Beware Bettas and the Fluval Edge

[cturrentine]

After at least 8 female bettas dying in my 6 gallon Fluval Edge I believe
the problem is the small opening for air.
The male seems to be o.k.. But, when I took him out and just had 4 or 5 females
they started dying. I checked the water and everything was perfect.
Anyone else have this problem?

 

[Mrc8858]

Were the 8 females in the same 6 gallon tank? That's to small for a group of females and also did you cycle the tank before adding them? Welcome to AA by the way

 

[cturrentine]

no, usually three at a time. The edge had been set up for at least 6 months and all the elements tested perfectly.
so you will know, i have had aquariums for 30 years and I have a large 65 gallon with 4 discus and a pair of mated angels. This is a new experience for me, (losing fish), at least so many and all female bettas. Really think there is not enough breathing room in the Edge.

 

[FishontheRock]

I haven't done much research on it but I was sure you needed at least a 20g to do a Betta sorority because of territorial issues. Correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Many people keeping a Betta in the edge lower the water a bit so there is an air layer at the top of the tank. At least this is what I have noticed.

 

[Mrc8858]

That's what I was getting to. I believe you were seeing aggression issues between your females due to the small tank.

 

[Samzter]

Everything fishontherock said is true. There is too many bettas crammed into that small of a space.

 

[cturrentine]

bettas in the fluval

Actually, I replied to him and told him I lost 8 females but not all at once.
I usually had 3 females in the 6 gallong Fluval Edge.

 

[cturrentine]

Actually, when I have one male betta, he does fine. And I did just lower the water level too.
thanks!

 

[FishontheRock]

What we are trying to say is that it is too small for more than one female.

 

[Alyxx]

I agree, three females in a 6 gallon tank are going to fight. I had three in a 20 gallon and they killed each other.

 

[cturrentine]

I don't plan to try that again. Too upsetting!
Now I have the original set up that worked.
1 male betta, 2 guppies and 2 corys.
Pretty sure the Fluval Edge is 6 and 1/2 gallons and it is long.
This combo has worked just fine.

 

[manbeast]

I have 3 female bettas mixed in with the stock of my 150 community and they still get territorial with each other

 

[cturrentine]

good to know!!! thanks everyone!