Keeping betta with live bearers

[connie]

So my wife got me a betta a few months ago when she went to the fish store for some API stuff. She picked it out and got a 1gal semi aquatic plant grow tank too (pics below). I've been trying to make it comfortable - heater, light, regular water changes - but I feel terrible about the tank size and we just don't have space for another one right now. Thinking of putting it in my live bearer tank, I've looked it up but I trust you guys more than Google. Not sure if it's male or female, that's supposed to matter, right? I think my wife said it's a crown tail betta or something.

[graye]

I think it's worth considering what kind of livebearers you're working with here - the specific type can make a big difference. For instance, I've heard mollies can be a bit of a problem since they might mistake the betta's fins for rotting plants and take a little nibble. Once they figure out what they've got, they might just keep coming back for more.

[graye]

I've had communities in the past and it's worked for me. The temperature's the main concern, as long as the livebearers don't go for the betta's fins. Swords and platys prefer cooler water, around 22-24 degrees, while betta splendens need at least 26 and up. You could meet in the middle at 23-24, but it's not ideal. Still, it might be better than a tiny tank. The betta will likely freak out when introduced, but with those fins, he won't be catching anything healthy.

[WildFins]

Bettas are naturally territorial and have been bred to be aggressive - some will attack other fish in a tank, while others will tolerate tank mates, but that's all it is, putting up with. The territorial ones are stressed by the presence of other fish in their territory.

A 1 gallon tank or being with other fish is a no win situation for the betta. Not knowing the temperament of the betta, I think I'd keep it alone in the smaller container for the time being until you can figure out a way to give it a larger (at least 5 gallons) home. Even an upgrade to 2 or 3 gallons now would be much better. People say that bettas live in puddles in the wild - they do, but not permanently.

[Clack]

Considering the space where the 1-gallon tank is, is it feasible to fit a 5-gallon tank there. The poor guy must be having a tough time in such a small space - not that it's your fault, it was a surprise gift after all. If I were in your shoes, I'd be eager to upgrade to a bigger tank if possible.

[TankWarrior]

I think the Betta's aggression level is a concern for peaceful fish. Researching the personality of this specific Betta before introducing it to peaceful fish would be a good idea, considering some can be quite mean.

[jackgulf]

I think putting the betta in with the livebearers temporarily could work, but it's essential to get a larger tank for the betta as soon as possible. A 5-10 gallon tank would be ideal. I've seen bettas, especially the slow, long-finned ones like yours, coexist with other fish for a while, but it's only a matter of time before things go wrong. Keeping a betta with other fish long-term is just asking for trouble.

[connie]

We've got a 10-gallon tank all set up, but the thing is, we just don't have anywhere to put it right now. We're actually moving back in with my in-laws while I start police academy, and once I leave my current job, we'll have to move again since I work as a maintenance technician for an apartment complex and won't be able to live here anymore. It's already been tough finding space for our other tanks, to be honest. I did look at a 5-gallon cube tank last week, and I'm hoping that once we move, I can find a spot for it.

[graye]

I've kept numerous bettas over the years, often multiple ones, but never together - except for those wild-caught ones that weren't bred for fighting. Community tanks were their home, and I never had an issue with them harming other fish. They'd chase, but those deformed fins made them slow, and once they gave up, they'd settle. I always chose tankmates with care, as bettas are defenceless against nippers due to their slowness. In my experience, Betta splendens aren't aggressive fish; they're territorial, taking a space they defend, but so do many other fish. I've had more problems with other species - like T lalius gouramis, red-tailed sharks, and even some zebra danios - but never with bettas.