo one]

Congrats on getting fish !


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[sproutyrouty]

Congrats on getting fish !


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

Thanks rodeo, fish seem to be all good 3 days down the line I checked my nitrate today and others ammonia and nitrite at 0 but nitrate at 70-80ppm so I did a 80% water change to reduce it.

Since I've done that one of the cardinals is hovering around the airstone and one is hiding in the corner. Is this normal?



Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice