Betta (small tank; tankmates)  12/02/08
Here is my setup:
5.5 gallon tank
hanging filtration system heated to 80 degrees There is 1 male Crowntail Betta. What else can I put in there? I am dying add some roommates, but don't want to cause any trouble.
Thanks,
Lauren
<You can't add any more fish. End of story. You could add some small shrimps such as Cherry Shrimps though. Do have a read of this article on stocking small freshwater tanks:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_5/volume_5_3/stocking.htm
Cheers, Neale.>

Setting up new Betta tank  11/19/08
Hello, Crew!
You've been a great resource and I need your help one more time.
<Thanks for the kind words.>
I am setting up a 10 gallon tank at work and plan to get a Betta(s).
<A perfect size for these wonderful fish.>
Someone who had dealt with Bettas before told me that I can get two-three females in addition to the male.
<In theory yes, but in practise, only worth doing if you have another tank you can remove the male to if necessary. Make no mistake: once the male is guarding his nest, he will view any other fish, including female Bettas, as threats. He can/will kill them. Sexually mature males will also harass females that are not "ripe" with eggs, ready to spawn. To be honest, I wouldn't do this. If you want a busy tank, then choose tankmates suitable for this size tank. Cherry shrimps for example. Kuhli loaches are also great with Bettas.>
But, reading about how territorial and aggressive Bettas can be, I have my doubts. Please let me know if there is such thing as big happy Betta family.
<No. Males form their own "families" with the eggs and fry prior the fry becoming free swimming. Otherwise, these fish definitely territorial loners.>
I put about 3 gallons of tap water and one gallon of an established tank's water (from home) and will let it sit until after Thanksgiving, and then plan to add fish. So the 10 gallon tank is about half full ~ should I add more water from the old tank?
<Water carries no filter bacteria, or virtually none anyway. So do what you want with it, it'll have NO affect on cycling the tank (i.e., maturing the filter). If you have an established tank, then take MEDIA from the filter in the established tank and put in the new tank's filter.>
The temperature stays pretty much around 70F and no drifts here - do you think I still need a heater?
<Yes, far too cold. Bettas need 26-28 C (79-82 F). Vast numbers of Bettas die from being kept in unheated tanks. Here's the rule: Do you live in tropical Southeast Asia? If the answer is "yes", then by all means keep your Betta in an unheated tank. If the answer is "No", then you need a heater.>
Is the filter necessary for this size tank?
<Yes.>
I do have gravel, decorations and silk plants already and plan to get live plants as well, so there should be enough hiding places.
Thank you for your help.
~Yana
<Hope this helps, Neale.>  

Betta Compatibility 11-8-08
Hello,
This is sort of a stupid question, but it is so personalized I was not able to find it on you site.
<Hello! Good morning! There are no stupid questions so ask away!>
I have a 2.5 Gal. tank for my Betta fish & was wondering if I could add some glass or cherry shrimp. I thought this might be a bit much for the tank but I thought I'd ask. It's filtered. <Sounds like your Betta is living the great life, keep up the great work!> It's heated to a constant 82°F and the dimensions are 12.5 L x 9 H x 4 W (the front is wavy so these aren't exact.) It has plenty of fake plants and a fake hollowed out log for hiding. (There is still plenty of room for swimming. and all of the plants are safe for the Betta's fins.) And I'm very positive that I can't add a Cory cat but I thought I'd ask anyways. Thanks for any input on the system or my questions.
<It sounds like you have a very nice setup for your Betta. I have added glass shrimp to a 5 gallon with a Betta and it worked out well, until the Betta found the shrimp. He attacked them constantly. Regarding your situation, you have a well filtered tank and if your Betta is nicer than mine, I don't see why adding a shrimp could be putting your tank in danger. Just keep a watch on the parameters, like ammonia and nitrates incase your filter can't handle the bioload.>
By the way, this is such a nice site.
Thanks so much it has been an invaluable resource.
Matt
<You are welcome! And thanks for the compliments! Merritt A.>

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.>

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>

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>

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.>

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.
<I would isolate or remove the Betta here... It is likely the culprit. Bob Fenner>

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
<I think the Corydoras Cats will be fine companions here... Bob Fenner>

