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FAQs on Betta Compatibility 2

Snails?
In view of other males?
With females?

Not always.
Not continuously
Not continuously

Betta Compatibility 9/26/08
Hello all,
<Hi,>
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you all on an excellent, informative site.
<Thanks!>
I have two questions about my male Betta Splendens. I currently have him in a 106 litre tank which is 36inches long by 15 inches high and 12 niches deep. I have approx. 18 planted plants of all different sizes, a cave, and bogwood to provide bolt-holes for anyone who needs it, is my Betta ok in this size tank? I have read conflicting opinions on different sites and in different books regarding the suitability of the size of my tank for the Betta.
<Your tank is just dandy for this species. I'm not an advocate of keeping them in bowls (as the sheer volume of e-mails we get from people with sick Bettas who keep them that way should justify).>
Also, I have him in with a male and two female Dwarf Gouramis, they occasionally display to each other but give each other a wide berth, he
is also in with Plecs, Corys, Emperor Tetras, Neon Tetras, Bleeding Heart Tetras, Zebra Danios and Harlequin Rasboras. So far he seems to be getting on fine with all his tankmates but I have only had him a few weeks, is he likely to continue being so placid or could he turn into a psycho fish?
<Fish don't "turn psycho". What happens is people ignore their social behaviour, and then wonder why fish X is suddenly territorial or a fin-nipper. While tetras sometimes nip at the long fins of Bettas, if that hasn't happened thus far, I wouldn't be overly concerned.>
He just swims about, nibbling on plants, rooting in the gravel, resting on top of the filter, he will also eat straight from my fingers.
<Sounds lovely. While not every Betta works in every community, some work out fine (perhaps they're less inbred-dumb than others?).>
I feed him a combination of brine shrimp, pellets, tetra flakes and he also enjoys the catfish chips and Plec wafers. Should he be eating the Plec flakes or catfish chips? Will they harm him in any way?
<No harm at all.>
Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated
Many thanks
Angelique
<Sounds to me you're doing everything right and have a happy little community. Your Plec is going to outgrow the tank before too long, and I'd personally keep adult Bleeding Hearts in larger quarters, but beyond that, I can't see any obvious problems around the corner. Good luck, Neale.>

Re: Betta Compatibility 9/29/08
Hello all,
<Hello,>
Many thanks for all your help and the wealth of information you provide. This is definitely the most informative site of all (I know because I think I have visited every single one of them!)
<Thanks for saying so!>
Help, my fish have Ich!
<Just grab some anti-Ich medication. In the UK, I happen to recommend eSHa EXIT, a relatively inexpensive (around £4-5) medication that treats this disease very effectively and in my experience without harming sensitive species like Puffers and Catfish.>
My Betta, some of Emperors, Neons and Harlequins have Ich. I noticed a 2-6 spots on each of the infected ones yesterday. The rest of the fish are fine so far, but I know from reading the information on your site that it's inevitable that they have already been exposed.
<Correct; very few fish are seemingly immune to Ick, though some are certainly much more prone than others.>
What is the best treatment bearing in mind the fish I have? Also, should I remove the 18 plants and three algae balls I have before treatment?
<No, the medication -- used as instructed -- will not harm either plants, filter bacteria, or fish. Snails and shrimps are more sensitive though.>
If I keep the plants and algae balls in a bucket or tank with tap safe in will any Ich that is on the plants die? Please help, the fish are the most important thing to save but if it is at all possible I would like to save the plants as well (they've cost a fortune with some of the plants being in excess of £10 and the cheapest being £6).
<The medication will turn the water green or blue or whatever, but don't worry, your plants won't care. The colour vanishes after a few hours.>
Many thanks
Angelique
<You're going to be fine! Cheers, Neale.>

Newcomer in the aquatic world... Betta and Hymenochirus comp. 8/26/08
I had a quick question about the community my girlfriend and I should build in our fish tank. It's a 10 gal. tank and we've been doing a lot of research on what kind of fish would get along with our African dwarf frog we've had for about a week now. We already have an apple snail, and other than the java moss we have for the frog, it's a pretty empty tank. We've been thinking about a beta
<Betta...>
fish but most of the websites we've visited have mixed opinions with some saying betas make great tank mates and other saying that the beta would eat or beat up the frog. Would placing a beta in the community be a good idea? Thank you.
<Should be fine with an ADF. Bob Fenner>

Glowlight Tetra & Betta Compatibility 7/29/08
Dear Crew,
First, I would like to thank the crew for their efforts put forth on the WWM website and to the aquarium hobby/profession in general. I always enjoy reading the articles, FAQs and especially the Conscientious Aquarist Magazine. OK, now that my nose is properly browned, I have a question.
<Thanks for the kind words.>
I have a 5 Gallon tank set up with at last count 10 Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda). About a week ago my wife's friend moved out of town and I agreed to take their Betta (Betta splendens) . Since they were housing the poor fish in a little reptile carrier (no heater, no filter, maybe held 1 quart of water) I decided to upgrade his living quarters. He's been living happily in my 5 Gallon shrimp tank for the past week.
<Sounds ideal really.>
He eats well and explores the tank with great interest. Unfortunately he has also taken an interest in the shrimp. They range in size form 1/8 to over 1/2 inch and I'm pretty sure the
Betta has been eating the smaller shrimp.
<I'd not worry too much about this too much as you can quickly end up with more shrimps than you know what to do with. I started with six, and must have a hundred now.>
Now the larger shrimp hide during the day and I never get to enjoy them.
<I see. How well planted is the tank? Stacking the thing with Cryptocoryne, Java moss and other low level plants will provide more cover for the shrimps. Mine live with halfbeaks, and these predatory fish only get the odd juvenile shrimp that comes to the surface -- the others seem to survive to sufficiently large size they're fine.>
My question is, can I put the Betta into my 10 Gallon tank with 7 Glowlight tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)?
<In theory, yes, but even the best tetras sometimes go for Bettas.>
I have read on your site that Bettas can get picked on by Neon Tetras, but I didn't know if the Glowlights would pose a similar problem.
<Not beyond the realms of possibility.>
If so, how long should I wait considering the Betta has not shown any outward signs of disease (I know I should quarantine him, but for how long)?
<If the Betta has lived by himself (or with invertebrates only) for 6 weeks or more, he's fine to be moved immediately.>
Would it be better to move the shrimp into the 10 Gallon with the Glowlights?
<Yep.>
Ultimately I would like my shrimp to breed and multiply and I'm not sure that will happen if I house them with the Tetras.
<Not much; I kept them with Cardinals and STILL got plenty of babies. Java Moss is, I feel, the key, as it provides ample cover for tiny shrimps.>
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Evan
<Cheers, Neale.>

Re: Glowlight Tetra & Betta Compatibility 7/29/08
Please forward to Neale, thanks!
Neale,
Thank you for your quick reply.
<Most welcome.>
Currently the 5 Gallon is lightly planted with several sprigs of Java Fern, a small sprig of Anubias nana and a small patch of Java moss. There is also a piece of driftwood that had several knots/holes in it and I have a coconut cave that is too narrow for the Betta to enter
(but he still noses at it) and the shrimp have made a make shift cave in the space between the bottom of the sponge filter and the substrate (just gravel).
<I've noticed female Cherry Shrimps will hide in coconut caves while brooding their eggs.>
I imagine that I am providing enough cover for the shrimp to survive, however, since they are constantly hiding I never really see them.
<All sounds pretty good for the shrimp rearing business really!>
Would I be better off planting the 5 Gallon more densely? In your estimation, if I were to move the shrimp to the 10 Gallon (which is similarly outfitted as to planting, decor, etc.)
would they be more outgoing or do you think the Tetras would bother them as much as the Betta currently does? And again, would denser planting in the make the shrimp more bold in the 10 Gallon?
<My shrimps certainly didn't hide when combined with Cardinals, and aren't at all reticent with juvenile Limia, Aspidoras and whiptail catfish, or various small gobies. The tanks involved are in the 8-10 gallon bracket, so match yours closely. So my feeling is that what you propose will work well. You could try adding more shrimps: they are "schooling" animals, and perhaps the more you have, the more outgoing they become?>
Thank you again, your advice is greatly valued.
Evan
<Kind of you to say so! Neale.>

bad/good thing, No Info is a bad thing 7/10/08
Ok....the subject said good/bad thing.....That means there is a good and a bad thing. The bad thing is my female fish killed my male fish, and I thought male and female fish won't fight.
<What type of fish?>
The good thing is I think she is pregnant, but I'm not really sure. Do you know how to determine if she is pregnant or not? Thanks for the help!
<What type of fish?>
<Chris>

Re: bad/good thing... Bettas 7/10/08
Ok....the subject said good/bad thing.....That means there is a good and a bad thing. The bad thing is my female fish killed my male fish, and I thought male and female fish won't fight.
The good thing is I think she is pregnant, but I'm not really sure. Do you know how to determine if she is pregnant or not? Thanks for the help!
Oh...sorry, they're both beta.
<Right, to start with the fish you have here are called "Bettas", not "betas". From their Latin name, Betta splendens, and that in turn coming from a Thai name for the fish, Bettah. In any case, because Americans often seem to pronounce Betta with the accent on the "e" instead of the "t", there are lot of fishkeepers who call them "Bee-tas" rather than "Bet-ters". Now you can go and show off to your friends how erudite you are by pronouncing the name of your pets properly! Next, Bettas don't get pregnant. They lay eggs. Females can sometimes look a bit swollen before laying their eggs. But it is actually rather more common for them to be plain fat because they are overfed. So review feeding, and make sure you aren't using just pellets or flakes because these cause constipation. Whatever the "guy in the store" might suggest, these fish need a source of fibre, and things like brine shrimp and daphnia, ideally live, will do the trick. Frozen bloodworms are also great. Relegate dried foods (flake, pellet, freeze-dried) to just 2-3 times per week. Next up, Bettas are aggressive. They can, will kill each other if they feel confined. Unless your tank is at least 40 litres/10 gallons in size they are best kept alone. By all means add snails and shrimps, but keep one Betta per system. Also remember fancy male Bettas are "crippled from birth". Those lovely long fins may appeal to you, but they're the equivalent of expecting someone in high-heels and wedding dress to go run a mile -- they can't! The drag caused by the fins makes it impossible for them to avoid aggressive fish or even to feed properly where other fish are snapping up all the food. Again, fancy male Bettas are best kept alone. Because females have normal fins, it's quite easy for them to become bullies. They're great fun in spacious, thickly planted aquaria though. Very outgoing and seemingly quite quick to learn. Cheers, Neale.>

Re: bad/good thing – 07/11/08
WOW! Thank You! I got a lot of information, learned from it, and learned how to say BETTA right! HAHAHA! Anyway, thanks for the information and with that, I'll be more careful from now on. -Brogan
<Very good. Glad we could help and educate all at the same time. Bon chance, Neale.>

African Cichlids, hlth. and Betta comp. - 7/2/08
Hey everyone! Hope your having a good day.
I actually have two questions about two separate cichlid tanks. First, I have a ten gallon with a pair of Kribensis, two Cory cats, two female guppies, and an Oto. I recently got a male Crowntail Betta (I fell in love when he swam over to me as I was looking at all the "dead" Betta in their little cups). Right now he is living in a breeding net (about 6" by 4") hooked on the side of the ten gallon. I was wondering if I could let him out with the cichlids, guppies, and catfish?
<In a word, no. Fancy Bettas are not good community fish. They are too slow because of their ridiculous fins, and so can't feed properly. They can't swim away from nippy tankmates, and they can't swim away from defensive cichlids. So they usually end up getting battered and beaten. You could mix a Betta with Corydoras in their own system, but that's about it. Do also bear in mind Otocinclus are schooling fish that feed almost entirely on green algae and need perfect water quality. So unless you're keeping a group of them in a large tank with strong lighting (to encourage green algae) your Otocinclus will very likely be dead soon. Something like 99% of the Otocinclus sold to aquarists die quickly because they are NOT "mini Plecs" despite what the shopkeepers might say. They are extremely demanding fish, and worse, when they get hungry they parasitise other fish by scraping the mucous from their bodies.>
I don't want to put him in an unheated, unfiltered bowl, but I worry the net is still too small for him. He doesn't show any interest in the Kribs when they swim by. Would they damage his fins?
<Yes.>
My second question is in regards to my large show tank. I keep several adult Haplochromis, peacocks, and Labidochromis (yellow morph) together and everyone gets along fine (all male, I don't want any hybrids).
<Good stuff! Do bear in mind hybridisation doesn't occur between (most) genera, so you could keep Labidochromis, Aulonocara, and Haplochromis together with zero risk of hybrids.>
I just got an adult albino peacock that I'm going to add. My problem is his eye. He was kept in bad water and one of his eyes stared to rot out. It's doing much better, but is there anything I can do to help it along?
<The eye will likely fall out if the damage is severe, but beyond that clean water and (repeated) treatment for Finrot should help.>
I saw this fish originally for $60 in my local LFS, and couldn't justify that much for a fish. Later that week, when I went back he looked terrible and they had taken down his price tag.

A while later, I went back and he looked a million times better and they had him on sale for $15, so I gambled and took him home. All my levels are at 0ppm, the temp is 78F, and I do 30% water changes once a week. Would more frequent water changes help him? I've never
dealt with this problem with any of my fish.
<The more water changes the better, but realistically, treating for Finrot with something like Maracyn (in the US) or eSHa 2000 (in Europe) will be more important in the short term because you need to reverse the bacterial infection before the fish can heal.>
Also, I've had him for two days, and he is not eating. It took me six days to get one of my haps to eat when I first brought him home and I lost sleep worrying about him. Is there anything I can do to encourage the peacock to eat? I've tried flake, pellets, and bloodworms but he doesn't respond to anything. He's not hiding, in fact he's out in
front all the time, he just won't eat. I'm a college student, I can't afford to lose sleep!
<Likely will take time to settle down. Live brine shrimp is often a good "bribe" even though nutritionally it is worthless. In any case, treat the eye infection first and don't worry about its appetite. Once it is healthy and settled into the hierarchy in the tank, it will feed.>
Thanks so much for your time.
Jessica
<Happy to help, Neale.> \Re: African Cichlids and a Betta

Re: African Cichlids and a Betta - 7/2/08
Thank you so much for a quick response.
<You're welcome.>
As far as the Betta goes, I will keep him in his breeding net for now until I can think of a better solution.
<Very good.>
I had no idea about the little Otos. I've had my little guy for several months now. Is there anything I can do to increase his chances of survival? I offer him blanched veggies a couple times a week and there is a lot of algae in my tank. Is there a reliable algae eater for a ten gallon system?
<Best algae-eaters for small aquaria are shrimps (e.g., Cherry Shrimps) and snails (specifically Nerites, which don't breed in freshwater tanks). Together they do an outstanding job. I have a ~10 gallon planted tank with four Nerites and dozens of Cherry Shrimps and the thing is spotless.>
Sadly, my albino peacock passed away last night. Thanks for all the help in regards to him though. Now I know what to do if I ever encounter this problem again.
<OK.>
One more quick question though. I keep an electric blue ahli cichlid with the others and I've been told that if there are any female peacocks present he will kill the males and hybridize with the females. He is the main reason there are no females in my tank. Is this true? (I don't have room for any girls, but I'd like to someday down the road).
<At least some Mbuna will go for anything the same colour as males of its species. Sciaenochromis ahli is well known for this. Even putting aside the fact males are highly aggressive and territorial, you have to keep them only with similarly tough fish that *aren't* blue. Sciaenochromis ahli is best kept in a single-species set-up, one male, multiple females. You'd get to watch their interesting social behaviour as well as get lots of baby fish you can collect and sell!>
Thanks again!
Jessica
<Cheers, Neale.>

Another problem..... Male/Female Cohabitation... Bettas 6/27/08
I'm having another problem with my fish (beta). I have 2 tanks. I have a male in one, and a male in the other. I also have a Female. When I got the Female, I put her in the tank with the red Male.
<These cannot be kept together long term, one of them will end up dead.>
Like....a month or 2 later, I realized that she was biting at the Male's fins because he kept chasing her. I thought it was because she was like us other women.....she wants to have her space, and asked the Male if she could have some chocolate, but the male said no, so now she became a little irritable.....but then I forgot she was a fish not a human....BUT ANYWAY! When I saw that she was biting his fins, I thought I would move her to the other tank to see if she would get along with the other Male, but she is also biting at his fins.
<They can be every bit as aggressive as the males.>
I don't have any money, so I can't go out and buy another tank for her. Do you have any ideas on how to keep her from biting at the Males' fins?
<Return her to the store or find someone else who can take care of her, this behavior will continue and probably escalate.>
Hope you have an answer,
Brogan, 12 years old
<Please see here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/betta_splendens.htm .>
<Chris>

About my Female Betta... beh., comp.... 2/25/08
To a mind more experienced then my own,
<Perhaps>
I have a large tank with 2 Angel Fish, 2 Cory Cats, 1 Pleco, 2 Shark Catfish,
<Mmm, incompatible. Actually a brackish to marine animal>
2 male Platies, 1 male, and 1 female Betta. All levels are with-in the standard. All in slightly brackish water.
<Oh! The Angels, Corydoras and Loricariid don't care for salt...>
I also have a second tank (brackish water) with 1 male Platy and 7 female Platies with their fry. All of my fish are doing well with the exception of my female Betta. I have observed her from the time I got her 2 weeks ago. She has always been at the bottom of the tank rarely surfaces.
<Likely too harassed by the Angels, perhaps the fast-moving catfish here>
Rarely ever moves. The male Betta leaves her alone,
<Oh! And should not be placed in constant association with a male... See WWM re...>
I guess she wouldn't be a threat to him. I'm just not sure what to do. Finally today I separated her in a breeding tank.
<Good>
She is still acting in the same fashion. Any tips or suggestions would be helpful.
Thank you for your time,
Cal
<Needs to be kept with slow moving, easy going fishes... and not a male Betta. Bob Fenner>

Starting from scratch! As in w/ no knowledge... Betta, Goldfish incomp. 2/6/07
Question: Good day,
My birthday treat is to start all over again since my fish died after Christmas.
<...>
Please give me a list of EVERYTHING I need to purchase for a 10 gallon tank and how many fish should I have in it (I had 2 goldfish & 1 beta fish prior). I would like to get 1 beta fish and 3 gold fish (very small ones).
Plus, what should I do for feeding of the fish when I take a week's vacation which happens twice a year!!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR WONDERFUL ASSISTANCE!!
Your blessings from heaven comes in 2007!
Elfrieda
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsubwebindex.htm
and the linked files as you peruse the index... on FW set-up, Bettas, Goldfish... Bob Fenner>

Thank you for all you do! Betta comp. 1/29/08
I just wanted to say "Thank you". I'm an avid fish lover, and have been through many fish since childhood. I still have questions from time to time.
(as my interest in species changes) And I always find the answer to my questions on YOUR site!! Furthermore, I'd like to say I'm so happy, because I read a reply about Bettas in a community tank can be OK. I've always kept one in mine, and have almost never had any problems. (other than the time one ate/attacked some Neons, not a good idea) People tell me all the time that I can't, b/c they are TOO aggressive. As long as I keep floating live plants, they've always laid in them and chilled. No problem. So thank you, all of you for your hard work, and wonderful answers and replies.
Keep up the good work!!
Nicki
<Hello Nicki and thanks for the kind words. As you say, Bettas *can* be kept in community tanks, but this should be viewed in context. It wouldn't be wise to stick Bettas in a tank with fast-flowing water and no hiding places close to the surface. While perfect for Danios, Bettas would find that a miserable place to live. Similarly, Bettas can't be mixed with things that nibble fins, such as Serpae tetras, Black Widow/Petticoat tetras or Synodontis catfish. I like to see Bettas in thickly planted aquaria where they make a nice alternative to Gouramis. Female Bettas especially work well, having nice colours and usually outgoing personalities. Their short fins let them swim about easily, and they can be quite entertaining and hardy fish. So yes, Bettas can be mixed with other fish, but you do need to take a bit of care when doing this. Cheers, Neale.>

Re: Thank you for all you do! Betta comp. 1/31/08
Yes, I noticed earlier on that they liked having plants to lay in. I usually keep real mellow fish, I'm not crazy about fin nibblers and the more
aggressive ones. Thank you for writing me back. :)
<Hello Nicki, We're always glad to receive mail, and writing back isn't a problem - it's something we enjoy. Good luck with your fishkeeping! Neale>

Betta comp. 1/14/08
Hello!
I'm new to the whole aquarium thing, so forgive me if this question is dumb.
<Only dumb question is the one not asked...>
I looked for an answer all over the Internet, but to no avail.
Anyway, I have had a male Siamese fighting fish for a few months in a bowl. Yesterday, I bought a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter. In this new
tank, I put the Siamese fighting fish with 2 adolescent pot-bellied mollies.
<Whoa... just about tolerable for a single Betta (though in my opinion in the same way as putting a lion in a cage is tolerable). But that's it. No more fishes, and certainly not Mollies. Mollies are far too big, active, sensitive to poor water quality. Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/mollies.htm
Note their size and water chemistry requirements!>
I woke up this morning to both my mollies under a bush and my Siamese fighting swimming around the top of the bowl. They're now
separated so I can watch how the react. Do mollies and Siamese fighters just not get along?
<In a nutshell, even if they emotionally got along, physically they require entirely different systems. So basically NO.>
Thanks!
Cristall
<Please do read some more, and THEN you'll find the hobby rewarding and much easier (both on you and the creatures you buy!). Hope this helps, Neale.>

Millions of questions.. of course. Gourami hlth., Betta comp. – 12/6/07
Hey there,
I currently have a 10gal tank with 2 three spot gouramis, 1 African frog, 1 CAE and 3 male guppies. I have a couple rocks and plants as you can see. It's set at a constant 78F and when I tested my water at the pet store, everything looked good. My tank has gone through hell to get to this fairly stable state, and there are two original survivors: a fat and happy CAE who didn't seem to be affected and a poor three spot Gourami who has been left slightly mangled. She broke out with terrible Ich and her eyes swollen up on multiple occasions. The rest of them I added a few weeks ago.
One Gourami is about 4 inches and a pig and the other (survivor) is about 2 inches and doesn't seem to eat anything anymore.
<Might be consequent from the ich treatment/disease, or perhaps its also being bullied by the larger conspecific>
My survivor used to eat at the algae wafers I'd put in for my CAE, but now it doesn't look like she eats anything. She's gotten thinner and I'm wondering if she's gone blind because of the eye swelling and just can't see the food?
<Maybe>
She sits at the top of the tank during feeding and just gulps at air.
I'll crush up flakes and put them near her mouth but she only spits them out. Do you think she's blind and if so, can I do anything to help her?
<Mmm, if you have another smaller tank, or even a breeding net, or large hand net this fish can be kept in... it may be able to find food easier...>
I thought the larger Gourami might be a good companion since it seemed so calm when I saved it, but it's gone crazy since being moved and is terrorizing all the fish.
<This is bad... I would remove, trade in this bully>
I bet has even hit the tank cover a few times the way she darts around. It was living with the frog and a Betta (in water that smelled like gasoline) in a half-filled 10gal tank. Could it be the fact that it has room and clean water now?
<Mmm, no>
I know I'll need a bigger tank soon, but do you think it will calm down over time or does she just need a new home?
<This behavior is generally persistent with Trichogaster, most gouramis... Once a bully, they keep bullying. I would trade it in>
My last question is about a Betta that I got about a month ago. It was in a tank with what I think was a ton of tin-foil barbs?

and was fine around all of them. I took him home, kept him in a Betta tank for a few days and then tried to introduce him to the community tank. Of all my fish I thought he'd attack the guppies, but they were so busy darting about that he got bored with them. Upon finding my tiny Gourami he flared and started circling her.
<Yes... the Betta considers the similar-looking Gourami as a competitor>
I didn't want to stress the poor girl out since she's gone through enough so I immediately took him out. I realize that flaring is normal with Bettas in new community tanks like this but will it eventually calm down or will I just have to see?

Do you think he's spent too much time out of a community tank, so that he won't behave in one anymore?
<Likely would be fine in a calm, uncrowded community setting... w/o other like-appearing tankmates>
Thanks for your time. Sorry it's so long.
Elizabeth
<No worries. Bob Fenner>

Siamese Algae Eaters as Betta Companions... No 10/22/07
Hey, all!
<Tori>
My roommate and I are planning our first aquarium, and she really loves the male Betta fish. I’d like to get an Eclipse 5 gallon tank, and I’m looking at getting some algae eaters as well. I know that Corys make good Betta companions, but I’ve heard positive things about Siamese Algae Eaters, namely that they’re not as aggressive as the Chinese ones and are smaller. Would these be all right to get, or should I stick with the Corys or some Cherry Shrimp?
<These latter are far better companions/choices... Along with maybe large non-hermaphroditic snails. SAE's require much more pristine, larger conditions...>
Also, would it help my fish to get along better if I bought a tank that is longer as opposed to taller, so that bottom feeders would have more space?
<Yes... much better for all>
(I’m looking at the Eclipse Hexagon versus the Eclipse Corner.)
Thank you!
~ Tori
<Thank you! I like the way you think! Bob Fenner>

Beat up platy? Betta incomp. 10/12/07
Hello to whoever is answering:
<And to you>
I have a Betta in with four platys. The Betta was somewhat aggressive when I first got them ( a bit over three months ago) but then calmed down. Two of the platys are very dark orange and almost triangular in shape. The other two are grayish white and orange with a couple of black spots. One of these two kept disappearing except to be fed. The last two days he did not come out at feeding time so I removed a couple decorations and finally found him. I netted him and put him in a smaller tank. His fins are shredded and he looks to my novice eyes like he is malnourished. He swims but mostly hides and with his head down.
I had developed a technique of feeding where I got the Betta in on corner and all the platys in another as the Betta lunges at his food. His eyes look normal, no growths, no white fuzz.
I have the feeling that the Betta started on him again right after he had a growth spurt. Anything else I can do for the poor fish? Thank you for your help.

2 questions concerning my betta... sys., comp. 10/1/07
Hi there,
I recently upgraded my Betta's tank size to a 5 1/2 gallon tank from a 1/2 tank. Also I have added two albino Cory catfish as companions.
<Nice!>
My 1st question is about the filter, I'm not sure if it's good for him or needed, or if he likes it. Since most of the time he's been really happy with out one in his small tank before this one. What should I do about the filtration?
<Perhaps a small hang on or in-tank power filter type...>
My 2nd questions is about his companions. I'm starting to think giving him companions in the 1st place was a bad idea. I don't know if he likes them, he seems to avoid them and doesn't like them getting close to him. He doesn't fight them or anything
he just swims away quickly. Should I remove them from the tank and let him have his peace again in the tank, or just wait it out till he gets to know them better?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Joe

Betta Companions and General Tank Questions – 08/31/07
Hi WWM Crew;
My name is Andrea and I have been taking care of a male Betta who's owner couldn't keep it anymore. Currently it's living in a standard sized fish bowl and seems quite happy. I'm going to move him into a 5 gallon hexagonal fish aquarium (has a carbon filter and Bio-wheel filter) that I'm bringing back up. Because of this I was hoping to get a few more fish in the aquarium, and was wondering if a small school of say 3 Neon and 3 Glo-Light Tetra's would work out with him. I am also a fan of Synodontis catfish and was wondering if he would be compatible with one or not (the last Synodontis I had was very mild mannered and left the other fish alone). Your answers to these questions would be much appreciated.
Andrea
<Hello Andrea. Do not mix your Betta with any of the fish mentioned. Tetras tend to nip their fins, even "good" tetras like Neons. Some people mix them fine, but some people don't, and you don't really want to take the chance unless you have another aquarium ready to house one or other species if things go wrong. As for Synodontis, other than the fact most species will nibble on the fins of Bettas given the chance, a 5 gallon tank is simply nowhere near big enough to house them. Even the dwarf S. nigriventris needs something like a 20 gallon tank, ideally more, because they are social fish that do best when kept in threes or more. If you must mix a Betta with something else, consider some type of small snail or shrimp. They will be fine in a tank your size, and generally cause no problems with Bettas. Cherry shrimps (Neocaridina denticulata sinensis) are tremendous fun, being not only colourful algae eaters, but also quite willing to breed, so before long you'll have lots of baby shrimp scuttling about the tank that you can grow on and share with other fishkeepers. Cheers, Neale>

What can I add? Betta... 8/30/07
Hello,
I recently bought a 1.5 Gallon tank for my betta fish. I have not yet placed my fish in this tank because i read on a website that you should put in the less aggressive fish first. What I was wondering was what type(s) of fish would be suitable for this environment? Some of the fish that I would be interested in putting in the tank are:
Cherry Shrimp
<Maybe>
Mollies
<Nah>
African Dwarf Frog
<Maybe>
Flying Fox
Tetras
<Nah and nah>
Julii Cory catfish
<Need more room, stable env.>
Will any of these fish work out with my betta?
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/betcompfaqs.htm
the linked files above, and re the Compatibility, Systems of the life you list, are considering... on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Re: What can I add? Betta comp. – 08/31/07
thank you so much for your help i really am thankful!
I think i might go with the cherry shrimp but i haven't decided yet!
But thanks again
<Welcome! BobF>

Re: What can I add? Shrimp w/ Betta 9/6/07
Hi again!
I was wondering if any other kinds of shrimp can be put with my Betta fish such as:
Amano Algae Eating Shrimp
Tiger Algae Eating Shrimp
Rudolph Red-Nosed Shrimp
Bumble Bee Shrimp
White Spotted Pearl Shrimp
Blue Buddha Shrimp
I don't know I might just stick with my first idea, the cherry shrimp, but I haven't decided yet
<Mmm, do wish I knew more right off-hand and had my in-print references with me... am on the road... I would look for info. on the net re which of these species stays smaller, likes warm, semi-acidic water (like Bettas)... and eats readily the sorts of foods Siamese Fighters do. Bob Fenner>

Re: What can I add? With a Betta 9/7/07
thanks anyway I think ill just stick with the cherry shrimp
<A good choice>
I don't think my fish is aggressive because i put a picture of the cherry shrimp up to the tank and he flared up for like one sec then was perfectly fine with the picture. What do u think?
<Interesting>
Is that a good test to see if he is aggressive?

