How many fish in a 6.5 gallon tank?

[oliviamb]

Hi!

I’ve been cycling my 6.5 gallon tank for 2 weeks now and after water testing I’m finally ready to add some fish!

The plan is a beta fish along with guppies and neon tetras (both to be added a week or 2 before the beta)

The guy at our local aquarium shop suggested
X4 Guppies
X4 Neons
X1 Beta

Does this sound ok? I’ve researched and seen Neons should be kept in no less than groups of 6

Any advice is welcome

Thanks

 

[Aiken Drum]

A single betta on its own is the best option for your aquarium.

You could do the 4 guppies, but its not ideal. And not with the betta. Guppies and bettas are notoriously poor tank mates as bettas tend to react violently to other fish that have showy finnage as they can mistake them for other bettas.

Bettas and neons are a better mix, but its still risky. But a small group of neons need a minumum of 10g and a tank at least 18" long. And to mix a betta with other fish I would want at least 15g and a tank at least 24" long to ensure there is enough space for the betta to find its own space and reduce the risk of territorial issues arising.

If your guy is recommending all those fish together in 6.5g you need to find another guy.

 

[Andy Sager]

What did you do to cycle the tank in just 2 weeks. That's very quick if you didn't use established media from an existing tank.

 

[oliviamb]

I used filter media from established tank and have several live plants.

I took a sample today to get tested and was told it was fine. However, going to go to a second aquarium shop tomorrow for 2nd opinion as after the comments I’m unsure on this aquatic shop.

Thanks

 

[Andy Sager]

I used filter media from established tank and have several live plants.

I took a sample today to get tested and was told it was fine. However, going to go to a second aquarium shop tomorrow for 2nd opinion as after the comments I’m unsure on this aquatic shop.

Thanks

That'll do it. Just had to ask since so many try to do the " quick" way and it still takes months. Established media is by far the fastest way.