Ive got a 56 gallon (30x18x24) heavily planted tank. Very high lighting (Metal Halide 175w), pressurized c02, swift upper level water movement, consistent PH of nearly 7.0, no measurable ammonia or nitrite, but usually a measurable level of nitrogen, potassium, phosphates, and trace metals for the plants. I dose Flourish NPK, trace, and comprehensive about every 3 days. Do a 20% water change every week, and have loads of small occupants. They are as follows, 16 neon tetras, 10-15 ghost shrimp, 5 otos, 4 platties, 3 saes, 1 rubberlip pleco, and an undetermined amount of platty fry that will either be food or find a new home soon. So my question is, other than the fry which im not really worried about, will a betta male be a safe additon to the tank? Ive seen them in local fish stores as a nice additon of color splash for a planted tank but as we all know, they are in the buisness of making money. Solid idea or no? I dont want to lose or stress any of the happy inhabitants I already have. Thanks for the help, and please no 'NOTHING WITH UR BETTA' posts, Im looking for a little more thought or expertise.
Like MrVampire said, every betta is different. Some are more aggressive than others. If you want a betta in the tank, I say try it. Of coarse the betta is likely to eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, but in that size tank, the chances of it working out are good.
You will of coarse want to avoid adding any other bettas, fish with long flowing fins, or any gouramis. Gouramis are in the same family, so likely to fight.
i say get 5-7 female bettas! soroities look so fun! and u can find all kinds of color that way to add to your rather large tank! just find a few in diff colors! dont buy them all at once wati for the right ones!
I love my betta sorority, and would recommend them but I hesitate over reading 'swift upper water movement'. Realize that bettas with long fins have difficulties in fighting lots of current, and need to be able to easily reach the top to breathe.
If your tank is too current rich, you will do better in going for a shorter finned betta - possibly a king betta (petco sells them) or some sort of short finned plakat.
Sounds like you have a nice tank going for you. As the others said, you could definitely try. Though the swift topwater may be a problem as bettas prefer little to no water flow, especially with the long fins that have been bred into them. Also, watch the bettas fins for missing chunks as tetra's are notorious fin nippers. Good luck, hope it works out, just have a plan to remove the betta if things go arwy. .
Check out the eBook Betta Fish Care Made Easy
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