Large white Spots on Siamese Fighter Fish – 07/24/07
Hi,
<Hello, Elaine>
I have a problem with my female Siamese fighter fish.
<Betta splendens>
Please find an enclosed photo of the problem.
<Ack - that's not a well-looking fish!>
Around two weeks ago I noticed a few large white spots on the body of the fish, around the size of her scales.
<Looks to me as though the scales have actually been torn off - in looking at your stocking list below, I would surmise the flying fox, Epalzeorhynchos kallopterus, is the cause. The latter is NOT a peaceful fish, and doesn't belong together with any species that are...
Also, your Betta appears extremely swollen - how long has she appeared like that? It could be constipation, or alternatively, a bacterial infection...worst case scenario, a tumor. How is she eating? Is she regularly pooping? If not, constipation may be the cause; try feeding a frozen, then thawed pea, or, alternatively, fasting her for a couple of days. I'd start there...>
At this point I added a Melafix to the tank.
<How are the water parameters? Temp., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc.? Melafix can be helpful, but good water quality for healing wounds, scales injuries is much more important...>
After a few days this appeared to have no effect.
<Not surprised; see above. Also, do keep in mind it takes quite some time for injured/missing scales to heal and regenerate.>
After some research online I suspected a slime or bacterial infection so dosed the tank with Methylene blue.
<What?! No quarantine/hospital tank? Well, sadly you killed off any of the beneficial bacteria by medicating the entire tank; this is never a good idea. You will need to keep a VERY close eye on the water parameters, as this tank will need to re-cycle...
Aside from this, the only "treatment" your Betta really needed was to be immediately separated from the Flying Fox and kept in pristine water conditions so that her scales can heal, re-grow, etc.>
This appeared to stop any further progression of the problem and no other fish in the tank were affected, so she was then isolated and dosed with Methylene blue again.
<Unfortunately you didn't isolate her to begin with, so as explained above, your main tank's nitrogen cycle is destroyed. Also, I'm not sure why you are treating with Methylene blue - totally unnecessary and likely harmful...>
After almost a week in isolation she appears no better so we removed her from isolation and took the attached photo in the hope you may be able to help ( as Methylene blue you can't see her very well).
<Yes - all explained above.>
She is in a 180 litre tank...
<Just about 48 US gallons...>
...with the following other fish (who appear to not be affected) -
<Well, they will be affected by the buildup of harmful toxins caused by the re-start of the nitrogen cycle; please keep a very close eye on ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels, performing water changes as necessary...>
15 cardinal tetras
a Bristlenose catfish
a whiptail catfish
4 clown loaches (2 medium 2 small)
4 Corydoras
1 Siamese flying fox
2 Kuhli loaches
<Again, the Flying Fox is a very territorial, highly aggressive fish who doesn't belong anywhere near a peaceful Betta. Also, clown loaches - these fish can reach up to 12" or better when full grown - do you have a plan for upgrading? Fish stocking schemes really need to be well-researched, thought out. Do take a look at www.fishbase.org for some extremely useful information on the species you are keeping...>
My suggestion for your Betta is to setup a separate 3-5 gallon heated (80-82 degrees F), filtered tank for her to live in by herself. With proper water quality and time, her scales will heal and this problem will resolve itself.
As for the stocking in the main tank, well, you've got a lot of bottom dwellers...far too many...start making contingency plans now...>
Regards Elaine Bampton
<Best regards, Jorie>

Re: Large white Spots on Siamese Fighter Fish - likely cause is bullying by Flying Fox 7/25/07
Thanks for the quick reply, I do however have a few issues with the suggestions that you have given - please don't think I'm being picky, I am merely trying to give my fish the best chance she has!

Subject: Large white Spots on Siamese Fighter Fish
>Hi,
><Hello, Elaine>
>I have a problem with my female Siamese fighter fish.
><Betta splendens>
>Please find an enclosed photo of the problem.
><Ack - that's not a well-looking fish!>
>Around two weeks ago I noticed a few large white spots on the body of the fish, around the size of her scales.
><Looks to me as though the scales have actually been torn off - in looking at your stocking list below, I would surmise the flying fox, Epalzeorhynchos kallopterus, is the cause. The latter is NOT a peaceful fish, and doesn't belong together with any species that are...
>Also, your Betta appears extremely swollen - how long has she appeared like that? It could be constipation, or alternatively, a bacterial infection...worst case scenario, a tumor. How is she eating? Is she regularly pooping? If not, constipation may be the cause; try feeding a frozen, then thawed pea, or, alternatively, fasting her for a couple of days. I'd start there...>
<<<I've been keeping an eye on the Betta over the past two weeks and I have definitely seen a slow melting of the scales rather than them being torn off here and there. I should point out that we have a 'Siamese flying fox' (Crossocheilus oblongus) rather than a normal 'flying fox' (Epalzeorhynchos kallopterus).
<<<<This is the problem with common fish names; it's hard to know exactly what fish someone is talking about with just this name. In any case, please take a look here for some useful info. re: Crossocheilus oblongus and its compatibility with other fish. Basically, this fish has the same aggressive tendencies as the Epalzeorhynchos kallopterus - do see here: http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/ >>>>
<<<The former is a peaceful fish, and I can personally vouch for this having had him in the tank with the female for over 4 months now.>>>
<<<<All I can do is make general suggestions based on the non-biased articles, information and research I am familiar with. If it were me, I would still advise separating the two (the Betta and the Siamese Flying Fox.>>>>
I've been keeping Bettas for a while now, so I am aware of how they can become bloated for one reason or another. I should have perhaps mentioned before that the bloatedness has come back during this week as the condition got worse. In the past it appeared that she was constipated and using the aforementioned pea trick sorted her out.
<<<<Ah, am glad you know about how to care for this condition. I do suggest doing so.>>>>
<<<So if we could assume for the moment that it was NOT the SFF, what else could this condition be? I'm 100% sure its not another fish causing this issue, as it got worse even when in isolation.>>>
<<<<As with almost all fish injury/illness issues, there are usually several things at play. I still believe that the Betta received some type of injury to her scales, but if not, that's support for the environmental conditions being even worse than I first imagined. Also, if the Betta's immune system is compromised due to stress (being around overly aggressive fish can do this), her resistance to less-than-ideal water conditions is lesser than her tankmates'. I honestly think what you've got going on it a fish that was injured, stressed, and then perhaps exposed to poor environmental conditions, thus causing the slime coat and scales to "melt off" as you describe. What are the exact ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings? How often have you been doing water changes, and in what amount?>>>>
>At this point I added a Melafix to the tank.
><How are the water parameters? Temp., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc.? Melafix can be helpful, but good water quality for healing wounds, scales injuries is much more important...>
<<<Water parameters are all fine, I have a home testing keep and make sure that they are all within acceptable levels>>>
<<<<Fine is not a useful term for this purpose. You need to make sure that ammonia and nitrite are at ZERO, and nitrate only as high as 20 ppm.>>>>
>After a few days this appeared to have no effect.
><Not surprised; see above. Also, do keep in mind it takes quite some time for injured/missing scales to heal and regenerate.>
>After some research online I suspected a slime or bacterial infection so dosed the tank with Methylene blue.
><What?! No quarantine/hospital tank? Well, sadly you killed off any of the beneficial bacteria by medicating the entire tank; this is never a good idea. You will need to keep a VERY close eye on the water parameters, as this tank will need to re-cycle...
>Aside from this, the only "treatment" your Betta really needed was to be immediately separated from the Flying Fox and kept in pristine water conditions so that her scales can heal, re-grow, etc.>
<<<She was put in a quarantine tank after a few days of staying in the main tank. It looks like an external bacterial infection and we were unsure whether it was contagious. Bearing this in mind, and that methylene blue treats this condition we dosed the entire tank to make sure that none of the other fish caught it. Your statement about killing friendly bacteria worries me though, as I read off your own website that "<Provided you follow the instructions supplied with the medication, Methylene Blue is harmless to filter bacteria. Cheers, Neale.>"
<<<<First off, let me say that you are never going to get just one precise answer in this hobby, as so much is, in all honestly, experimental. Many variables/factors come into play when diagnosing fish illness, so you will likely get different answers from people's different perspectives. I personally would have isolated the sick/injured Betta just to be sure, but I do understand it's a bit of a dilemma/decision. And as for the Methylene Blue, this is an oxygenating agent, and there is a school of thought that it's safe to add to the main tank. In any case, Methylene Blue would not have done anything beneficial for your Betta (but probably nothing harmful, either). As to hospital tanks in general, I am personally of the opinion that all sick fish should be isolated ASAP; this is based on my own personal experience of not having done so quickly enough in some circumstances.
(http://www.wetwebmedia.com/methbluefaqs.htm). If this really is the case then perhaps that part of the website should be amended? My instructions with the medication didn't mention such a side-effect.>>>
<<<<Many medications claim to be non-harmful to the nitrogen cycle, but this just isn't the case. There's competing information out there as to whether Methylene Blue, specifically, will destroy the "beneficial bacteria", and after discussing with the guru Bob Fenner just this morning, it seems as though the cycle should likely be OK. However, there are other people of the same opinion. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's just better practice to quarantine a sick fish prior to using any treatment, that way you don't have to be concerned...>>>>
>This appeared to stop any further progression of the problem and no other
>fish in the tank were affected, so she was then isolated and dosed with
>Methylene blue again.
><Unfortunately you didn't isolate her to begin with, so as explained above, your main tank's nitrogen cycle is destroyed. Also, I'm not sure why you are treating with Methylene blue - totally unnecessary and likely harmful...>
<<<see above>>>>
>After almost a week in isolation she appears no better so we removed her from isolation and took the attached photo in the hope you may be able to help ( as Methylene blue you can't see her very well).
><Yes - all explained above.>
>She is in a 180 litre tank...
><Just about 48 US gallons...>
<<<We use litres here in the UK :)>>>
<<<<Yes, I understand. Just trying to make the info. more user-friendly to a wider-group of folk!>>>>
>...with the following other fish (who appear to not be affected) -
><Well, they will be affected by the buildup of harmful toxins caused by the re-start of the nitrogen cycle; please keep a very close eye on ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels, performing water changes as necessary...>
<<<see above again>>>
>15 cardinal tetras
>a Bristlenose catfish
>a whiptail catfish
>4 clown loaches (2 medium 2 small)
>4 Corydoras
>1 Siamese flying fox
>2 Kuhli loaches
><Again, the Flying Fox is a very territorial, highly aggressive fish who doesn't belong anywhere near a peaceful Betta. Also, clown loaches - these fish can reach up to 12" or better when full grown - do you have a plan for upgrading? Fish stocking schemes really need to be well-researched, thought out. Do take a look at www.fishbase.org for some extremely useful information on the species you are keeping...>
<<<see above once again about the flying fox. I am of course aware of what size the clown loaches grow to and will be upgrading when it is required>>>
<<<<Again, I refer you to the article on algae eating Cyprinids. And, please do not take offense at my suggestion that a tank upgrade will be neccessary; many folks don't know this and have been shocked when I've previously made such suggestions.>>>>
>My suggestion for your Betta is to setup a separate 3-5 gallon heated (80-82 degrees F), filtered tank for her to live in by herself. With proper water quality and time, her scales will heal and this problem will resolve itself.
>As for the stocking in the main tank, well, you've got a lot of bottom dwellers...far too many...start making contingency plans now...>
<<<they're doing just fine really, so I'm not to concerned at this moment in time - I'm more worried about the ill female Betta!>>>
<<<<As for your Betta, I still suggest moving her to isolated quarters (again, a 3-5 filtered, heated aquarium is a great Betta setup. Keep the water quality pristine, and you may want to add MelaFix once again (keep in mind that will just aid in scale regeneration and keeping secondary bacterial infections at bay, but it doesn't work quickly...) Do take a look at the article I've linked you to, plus the many others out there regarding behavior of the Siamese Flying Fox you insist is so "peaceful". Obviously, you can do what you want, but I truly believe this is the likeliest cause. Given clean water and a peaceful environment, the Betta should heal nicely, without any complications.>>>>
>Regards Elaine Bampton
><Best regards, Jorie>
<<<thanks once again>>>
<<<<You're welcome and good luck. Jorie>>>>

