Boom Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I have never kept a Betta fish before. I've been told I could add a single one to my 20 gallon community tank thats at work. Some people want a "pretty blue fish" in there. Current contents are 5 rummy nose, 4 serpae, 2 B.N plecos (1.5" each), 2 african frogs in there somewhere (never see them), and I just threw in 2 small zebra snails. Would that work? Any special considerations for one of those? And don't worry, I have a place for the B.N's when they get too big, but they are sloooooww growers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drydock Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I have never kept a Betta fish before. I've been told I could add a single one to my 20 gallon community tank thats at work. Some people want a "pretty blue fish" in there. Current contents are 5 rummy nose, 4 serpae, 2 B.N plecos (1.5" each), 2 african frogs in there somewhere (never see them), and I just threw in 2 small zebra snails. Would that work? Any special considerations for one of those? And don't worry, I have a place for the B.N's when they get too big, but they are sloooooww growers. Bettas are slow swimmers with lots of fins... I don't like the idea of them in community tanks b/c the betta is just too big of a target for faster fish that might nip... rummy noses and the serpaes may enjoy the new target... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 Don't think it would be a problem. Rummys and serpaes are pretty peaceful- the betta may end up being more aggressive than they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I don't think you will have any issues. I kept mine with rasboras for a long time with no trouble, the only schooling fish I would not keep them with is barbs. But I agree with werner, the Betta is almost sure to be the bully of the tank over the tetras. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobies et al Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I had a school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows gang up on my Betta in a 150 gallon tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish_Frenzy Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 Serpaes can also enjoy shredding a Betta tail....been there, done that. Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 I'd be worried about the serpae tetras as they can be nippy. Betta's can be put into a community tank but you have to be very careful in choosing tankmates, even then it can be iffy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rED O Posted September 10, 2008 Report Share Posted September 10, 2008 yes the 4 serpae tetras might cause lots of prolbums. I had a male in a tank the the 4 serpae tetras did rip up the male, I also tryed a female and had more luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted September 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 What would be my other options for "pretty blue fish" for that tank? I had about 10 cardinals in there and they all got ich and died. Should I try them again? Also, anyone know where I can get some nice rummynose in Edmonton for less than $5 each? I would like a few more in there. Anyone breed them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobies et al Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 How about Melanotaenia praecox (Neon Rainbowfish)? It stays smallish, beautiful colors, and often available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted September 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) I could do a rainbow fish. Would it be a good tankmate for the rummy-nose and serpaes? What about the frogs and snails? Edited September 11, 2008 by Boom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobies et al Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 My Rainbows ignore the Zebra snails completely. I have never had frogs so can't say there. Usually they have ignored all other tankmates except when a male has claimed a territory and tries to drive another of the same species away. Even then then they haven't gotten aggressive. I find them a great community fish. If you are buying them, remember they are late coloring up. Usually at purchase their color is drab, but it is well worth the wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted September 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I will see if I can find some. Thanks gobies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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