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?
<I do think you have something here. BobF>

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!
<I do understand, and I'll do my best to respond to your thoughts...>
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,
<I am one of these>
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
<I would either move one or the other, or try covering the reflective side/s with dark paper to see if this makes a difference. Bob Fenner>

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?
<I hope not>
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...> 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>

Snails Won't Come Out Of Shells  - 10/13/06
We have two snails from a pet store in a 5 gallon tank with a betta.  The Betta appears to have eaten the two long feelers on both snails, but both continued to thrive or so it appeared.  One has gone into its shell and doesn't seem to come back out to eat. Now the second one seems to being doing the same.  What causes them to do that?
< Doesn't sound like they are happy. Their sensors are probably damaged and they need time to regenerate them. They probably come out and move around under the cover of darkness.>  What other info can I give you to try and solve this or is this a common thing that store bought snails tend to die?
< They live a long time when well cared for. Your betta has made them into mobile banquet blocks. This will make ir difficult for them to come out during the day time and eat.>
I have no clue as to the type of snail, they actually seemed to have a healthy appetite since they would come to the top when my wife was feeding the betta (male). and she seen them funnel the food into their mouth
thanks Timothy B.
< Isolate the snails in an unheated bucket of treated water and see if they come out without the betta being around.-Chuck>

New filter-will tank cycle again?
Hello,
<<Hi, Tamera. Tom here.>>
Six weeks ago I set up a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. I had a Whisper Filter and added Bio-Spira to the aquarium.
<<Excellent.>>
I did what the employees at the pet shop told me to do-including adding 7 fish after the 3rd day of setup.
<<This, I'm not so crazy about even with the addition of the Bio-Spira.>>
I added 4 more 2 weeks later. I had:
2 Serpae Tetras
2 Rosy Barbs
1 Clown Loach
1 Pictus Catfish
1 Betta
and finally 4 Neon Tetras.
<<For future reference, Tamera, don't include a Betta in this particular scheme. Not only do these fish require very different conditions, particularly as regards temperature, but the Tetras and Barbs will have a "field day" with the Bettas fins. In my opinion, I would also eliminate the Clown Loach. These tend to grow too large for a 20-gallon tank and are not the cute, little darlings in adulthood that they seem to be as juveniles, behaviorally speaking.>>
Unfortunately, due to my ignorance I overfed and my Whisper Filter was only turned up at 50% capacity.
<<I'm going to give the folks at the fish shop some of the "credit" here, too, Tamera. The stocking issues I just referred to should have sent up a flag to someone there.>>
So, at 4 weeks all my fish died except 1 Rosy Barb. I had my water tested and my Nitrites were 10 ppm and Nitrates were 40 ppm. This is all the Pet Shop employee told me.
<<Yep, that would have done it, though I'm sorry nevertheless about your fish.>>
I was told to do 20% water changes and add Prime. I bought a kit and started testing the water myself. (An employee told me previously I didn't need to do this.)
<<It occurs to me that there's something of an unfortunate pattern developing with the kind of advice, and lack thereof, that you seem to be getting from these folks. I hope, for your sake and for the sakes of your future pets, that this shop isn't the "only game in town.">>
Of course, none of this was effective. Finally, in desperation I typed in (How many water changes must I do to get Nitrites down?) on the Google site. Thank God your site came up. After following all the advise on FAQ on Marine/Freshwater Quality involving Nitrites
something happened. Today after H20 changes of 25%, 50%, and 75%-10 days in a row, a new Penguin Biowheel 150, Bio-Spira, Prime and aquarium salt my readings are:
Nitrate: 0 ppm
Nitrite: .5 ppm
Total Hardness: 150
Alkalinity: 120-180
P.H. 7.8
Things are much better (many, many thanks to you), but I didn't have room to keep my Whisper Filter. I am afraid that with it gone my tank will cycle again in 4 weeks. Should I add more Bio-Spira to my Biowheel just in case?
<<Your tank is already "cycling", Tamera, as evidenced by the detection of the nitrites. How far along it is would be easier to tell if you had included ammonia readings. If these are zero, you're in pretty decent shape, though the nitrites need to come down to zero, as well, as you now understand. As for the BIO-Spira, absolutely add it. Not only is it an excellent product but, frankly, it's too expensive not to utilize it.>>
I'll still keep doing water changes until I can get readings to appropriate levels and won't add fish until I am sure it's ok.
<<At this point, I would recommend holding off on more water changes, Tamera. Let the BIO-Spira do its work. Continue testing your water regularly. You're in a good position to witness, first-hand, how the cycling process progresses. There's nothing wrong with getting some good, sound advice but it's not a substitute for personal knowledge when dealing with unknowledgeable people.>>
I am afraid to trust the employee's at the pet stores- I went to two.
<<At this stage, I'd be more than a little reluctant to "trust" what I was being told by these folks, too. Make sure that you research any fish you have your eye on before making a purchase. Behavioral compatibility is, obviously, important but environmental compatibility is just as important. Do yourself another favor, if you haven't already done so, and test your water straight out of the tap. This can give you a big advantage when choosing new fish particularly where pH levels are concerned. Until you've got some experience under your belt, you don't want to play around with altering your pH levels in the aquarium. For instance, Neon Tetras thrive in soft, acidic water. Your's is fairly hard and definitely alkaline (basic). They just won't do well in this. It'll pay, in more ways than one, to keep fish that prefer conditions as close as possible to what you have available at the tap.>>
Any help would be appreciated.
<<Hopefully, that's what we've done for you, Tamera.>>
This web site is so helpful. It's a great source of knowledge-thank you so much!
<<And, thank you for being so kind. Best regards and good luck as you continue in the hobby! Tom>>

