New Betta Owner - Two Questions

[sheldonwitt]

Hey everyone.
I'm brand new to these forums. I've read around and learnt a lot about My new fish. Thank you for this!

I do however have a personalized question. Figured it would be easier to ask it this way. I apologize if this is a repeat.

I just bought a new blue and red Betta and I've been getting used to the routine of feeding and changing his water and such. I'm wanting to get a bit bigger tank so that I can put a couple Neon Tetras in with him. I don't have a lot of space for a big tank until I move.

Here are my questions:

1) I know it is bad to mix a flashy coloured fish with a Betta. However, because of the size of a Neon Tetra, will this be a problem?

2) What is the smallest size tank I could mix a couple Neon Tetras in with my Betta?

Thank you so much for your help.

[Jdh]

With Bettas and Neon tetres, it comes down to two things:

-Personality
-Tank size

Different Bettas have different personalities. Depending on his aggresion, they could attack the Neons- Or leave them be. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell this until your Betta is actually housed with the fish. When you get the proper tank, I reccomend trying the Neons out, and if you see the Betta attacking them, return the Neons to the store.

Neon Tetras are schooling fish, so you need atleast 5-6 of them together. A 10 gallon with lots of hiding places is the minimum size for a Betta with these. Good luck!

[Oldfishlady]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Betta keeping......

The smallest tank IMO to have any other fish added with the Betta is a 10g filtered/heated.

Every Betta is different in what tank mates they will tolerate so it is a good idea to have a back up plan if needed.

Neon tetra are schooling fish and do best when kept in a school of at least 6...more the better....the school helps them feel safer and you will see more of the natural behaviors and less stress
A stressed fish can be a sick fish.......

look forward to hearing and seeing your new wet-pets and set-up.....

[sheldonwitt]

Are there any mixing options for say, a 5 gallon tank? Or less?

[Adastra]

Not for fish. It's difficult to find species that will live in a five gallon without a betta, let alone with one. Most small fish species are very social animals that need a lot of swimming space despite their small size. You would be best adding invertebrates to the tank like snails and/or shrimp. Keep in mind that many times the shrimp are eaten by the betta because they are prey animals, so don't buy expensive shrimp or shrimp at all if you'd be upset by them being eaten.

[Oldfishlady]

In 5gal-shrimp and/or snails...just not enough swimming space to meet the needs for more fish other than the Betta
And again-the Betta may kill and eat either.......

[sheldonwitt]

Hmmm..
I guess I'm just overly excited to get started haha.
Sadly I'm dealing with space issues until I move. A 5 gal would be pushing it.. :(

[bettafish15]

You cant mix a betta with anything if your tank is under 10 gallons. :) 5g IMO is too small for anything other than a betta and some snails ^^

[sheldonwitt]

Ok dokie.
Thanks for the quick replies friends...
... Although that's not what I was wanting to hear..
Haha.

[Bettacaleb]

Good luck and welcome to betta keeping


Glad to hear that you caught a disease... THE FISH DISEASE:P