I need your opinion on adding my betta to my community tank

[La Reina]

On the 28th I am leaving for Australia for six weeks. My parents will be looking after my betta (in his 5 gallon Edge) and my 30 gallon community tank.

My current male betta has never been put with other fish to my knowledge and he is an active swimmer. The inhabitants of my community tank are one neon, one angel fish, three harlequin rasboras, five scissortail rasboras, five platies, and four cherry barbs.

Do you think it would be okay to try my betta out in my 30 so that my folks only have to feed/clean one tank? (Net-in-hand of course) My angel fish is the top dog but only stays in the top four inches or so, and the other fish have never been fin nippy. The tank is planted so there are places to hide if need be.

Whatcha think?

[Bombalurina]

I have seen an angelfish and a betta living side by side in total harmony, but I would NEVER recommend it. It shouldn't have worked. As cichlids, angels are naturally aggressive towards any fish that presents a threat, which bettas do. It will be far more work for your parents if you try and it goes wrong whilst you aren't there.

I hope you have a nice time over here, by the way. Where are you going? :)

[La Reina]

I'll be running up and down the coast between Cairns and Brisbane.

Thanks for the input!