Betta fish companions? Foods? Reading?   9/5/06
Hello Rob :)
<Emily>
I've been thinking about buying a betta fish for a while now. One of my friends is giving me a 10 gallon tank, so I was hoping to put a
betta and some other fish in there. Any suggestions, or should I just put the betta in my him/herself?
Also, do you have favorite brands for betta food and such?
Thanks for your time,
~Emily
<Mmm, yes and yes. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/betcompfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Betta With First Fish Tank   9/2/06
Hi Web Crew! First, I just want to thank you for being such a wonderful resource!!!  We've been reading your site and using your FAQs to set up my daughters first aquarium.  She has a Hex 5 and we've spent the last month getting the water balance just right (we used two Gourami  to start the tank)  The tank also has very fine black sand and Water Sprite in it.  All of this because one of her best friends wants to give her a Betta for her birthday and my daughter wanted to try other fish as well. . .
So, which variety of Betta are less aggressive or at least more likely to get along with the two happy Gouramis?
< All the bettas you are likely to find in stores are going to be the aggressive ones. Females are not as aggressive but they still are bettas and may be aggressive.>
Do you have any other suggestions for introducing a Betta?
< Place the beta in the tank at night just before you turn off the lights. As the morning lights slowly come on the Betta will have a chance to gradually get use to the new tank.>
<Are there any bottom cleaners (like catfish) you could recommend for this situation?
Thanks!
<Small fish like clown Plecos, Oto cats or Corys will be OK.-Chuck>