Apple snail input for WWM and Betta woes <Incomp.> 7/12/07
Hi Crew!
<Greetings.>
This email is mostly to relate my experience in the hope that it might help others facing the same issues, especially since there is not a whole lot about Apple snails on WWM yet.
<There's plenty. Go here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwinverts.htm and go here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnails.htm and then read the various connected articles as your fancy takes you.>
After reading a couple of comments from Neale about Apple snails not faring so well in community tanks, I began to get worried about mine.
<Sad but true. They don't really mix, and the reason aquarium shops sell so many of them is because they die quickly and people just go on replacing them.>
He's been sharing an Eclipse 3 with our Betta for about 5 months. The temperature is around 80 normally, but in the summer it regularly climbs to 84-86, even with lights off and top door open.
<Way, way too hot for an Apple snail. Anything in the 70s is fine, and a bit cooler in winter if possible.>
But the main problem is that I recently noticed that the Betta was stealing food from the snail. He'd violently push the snail aside to get at the sinking wafers and then parade around the aquarium shaking his prize until it crumbled enough for him to eat (he ate one of our cherry shrimp too in our other tank, but we don't know if the shrimp was already dead or not). And since the Betta eats about anything (pellets, flakes, peas, Nori, sinking wafers, bloodworms, brine shrimp) and actively hunts for anything that falls to the bottom, I'm afraid the poor snail has not gotten much to eat in a while...
<Indeed. The best thing would be to put aside something for the snail the Betta can't eat. Thinly sliced courgette (zucchini) and blanched lettuce (*not iceberg*) would be a good start. The snail will graze this stuff happily.>
Not to mention that the snail is now keeping everything permanently tucked in (I used to enjoy the graceful antennae-waving dance, but now he keeps them where they're safe, under the "hood") and his shell very low over his head like a shield because the Betta kept picking at it... It got to the point where the snail was barely moving around the tank, and I became very worried.
<Unfortunately what you're describing is all too common. If this persists, the snail will starve and then die.>
I've now moved him (actually, if I can believe applesnail.net, it's a *her* because her operculum is concave - I've just referred to it as a *he" for so long I can't get used to thinking of him as a girl) to an unheated, unfiltered bowl that probably contains about a gallon of water - easy to change because there's no substrate yet, just a rock taken from our 10 gallon tank and a few water lentils that the other tanks keep producing in amazing quantity). It's going to be cooler too because there is no motor and no light, and it's uncovered so evaporation will do its job. I gave him plenty of food (found out he likes cucumber, will try other fruits and vegetables along with fish food) and a piece of a vacation feeder for calcium, until I get him either crushed coral or cuttlebone (his shell is very scratched and the new growth is very pale, so I'm trying calcium, iodine and food to see if it will make a difference on the new growth). I'll see how things go. I've wanted a fan shrimp for a long time and this might make a cute companion to my apple snail, if my research proves they're compatible (and be an excuse to get yet another tank!).
<This all sounds dandy. Apple snails are terrific fun, and you do want to have a go at breeding them. it's quite something to see the HUGE egg mass, and when the babies hatch, they're a delight to watch.>
So... Betta and Apple snail, in my case, didn't work out so well. The Neritina might have fared better because he eats algae (never seen him show interest in anything else) and already scoots around like a little tank with everything tucked in, even if everything in the tank ignores him.
<Nerites are generally much more resistant to fish because of their very heavy shells. They evolved in the sea where there are many more snail-eating predators, not just fish, but crabs, mantis shrimps, whelks, etc. Apple snails are a strictly freshwater group, and the diversity of aquatic snail-eating predators is fairly small. In fact the main predator on apple snails is a kind of hawk, the Florida kite if I recall the name correctly. Anyway, be that as it may, Apple snails are not heavily armoured because evolution hasn't driven them that way. When kept in the tight confines of an aquarium, they end up being harassed by fish quite a lot.>
Well, thank you for your time and I hope this can help someone!
Audrey
<It's always good to know when people have furthered their research and made good decisions. I'm sure you're going to have some fun with the Apple snail. There are some books out there about them, including one from TFH called "Apple snails" or something clever like that. A fascinating read, and well worth tracking down. Filled with stuff about their natural history and biology as well as aquarium care. Cheers, Neale>

Re: Apple snail and Betta woes – 07/18/07
Hello Neale, or other Crewmember,
Here are some updates about my snail... and some comments to your email!
> there is not a whole lot about Apple snails on WWM yet.
> <There's plenty. Go here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwinverts.htm and go here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnails.htm and then read the various connected articles as your fancy takes you.>
Yes, I've read those already. But until Neale started commenting on Apple snails, nothing indicated that I might be having a problem with mine. Those pages kind of say the same thing over and over again, which is really not that much when you remove the redundant information.
> This all sounds dandy. Apple snails are terrific fun, and you do want to have a go at breeding them. it's quite something to see the HUGE egg mass, and when the babies hatch, they're a delight to watch.>
And then they get sold to those people who keep buying them because they keep dying... sad fate :-) My boyfriend would probably frown if I tried to breed them - he wanted to avoid the multiple-tank syndrome, and we're already at 3 permanent wet dwellings... and planning for a 30 gallon brackish system... :-) But it is very tempting.
> <It's always good to know when people have furthered their research and made good decisions. I'm sure you're going to have some fun with the Apple snail.
Thank you. I certainly try. There's nothing worse than the feeling that I'm not providing an adequate environment for my pets - they're so entirely dependent on us!
The snail, by the way, is doing better. He actively moves about the tank looking for food, eats well, has a grip on the bottom of the bowl he hasn't had in a while, and now closes his door entirely shut when we move him (this he hasn't done in months). I will get him a small tank and filter, if only to avoid having to change water daily, which is a real annoyance. How can people stand to keep fish and animals in bowls for any length of time? It's such a hassle!
Thank you again (and big thanks also from the much-happier snail!)
Audrey
<Hello again, Audrey! I'm not sure I get why you think those snail articles say "the same things over and over". They look pretty comprehensive to me. But OK. Anyway, it sounds like you've fixed the snail problem and are enjoying your pet. Please do try and hunt down that Apple Snail book, it really is *that* good, and covers everything from natural history to evolution to breeding. I think you'll get a kick out of learning how cool these animals are. They've very underrated in the hobby, but once you get to play with Apple Snails a while, you appreciate that they're really nice animals. The baby snails, by the way, if you don't keep them make good food for predatory fish like puffers and loaches. In fact a *lot* of fish eat snails, given the chance. So get rid of the babies isn't usually a problem. You can also eat Apple Snails, I'm told. They aren't big here in England (we prefer sea snails of various types, with generally much filthier habits, like whelks) but in their native countries Apple Snails are considered fine fare. So that's another option! You're right about bowls. People buy them thinking they're cheaper and easier, and then find out they're nothing but a hassle as well as a death-trap. The reality is with fishkeeping that the bigger the tank and the better the filter, the easier the hobby becomes. I've certainly had far less problems with 200 gallon tanks than 10 gallon tanks. It's a question of scale, I suppose. Anyway, good luck with it all! Cheers, Neale>

Siamese Fighter n Platy! <Incomp.> 7/12/07
Hi again,
<Hello!>
Just wanted to e-mail you to say thanks for the advice about my poorly Glowlight tetra, the poorly Glowlight has died L as has another Glowlight but the other glowlights and all my other tetra's are doing fine. I've put anti-Finrot and anti-fungus meds in like you suggested to prevent any spreads of infection.
<Sorry about your losses. Please make sure you follow the instructions on the medications and check you removed carbon from the filter.>
Also, in my last e-mail I said I had 1 tiger barb and you suggested I change it for a cherry barb. I have since discovered it isn't a tiger barb at all but a clown loach.... the person who bought it for me told me it was a tiger barb!
<Ah, now this will be awkward in different ways. Clown loaches are *sociable* for a start and should be kept in not less than trios. But more seriously, they're huge. Expect 20 cm lengths, and in the wild and sometimes in captivity they get much bigger than that. Very delicate in some ways, and many medications stress/kill them, so always check before using any medication that it is clown loach safe. MOST ARE NOT!!! Be sure and read the clown loach FAQ and related articles: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/clownloachfaqs.htm .>
I've been out n bought some more fish, 3 balloon mollies and 1 platy. The platy is bright red and for some reason my Siamese fighter (Betta) has taken to flaring it's fins at it and chasing it, and a pure white balloon molly, ALL over the tank!
<OK, I wouldn't have bought the Molly because they really do better in brackish water. But no-one listens to me on this. As for the Platy, well, that's not good.>
I think the platy is getting really stressed because it's constantly
getting harassed by the Siamese!
<I'm sure he is.>
What do I do? Will the Siamese calm down or does he just not like red?
<Nope, the Betta will stay cross.>
Again thanks for the earlier advice!
Sam
<Bettas fundamentally aren't reliable community fish. They either get harassed by faster and more aggressive species, or else they are belligerent towards fish they mistake for rivals. There isn't much you can do to fix this. If things don't calm down after a few days, then you'll have to move fish out as required. Please consider reading a book about tropical fish before randomly buying species and hoping for the best. It'll save you much time and worry. Cheers, Neale>