Betta compatibility in 5 gal tank   8/27/06
Hello!
<<Hello, Sarah. Tom here.>>
First, I would like to thank you for your wonderful site!  I found it three days ago and have spent numerous hours reading it.
<<And, I'd like to thank you for the kind words. Glad you've found much to read.>>  
I purchased a five gallon hex tank with filtration about a month ago (it has been fishless cycling for the duration).  I’ve been checking the Ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, and after some fluctuation, they’ve all leveled out to acceptable ranges (7.2, 0,0, and 5ppm as per your FAQ’s).
<<Very good.>>
I don’t have a heater, but the water seems to stay between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
<<A heater still wouldn't be a bad idea, Sarah. Temperature swings of more than a couple of degrees can be stressful.>>
The tank has a castle ornament with a cave-like opening and a small live fern (which was just introduced two days ago).
I would like to get a Betta, and am wondering what I could put in with it. After reading through the Betta compatibility FAQ’s, I’ve tentatively decided on getting a Cory cat (or two, if my tank can support them both), and maybe either three scissortail rasboras (I read that rasboras may be compatible; are they all the same, temperament-wise?
<<Not really, Sarah. Your tank is already too warm to house the Rasboras comfortably. The Corys would adapt well enough to what you have now and a Betta would actually prefer it warmer by a couple of degrees.>>
If so, these would be my first choice), or three white cloud minnows.
<<The White Clouds and Rasboras prefer similar temperatures - cooler than what we normally associate with Tropical fish and certainly cooler than what a Betta will handle.>>
I understand that the ability (or willingness) of a Betta to acclimate to community living depends on the individual fish.  
<<Quite true. The key is to place them, if at all, in a community where all of the fish share common needs regarding water conditions.>>
The only thing that I’m wondering about at this point is the numbers of the other fish I can get.  Would my small tank hold that many fish, or would I be overloading it?  
<<The Rasboras would be overloading it terrifically, Sarah. Will grow too large for anything short of a 25-30 gallon tank, perhaps larger. The Cory(s) would do fine in small numbers but I'd like to make a point here with you. Bettas not only prefer but, in my opinion, need aquarium salt in the water. Catfish, including Corys, don't tolerate salt well. For that reason, I don't consider Bettas and Corys "compatible" in the broader sense of the word.>>
Additionally, I am planning on adding the fish in stages, starting with the Betta, then the Corys, and last the third species.  Is this a good plan (assuming that the species can cohabitate in the available space)?
<<Were it me, Sarah, I'd stick with a Betta alone. (Mine's in a 20-gallon tank by itself.) Your five-gallon tank is a good size for a Betta and, compared to what these fish normally get stuck in, I'd say it's a very good choice. I'm afraid. though, that you'd be pushing it to try to add more fish quantity-wise and, given the specifics of what Bettas need to thrive, I don't know that you have the options that I'm sure you'd like to have.>>
This isn’t my first tank (although it is the first in several years), but I’ve never had such a small tank.  Unfortunately, space restrictions do not permit anything larger.  I’ve previously owned two Bettas, which were both kept in one gallon bowls and both lived for about two years. At the time, I thought that they had to live in bowls and could not have other fish with them (I had no idea that Bettas could be kept in a community until I saw a few in community settings at a fish store).
<<I'd be a bit leery of duplicating what you might find in fish stores, Sarah. Obviously, many more fish are typically housed together in display tanks than you or I would ever consider stocking our tanks with. Additionally, there are fish housed together that shouldn't be together in a "home" setting. Puffers are one example of this but there are others. This isn't to say it can't work. There are plenty of folks who'll share that they've kept Bettas in community tanks very nicely. I'm just going with the "high-percentage" call based on my own research and personal experience.>>
Thank you,
Sarah
<<Probably somewhat disappointing advice based on what you were looking to achieve, Sarah, but I'd rather be a bit of a "wet blanket" than suggest giving it a "go" and having things work out poorly. Good luck to you. Tom>>

Re: Betta compatibility in 5 gal tank (Tom)  8/28/06
Hi Tom!
<<Hello, Sarah.>>
I would like to thank you for your quick response.  
<<Not a problem and happy to do so.>>
Although I can’t say I’m not disappointed by your “wet blanket”, I would rather be disappointed now than later, and would like to think that I’m giving my future pet a good home (which is why I asked in the first place).  
<<I appreciate that and, personally, I'd rather think in terms of quality than quantity. If it's any consolation, I've "wet-blanketed" myself far more than I have any of the good folks like you who write in to this site. I really frustrate me, sometimes. :)>>
Given that it is such a small tank, I’ve decided to go ahead and get only the Betta, rather than try to stock it with other types of fish (instead of the Betta) and deal with space/bioload issues.
<<I like your thinking, Sarah. For what it's worth, I do a 20% water change every three to four days for my Betta and, as I mentioned, he's in a 20-gallon tank. He loves it but it's probably more than you'd go through with an "average" tropical tank. In fact, too much of a "good thing" for the average tropical aquarium can be more detrimental than beneficial in a lot of cases. You'll be spending plenty of time with your Betta. No need to "invite" potential problems.>>
Again, thank you so much for the great info!
Sarah
<<Any time, Sarah, and thanks for writing back. My best. Tom>>