Betta Question, Mmmm, fdg., comp. mostly – 06/15/07
Hello
<Hello.>
First, I would like to thank you for your wonderful site. It has been very helpful to me in the past few months.
<Cool.>
About four months ago, I was in Wal-Mart picking up some bedding for my bearded dragon. The store I go to has the fish and reptile supplies together, so while I was there I spied the betta shelf. There were only two fish left, a little double-tailed female who was, sadly, already dead, and a medium sized male. He was a dull grayish-white, but he seemed healthy enough and I felt bad for him (just call me a sucker) so I decided to purchase him.
<Whilst I am entirely sympathetic to your actions, the downside to buying unhappy animals to "rescue" them is it encourages those retailers to get some more and keep them in similar conditions.>
I got a two gallon "bowl" (it is rectangular shaped and has a purple vented lid so it really isn't a bowl) along with some purple glass marbles, a silk plant, some Betta Bio-gold, freeze-dried blood worms, freeze dried brine shrimp, and some sinking carnivore pellets.
<What about a heater? Bettas are tropical fish, and need a constant 25 degrees C (77 F) to do well. Much below and they become sickly. Like all labyrinth fish (gouramis, climbing perch, etc.) bettas are very sensitive to cold air, and need warm, moist air above the tank as well. I'm not wild about 2-gallon bowls for bettas, though I accept many people keep them thus.>
I had never had a betta before, but I recalled that they are carnivorous.
<Yes, they are largely carnivorous. Mostly insect larvae, such as mosquito and midge larvae.>
I took him home and set up his aquarium in the reptile room where the temp stays at a steady 78 degrees at all times.
<Ah, very good. No problems with the heat and hopefully humidity.>
He is fed twice a day from the above list in a semi-random fashion. I make sure he gets some of each item at least once every week. I do, by the way, have to break off small pieces of the sinking carnivore pellets, as they were designed for much larger fish. I do partial water changes every 5 days or so.
<All sounds fine.>
Riku is now a gorgeous pale orange with red flecks in caudal and anal fins. His fins also have light sky blue streaks (I believe it is called a lace pattern?) that match his eyes depending on how the light hits him. My pity purchase turned out to be quite the little jewel and he has such a personality. He dances for me every time I sit in front of him. He tends to ignore everyone but me, except he flares at my sister (good fishie; wish I could say I taught him to do that).
<Ah, how sweet.>
Following the advice on your site, I have decided to move him to a 5 gallon system with a live Java Fern. I have read that bettas are compatible with Corydoras, but I have also read that they will eat neons and other small fish.
<Mixing Betta spp. with other fish is kind of a dark art. Corydoras should be absolutely fine. Other completely docile, bottom dwellers would also be good, such as kuhli loaches and Ancistrus Suckermouth catfish. Midwater fish are more tricky. I can't imagine a Betta splendens (which is your species) eating neon tetras, though the larger mouthbrooding Betta species can and do eat small fish. Neon tetras have sometimes been reported as fin-nippers when kept with bettas, so approach this combination with caution. I've done it, and had no problems, but others have not been so lucky. I'd actually recommend going for more docile schooling fish, such as marble hatchetfish, which are totally placid animals. Gobies are another option, but finding freshwater gobies is a bit hit and miss. All this said, 5 gallons is too small for very many fishes. Depends a bit on the shape of the aquarium, but realistically half a dozen neons plus the betta is probably about all you can fit in there without the tank looking overcrowded. Water quality is another issue, though neither neons nor bettas are terribly messy fishes, especially if you avoid overfeeding.>
I had planned on adding about three Corydoras habrosus or hastatus, but they are smaller even than some neons. Would Riku eat them?
<No. Those lovely little catfish will be too spiny. At least, the adults would be. Obviously if you put in teeny-tiny juveniles in with a fully grown betta, there's a risk he might view them as live food! Both those species of Corydoras are nice but not exactly bullet-proof, so water quality is important.>
Thanks again for the awesome site, and I apologize for the long email.
<No probs.>
Regards,
Suzanne
<Cheers, Neale>

Query from a vet - urgent please. Male Betta beh., comp. 5/14/07
Hi
I am a vet student with a query on a Siamese fighter fish. I am awaiting a response from an exotics vet, however I thought you guys may be better equipped to answer please.
<Okay>
I have had my new tank set up for almost 2 months. I purchased a male fighter, but within days the tank became infested with flukes,
<How determined?>
therefore 100% water change was carried out, followed by a weeks water treatment.
<With?>
The fish recovered, the flukes were gone, so over a period of 3-4 weeks I stocked up with 3 guppies and 2 Corys. All was well for a few weeks. All fish were happy with each other.
Yesterday I awoke to find my fighter "spoiling for a fight" (although he is NOT flaring his gills). He has managed to nip the tail of one guppy.
<What they do>
His behaviour is one of general agitation. I can only describe the behaviour as similar to one of my male dogs who is territorially aggressive. He normally eats 6 pellets a day, and now will only eat 2.
Now I know that some people don't advise keeping guppies and Siamese together,

however I have a larger established tank where I have kept them together for a long time with no problems.
<Can work, but can be trouble...>
I am also perplexed as to why this has happened literally over night. Even when he's not after the guppies, he is swimming in a very agitated way anyway.
<Perhaps the chemical/medication exposure...>
My tank seems to be VERY reflective compared to my very established tank ( I can't seem to stop this). He seems to be obsessed with one side of it at the moment and keeps settling in a position with his head up, tail end down (in a diagonal).
<Ahh! A clue here>
Although I cannot see a bubble nest, I am wondering if he is wanting to breed. I cannot find a resource to tell me their breeding times etc.
<A matter of age, conditioning, environmental and social cues...>
I am not interested in breeding with him - I just need to know how fast this phase will pass if this is indeed the problem.
<May be... as you state, this fish is likely "spoiling for a fight", perhaps warmed up by responding to its own reflection. Happens>
The final point to note in his behaviour, is that he won't "settle" at all and rest in his favourite hiding place.
<Another clue>
If you believe my fighter has just decided that my guppies are a threat after all (slow decision!) - I can move them to my other tank (with an older fighter who is fine with guppies & other fish), however I am loath to do this in the first instance, because as I said - he just appears cross with the world generally!
Thanks
Anouska Simpson

General advice, FW mix of Bettas, Angels, Pictus Cats... 5/12/07
Hi to all the crew at web media,
<Hello.>
I have a 47.5 gallon tank and currently have 8 platies (all pairs), One male Betta splendens, four Angel fish Genders unknown and 3 pictus catfish (Genders also unknown) could you tell me whether or not in your opinion there could be trouble with the community I have described.
<Angelfish have been reported as "fin nippers" with fancy (as opposed to wild-type) bettas. Angels aren't otherwise "nippy" but when kept with fish as unable to swim as fancy bettas, they're certainly happy enough to have a nibble. Angels and Pimelodus pictus, on the other hand, are an old, established combo that generally works well.>
I did research and seek advice from veteran fishkeepers but would still appreciate feedback from your site and will be very grateful.
<Very good. I'd not keep the betta in there, and would instead swap it for something like lace gouramis or some type of medium-sized schooling fish, like Australian rainbowfish or bleeding heart tetras. But if the betta is there now, you may as well persevere and just be prepared to remove it if it looks nibbled. Your other problem with bettas of course is they aren't able to compete for food all that well. Hand-feeding the betta (easy enough to do) is one option here.>
Thanks in advance
Victor
<Hope this helps.>

Snail on its side, Betta comp. 5/2/07
I have a Ramshorn snail (Leisel) that has been laying on "her" side the past two days. I thought she was dead, so I pulled her out and pushed on her foot. She retracted way up into her shell, so I put her back down in the bowl upright, and a few hours later she leaning way over again. I noticed my betta (Seth) has been really "chummy" with Leisel, and is always right up next to her. I'm hoping Seth didn't eat off one of her eyes, and now she won't come out! (do bettas do that?)
<Sometimes, yes...>
Leisel looked really healthy the other day, trucking around faster than I've ever seen a snail move! Do you think she's dying?

If so, what can I do to save her!
Thanks,
Faith
<Do try placing this snail in its own glass jar... with water from the tank (to keep it separated from the Betta)... with a bit/sprig of floating plant if you have this... feeding it a bit of sinking food every few days, dumping the water out and replacing the next day... replacing with water from the Betta tank... and see if its health, behaviour improve. Bob Fenner>

Fin Nipping Betta 4/4/07
Hi! Loved your website but couldn't find an answer to my specific problem. <Hello>
I have 1 male Betta, and 3 female Bettas in a large fishbowl. I am getting very confused with all the different advice on websites and in the shops! I was told that they should live happily together if their temperaments are ok. <Consider yourself very lucky you have not had a bloodbath yet, guessing that will happen when they get ready to breed. They need to be separated ASAP.> Well, its been a week and it's not going as well as I'd hoped! One of the females seems to have taken the lead, and has nipped one of the other females badly, but this didn't seem to put the other female off - she kept swimming up to her no problem! So I took out the one who's fin was damaged, thought it might help her heal. Now it is just 2 females and the male. The 2 females seem to be getting on ok, one is the dominant one and the other is so calm, but the 'naughty' female seems to be nipping the fins on the male as well - everyday I come back his fins are more shredded! I only caught her doing this once, and that was at feeding time. <The females can be every bit as aggressive as the males.> Why does she do this? <It’s what Bettas do.> Will she stop when she gets used to him or will I have to remove her from the tank? <She will stop when she kills all her tankmates.> Also how long does it take for his fins to grow back? <Depends on their environmental conditions, in an unheated, unfiltered bowl probably never.> He doesn't seem too bothered, he is still swimming around happily and he occasionally flares at her but never bites her. <War is coming my friend.> Does their colour affect the behavior because I noticed that one of the females seems more red at times? <Health does, stress levels, etc.>
The other question is that I have been feeding them 2 bloodworms each - once in the morning and once in the evening. They won't eat the flake food that I bought. <Flake food is of limited use, pellets are much better, try some good quality pellets along with the bloodworms.> Is this enough food, do I need to vary it. <Variety.> There are lots of poo's on the gravel so its seems ok! ;) <Not really a good indicator of overall health.>
I do a 20% water change every other day, and I clean the whole tank once a week - putting about 20% of the old water back in. <Good, but Bettas really don't belong in bowls any more than other fish, a small 3G tank with a heater and filter is best for their health.>
Your advice would be much appreciated.
<Need to get reading, much to learn here, please start here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/bettasysart.htm >
<Chris>

Male Bettas in a divided tank 3/28/07
Your site is wonderful! Thank you! My husband and I just bought two Bettas yesterday and took the advice of the pet store (big mistake!). Needless to say we are off today to buy all the things they actually need. Right now we have them in a divided tank and one is constantly challenging the other.
<Yes... till he gets "too pooped"... best not to house in constant view>
This is causing one to be cowering in the corner and the other to be constantly flaring. We were thinking of buying a ten gallon and dividing it.
Would this be acceptable?
<Mmm, if the divider were not transparent...>
Will the bigger tank curb the challenging behaviors?
<To some extent, yes... but better that there is something more to obscure the appearance...>
The most important question is if it doesn't stop will they be healthy or get too stressed out?
<Too likely this latter>
Will two separate tanks be necessary if it doesn't stop?
<Mmm, no... just something with an obscuring effect... like a rounded hurricane lamp cover...>
We are new to Bettas but look forward to a lifetime of providing healthy environments, raising healthy fish and reading your site!
Thank you,
Paul and Mandy Tebb
<Thank you for your kind, encouraging words... I do encourage you to consider opaque glass or plastic sheet to temporarily separate these two. Bob Fenner>

Mixing Betta With Other Fish - 03/20/07
Hi, I recently purchased a 12 gallon Nanocube aquarium for my betta and added two dwarf gouramis (powder blue and red/blushing). The betta was pretty upset and kept attacking them so I put him back in his own container. I then acquired a blue paradise fish which I was told would get along fine with the gouramis but he is acting quite aggressive as well - especially when the gouramis try to eat - he chases them away.
Can you give me any suggestions on how I can change the balance of the aquarium so that it is more peaceful (I'm pretty sure all three fish in the tank are male)? Am I at the max as far as the number of fish I can have? I was told this by the pet shop. Thanks Sharon Horvat
< All of the gourami type fish you tend to like, always hang around the surface of the aquarium. Fish are territorial and you tank is not big enough to allow all these fish to have a territory. Go with one gourami type only, then try other kinds of peaceful fish that hang around other areas of the tank like the bottom or middle area.-Chuck.>

Betta Compatibility 3/20/07
Hello,
<<Hi, Cori. Tom with you.>>
I've read through your questions on bettas but I didn't see the one I was looking for.
<<Let’s do our own, then. :) >>
I have a male crown tail betta in one tank, a very large happy 2 yr old female betta in another tank, and a huge tank with two red eared slider turtles- both 3 yrs. old and very very large.
<<Sounds nice, Cori.>>
I am interested in a getting a larger tank to place one of my bettas in with some other fish. I know the basic fish that bettas are compatible with but I was wondering about their compatibility with clown loaches. I absolutely love these little fish and would love to add one or two to my new tank project but I don't want them to get hurt.
<<The Loaches won’t get hurt, Cori. I’d be more concerned about the Betta, personally. As they mature, Botia, in general, can become somewhat unpredictable in their behavior toward their tank mates. It’s not unheard of for them to attack smaller tank mates and, at their mature size, your Betta would be “dwarfed” not to mention slow, relatively speaking. I wouldn’t be concerned while they’re juveniles but thought I would toss it out for what it’s worth.>>
Secondly, if I do set up a new tank with other fish - which of my bettas should make a better tank mate? The young male crown tail? Or the older female? My older female seems more aggressive in her eating patterns than my male. My male betta seems content but sometimes shy and skittish.
<<A very good question, Cori. In your shoes, I’d go with the male. The younger fish will be more adaptive, I believe, in the long run. Your female, by Betta standards, is probably a little old to adapt well to the activity of tank mates especially given the information you’ve shared about feeding. Are either of these reasonings absolute? Nope. In fact I’d bet that most folks would make the opposite choice thinking the female would be more docile. That’s not always the case, though. Given the way that female Bettas fashion a hierarchy among themselves, she might stir up some discontent where the male would be more likely to mind his own business.>>
Thanks a bunch,
Cori
<<Happy to help, Cori. Wishing you luck in your venture. Tom>>

Betta doing a war dance 3/14/07
Dear Crew,
<Hi there- Jorie here this morning.>
The little Oto died. His belly swelled-up and he couldn't move, terrible. I was about to euthanize him with clove oil, but I found him dead when I returned form the store.
<Sorry to hear of your loss, I wasn't the one who assisted you with your previous query(ies). At a minimum, do be sure to do a significant water change in this tank where the Oto died, if there are other inhabitants, aside from doing your best to understand what caused the death...>
A new problem: I also have a 20 gallon tank (planted, heated, filtered) that's been home to 1 male betta (Midas) for several months. I introduced 3 platy girls yesterday and the betta is harassing them: when they come out from the java moss he flares, does his little war dance, and drives them back into the moss.
<You should have quarantined these new fish prior to adding them into a community tank...>
One has a white speck I'm fearing is ick (I have a planted tank so CopperSafe isn't an option).
<Ack! First off, you don't want to medicate your main tank. You need to isolate the affected fish ASAP. Also, with platies, you don't need super-strong medication to treat ich - these fish are sufficiently salt-tolerant that a gradual increase of salinity (with marine salt, if possible, but aquarium salt will also work) to 1.005, along with a gradual increase of temperature will speed up the parasite's lifecycle; this, coupled with lots of water changes should rid the fish/tank of the parasite. You will need to keep the affected fish isolated for a minimum of three weeks, four being better...>
I thought (a) place a divider in the tank and let the betta watch the platys for a week or so, then remove the divider, (b) remove the betta to a 2 gallon bowl for a week or so and then re-introduce him, (c) return the platys to the store (they're quite cute).
<Option (d): move the sick platy into its own filtered, heated QT./hospital tank and treat via "hypersalinity" / heat / frequent water change method described above. Keep a very close eye on other platys and the Betta for signs of ich.
With regard to the Betta harassing the platy, I think I'd try option (a) (e.g., tank divider) to see if you can get him "used" to his new friends. Putting tankmates with Bettas, especially males, is "iffy", at best, in my opinion/experience; you may have a particularly aggressive species of Betta that needs to be housed alone. If that's the case, I suggest getting him his own 3-5 gal. filtered/heated tank and keeping the planted 20 gal. for platys/other livebearers.>
I actually thought he'd like the distraction of a few fish friends... he is "distracted" but not in a good way.
<I tend to think this way also - but sadly, it doesn't always work. Personally, I keep my male Bettas housed individually - they are perfectly content by themselves, and the two tanks I have are close enough that they can see each other at times, for exercise, stimulation...>
Regards, Michelle
<Good luck, Jorie>

Betta Tankmates in 5 Gallon 3/11/07
I just bought a beautiful blue & red male betta from Petsmart. I have a 5-gallon tank w/ heater & filter. I would like to get a tankmate for my betta. I asked an associate at the store, and she said guppies. I have read that that is a BAD idea. Every site says something different. What do you suggest as a tankmate? My betta seems very docile, just slowly moves around the tank.
<In a tank of this size, I would leave the Betta as the sole inhabitant...due to both size and aggression issues.>
*~Amanda~*
<Adam J.>

Housing two female Bettas together 3/6/07
Hello,
<<Hi, Kaylie. Tom with you.>>
I have a question: can two female betta fishes be in the same tank?
<<It’s not a good idea, Kaylie. Female Bettas don’t fight outright over territorial issues, per se, as the males will. Instead, a dominant female will anoint herself “Queen”, in a manner of speaking, and the other females will fall in line in a sort of “pecking order”. The problem with housing only two females together is that the dominant female is unlikely to stop harassing the subordinate female resulting in an unhappy ending for the “underling”. I don’t personally embrace this type of “experimentation” but three or more females can be housed together in a large enough tank if you’re very careful about it. They’ll still establish “who’s who” among them but, with luck, they’ll settle into the tank and live peacefully together. Given the fact that we never really know how an individual fish will behave until it happens, I prefer not to rely on “luck” in situations like this though some folks claim to have developed very nice tanks this way. (Given that breeders are going more and more for coloration in females similar to that of the males, I can see where this might be a very tempting project to attempt.)>>
Kaylie
<<Tom>>

Re: Housing two female Bettas together ... Thank you 3/10/07
Thank you for all the help, Tom, with the two female bettas together. I will not try it - for the well-being of the fish. I am happy with one for now. Thanks a ton! – Kaylie
<<You’re welcome, Kaylie. I’d venture that the majority of Betta owners, myself included, are a little disheartened that these beautiful fish are solitary for the most part. Would be quite a display to have a tank full of males and females together! (Sigh…) Tom>>

Cory Cat Addition 2/25/07
Hi,
<Hello.>
my name is Colleen McCarthy,
<My name is Adam J. but my friends just call me Action.>
and I have a male betta in a 2.5 gal tank.
<Neat.>
i was wondering if you think adding a Cory catfish or two would be okay.
<Mmm...not in this size tank.>
thanks,
<Of course.>
colleen
<Adam J.>

Re: Cory Cat Addition – 2/25/07
well what is the minimum size tank for 2 or 3 together?
<The ideal setting would be at least a 10 gallon standard tank with some fake or live plant coverage for hiding...5 at a minimum in my experience.>
colleen
<Adam J.>

Bettas and algae eaters - compatibility - 02/17/2007
<<Hi, Lynne. Tom here.>>
I have a 5-gal (19L) Waterhome5 tank with one betta (named The Terminator after he killed 2 Mickey mouse platys recommended by my LFS). I had a cloudy water problem and found out I was not allowing the tank to condition - changing the water as soon as it got cloudy. I was doing a 20% water replacement every few days but it didn't help.
<<The cloudy water was likely the result of a bacterial bloom, Lynne. The bacteria (always present, by the way) feed on excess nutrients and as long as those nutrients remain, the bacteria will simply propagate and the issue remains unresolved.>>
I have small smooth rocks as a bottom layer (no gravel). Last weekend I did another complete change after being told I was probably being TOO clean and was advised to maybe just rinse but NOT scrub the rocks this time (some slime algae on Plexiglas sides needed to be cleaned, too).
<<Beneficial bacteria will populate the substrate, whatever it might be. Too thorough a cleaning basically wipes out the population leaving you right back at “square one”. If you choose to rinse your substrate rather than vacuum it, make sure you rinse the rocks in used aquarium water to prevent damaging the bio-colonies too severely.>>
Then I started again, even with new filters, and added 2 live plants. It clouded up within the first day, but after reading up a bit more decided to leave it alone to see if it would clear itself, and IT DID! Yippee!
<<Yep. The “bad” bacteria ate themselves out of house and home!>>
Last night I noticed green "stuff" on all the stones at the bottom of the tank. Here we go again!
<<Likely just an algae build-up. The plants will help with this since they’ll typically out-compete the algae for nutrients (nitrates) in the tank. Be careful about over-feeding and keep lighting levels minimized.>>
Question: How and what do I clean or not clean to get rid of this stuff? Can I add an algae eater to the tank to help?
<<Regular water changes are important here. With Bettas, you should be looking at a water change once per week. Nothing extreme, just about 20% will suffice. Now, as to your second question, I’m neither a proponent of placing other fish with Bettas nor am I a proponent of adding “algae eaters” to a tank to control algae. Regarding the former, I think you had a first-hand look with the Platys as to why I don’t recommend mixing Bettas with others. All too often, somebody comes out on the “short end”, either the Betta or the other fish. As to the latter, you’d most probably end up with an algae eater that doesn’t have any more algae to feed on after a time. There are other ways to control this nuisance growth without buying a fish that you may not really want beyond its ability/willingness to clean your tank. Your five-gallon tank is a wonderful size for a single Betta. No need to mess with a good thing.>>
If so, which species and how many without crowding the tank.
<<See above…>>
I don't have a water test kit (way too expensive) so I don't know what my chemical levels are. I'm just afraid the unsightly algae is detrimental to the health of the fish.
<<Your local LFS will test a sample of your water for free. Don’t settle for “fine”, “good”, “within limits” or “safe”. Get the actual readings from them. As far as the algae goes, it’s only “unsightly” to us. The Betta doesn’t care. Our concern is if the growth is due to excessive nitrates in the water. Since these can/will be controlled with regular water changes, keep up with these and you should be fine. Good luck. Tom>>

Re: bettas and algae eaters - compatibility - 02/17/2007
<<Hello, again, Lynne.>>
Whew! Thought I was looking at a lot of money on fish, water test kit, chemical fixatives, etc. I do a 20% water change every 5 - 7 days, so as long as the algae isn't doing damage to the fish I'll continue as I am and give the plants a chance to do their "thing". Green isn't my favourite colour but it's soothing to the eyes (so I am told).
<<A very positive attitude. :) >>
This little $4. fish has cost me a bundle so far! LOL! Bigger tank (he looked crowded), vacuum, rocks, plants, tank scrubber, anti-chlorine conditioner, filters, food (he won't eat brine shrimp pellets). He was chosen of the lot because he looked the most beat-up, sort of like one of Muhammad Ali's early contenders, with tears in his fins and the front two that are supposed to be lengthy and flowing were only about 1/4" long (I always was a sucker for animals in need).
<<Technically not the best way to purchase a pet but your heart’s certainly in the right place. Bless you for that.>>
Since I've had him (about 5 months) his fins have grown back really well with only one slit in the top fin having a small bit of healing left - and his front fins are growing and flowing nicely.
<<Good to hear this, Lynne.>>
I'd read that often Bettas with coloured edges on their fins usually don't have the coloured edges grow back, but his did and quite handsomely, too.
<<Excellent but a bit unusual, as you suggest.>>
He's VERY aggressive, though, even making a rush at the vacuum when I'm cleaning his tank. (I guess he doesn't realize that the cleaning lady has to visit at least once a week.) What a trooper. I figured if he had that much will to live, I'd do what I could to help.
<<Well, I’d see the aggressiveness as all the more reason to keep him by himself. Bettas don’t need companions, other than you, of course. Our “human nature” sometimes gets in the way of doing what’s best and, most natural, for our pets. Hard to overcome but necessary.>>
Thanks so much for your quick reply. Newbies really appreciate that.
<<Happy to be of assistance, Lynne. Continued good luck to you.>>
LC
<<Tom>>

Bi-Polar Betta, CAE incomp.? 2/6/07
My bf and I just got our new addition to the family about a week ago. Our betta (guy) seemed ecstatic when we first got him, put him in the tank and he's already making bubble nests. He has a roommate that's a sucker fish (piggy).
<A CAE? Gyrinocheilus (looks this up)... not compatible>
Last night we came home he seemed fine then as we were about to go to sleep he started acting strange. He'll jet back and fourth in the tank, like he's going crazy, then he'll sink to the bottom and just hang out right against the glass, he did it couple of times. I know it doesn't sound like much but he lashes and jerks around and I've never seen that before so I had some cause for concern.
<The Chinese Algae Eater is likely sucking the very life out of this fish... read up, and move the CAE, pronto. Bob Fenner>

Re: Bi-Polar Betta, lack of WWM use 2/6/07
I apologize maybe I said the wrong fish we got our betta a Plecostomus, and now three little mollies to go with it. everyone stays at their own end of the tank, though I think betta is trying to establish dominance.
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/betcompfaqs.htm and the linked files above... your mix is not tenable. Bob Fenner>

Final questions: Bettas 1/19/07
These guys are alone, with water plants and aeration, in gallon tanks.
Can I placed a few shrimp in their with them to help clean up?
<Yes>
I know the Bettas will snap at these suckers and mistake them for food - should I worry though? I understand tropical fish like ghost shrimp (if they can catch one), but now, I'm more concerned about the Betta eating something he isn't supposed to (or eating too much and dying).
<Likely fine>
If, perchance, the Betta doesn't get along with the ghost shrimp, will it be overly stressed? Or should I just let him get use to it and let the ghost shrimp stress about when he will be lunch meat?
<Bettas are so "autistic" that they're not likely to notice the Shrimp>
Closing question: My girlfriend is clumsy and sheds hair all over the place. Is there any treatment for her? I mean, other than cooking mad desserts, what can be done about her?!!! :-)
<Scalp massage (to promote sebum production/distribution), better and changed-up conditioners, and improved diet... Perhaps more assiduous attention paid to hair-trimming... cutting off "dead ends" every few weeks>
P.s. I love sleeping to the sound of the waterfall and water bubbles from all the tanks.
Final final question:
Any pet you suggest would give endless amusement and garnish admiration in addition to my current friends we have?
Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
<Perhaps a stint working in the trade, volunteering at a public aquarium>
Until next the next tetra dies, or my salamander gets eaten by the grub.
Thanks. all-knowing creature people.
Kris
<Do please make these submissions as "one topic"... far easier for others to reference, us to "put away". Bob Fenner>

Betta Compatibility with Neon Tetras 1/7/07
Hi,
<Hi>
Great web site. <Thanks> I am in the process of starting up the first cycle in my 30 litre heated Biorb with 2 neon tetras and 1 algae eating shrimp. <Neon tetras are pretty sensitive to water quality, keep a close eye on it.> So far so good and I am now planning ahead to see which fish I would like to add and when. Could I add a male Betta/fighter in a month’s time? (when chemical levels are good etc..) <Not a good mix, have seen Bettas try to eat little Neons, plus their water quality needs are pretty different.> If so and if he is settled could I then add more neon tetras at a later date?
Thank you very much in advance,
Rob
<Chris>

New tanks - what's safe with Siamese fighters? 1/3/07
Hi All,
<Hello - Jorie here...>
I was advised to use your site, and have a good look around.
<It's a good resource - I learned so much from this site.>
I only have one question. I haven't had a tank for about 3 years now, and am now in the process of setting up 2 new tanks, and am hoping that at some point in the future to be able to add a male Siamese Fighter. I'm worried about the sorts of fish that can go in with him, coz...
<because; no e-speak here, please...>
I don't want any nipping at him. I had a problem last time with that, and worked out that it was the Angel fish, so I separated them, and they both thrived. I don't want to have to do that again; are there any fish I should definitely avoid?
<Well, obviously I wouldn't suggest another Betta/angel combination. In all honesty, I prefer to keep Bettas individually, to minimize risks such as the one you've identified. Plus, in my opinion, they have such wonderful personalities, that I enjoy seeing each one on his own. Finally, with their temperature preferences (80-82 degrees F is ideal), it's hard to find other tropical fish that will thrive in those environments. However, it can, and has, been done. You want to find peaceful community fish that won't harass the Betta's beautiful, flowing fins. Bottom dwellers, such as Corys or loaches, would be fine. Some livebearers might be OK, but it could be risky, as well; I've got a few mollies that are holy-terrors, and would likely tear a Betta apart. Tetras or danios might work also. Of course, you need to ensure that space requirements, etc. are met.>
Thanks Emma XXXXX
Best of luck. Do consider housing the Betta independently, in a 2-3 gal. filtered tank, and setting up a community tank with other fish - that's my personal recommendation for the best solution. Jorie>

Betta with ich; Betta placement in community tank 12/2/06
Hi Crew,
<Hello and welcome back!>
Once again I find myself returning to your comprehensive website - I have been reading through articles and FAQs, but am a little confused due to contradicting answers etc.
<Can happen. Fish care, illness, etc. is not an exact science, but rather an "art" in the sense that some things can be accomplished differently...>
Yesterday I bought an extremely sick Betta from a pretty bad pet store. I know, not meant to buy sick fish - but he was cowering under a plant, and is absolutely covered with ich, and I thought that he would die for sure if left there, since the store was not treating and not even aware that their fish were sick! (There were even goldfish literally piled into a corner and resting on top of one another - very unnatural).
<You did a good thing, trying to save this poor Betta! At least now he's got a fighting chance...>
I have placed the Betta in a (previously cycled, though I suppose the medication will kill this)...
<Yes, generally medication kills a cycle>
...10 gal heated, filtered quarantine tank with a teaspoon of salt per 5 gals and ich medication - formaldehyde and malachite green.
<*Very harsh* medications - do keep a close eye on your Betta to make sure he isn't suffering ill effects.>
Even fed him some mosquito larvae from our pond, which he ate, and although he is absolutely covered in ich he is fairly active.
<Live food can transmit all sorts of parasites, diseases to fish; better to invest in frozen (and purified) bloodworms, or mysis shrimp, or even a quality pellet such as the ones made by Hikari or Spectrum New Life.>
Does all sound right so far?
<See above.>
Before purchasing this Betta I was planning on setting up a new Walstad style 20 gal planted tank. Before buying the Betta I was thinking of having a school of 6 Corydoras, possibly 2 Otocinclus, some fairy shrimp (I think these are native to Australia and grow to an inch long - not sure as I have been unable to find much information on them) and a few male and female guppies, which I wished to breed as I have never done this before. I was thinking of starting with 2 males and 6 females and going from there. Would it be possible to keep the Betta with this combination? I have read in your articles that Bettas are not compatible with guppies, but then in FAQs it was stated that pairing them with fancy guppies would be okay. Also, I was told on another forum that if I kept the Betta with this combination he would eat the baby shrimp and guppies and in effect be population control. What do you think? Am I courting disaster? If so with the guppies, would the Betta be okay with the other fish I mentioned?
<Honestly, in keeping Bettas in community tanks, so much depends on the Betta's individual personality. Some are more aggressive, and may eat the shrimp and/or fry, and some are quite timid, and could be picked on by the sometimes aggressive male livebearers. I personally choose to keep Bettas individually in 2-3 gal. heated and filtered tanks - provided with adequate decorations and plants, they seem to enjoy they little "fiefdoms". Another consideration which has led me to the decision to keep Bettas singly is their love of warm tropical waters - 82 degrees F is ideal - and that's on the high-end of acceptable for many other tropical fish (and simply not OK for some species). All the livestock you mention above should be able to tolerate water that warm, but again, it is on the high-end of the spectrum. Were it me, I'd invest in a 3 gal. Eclipse for the Betta, and build my community aquarium without him. You can certainly try what you are proposing, but I cannot promise success...
With regard to the Betta and ich, do monitor him closely for signs of medicine toxicity. So long as he's eating and swimming, and you've said he is, then I wouldn't be concerned and would continue the course of medication according to the directions. The salt should also help. Be prepared to do a complete water change if the fish starts suffering. There are several non-medicinal alternatives for treating ich, one of which includes raising the temperature slowly (a degree a day)...this will speed up the lifecycle of the parasite (ich), and when used in conjunction with water changes, can effectively eliminate the problem.
Thank you for all your great information and help,
Emma
<Good luck with your Betta, and kudos to you for helping him! Jorie>

Betta with ich; Betta placement in community tank 12/8/06
Hi Crew, <Hello and welcome back!> Once again I find myself returning to your comprehensive website - I have been reading through articles and FAQs, but am a little confused due to contradicting answers etc. <Can happen. Fish care, illness, etc. is not an exact science, but rather an "art" in the sense that some things can be accomplished differently...> Yesterday I bought an extremely sick Betta from a pretty bad pet store. I know, not meant to buy sick fish - but he was cowering under a plant, and is absolutely covered with ich, and I thought that he would die for sure if left there, since the store was not treating and not even aware that their fish were sick! (There were even goldfish literally piled into a corner and resting on top of one another - very unnatural). <You did a good thing, trying to save this poor Betta! At least now he's got a fighting chance...&