Male Betta Introduced to 10 Gallon Tank Community

[JetTiger]

Hello all,

I was hoping to get an opinion of someone more experienced than I in fish-keeping. I have had my current 10 gallon tank established since mid January of this year (I had fish originally in a 5 gallon, which cracked, so I upgraded to a 10 gallon). It has a community of White Cloud Minnows, Zebra Dainos, Pygmy Cory Catfish, Ghost Shrimp, and until about two weeks ago, 8 Neon Tetras (which all died overnight of an unknown cause).

I had a Betta which I kept in a small bowl on my desk, but he grew and I decided it was time to introduce him to a more comfortable habitat. My question is, has anyone had any problems keeping a male Betta with Zebra Dainos in a 10 gallon tank? The Betta is much larger than the Dainos, but I'm still concerned about the Dainos nipping at his fins.

[LolaQuigs]

How many of each fish do you have? It sounds like you're already overstocked, I wouldn't add any more fish.

[JetTiger]

Originally Posted by LolaQuigs

How many of each fish do you have? It sounds like you're already overstocked, I wouldn't add any more fish.

I currently have:

5 Zebra Dainos
9 White Cloud Minnows
1 Pygmy Cory Catfish
2 Ghost Shrimp

and now the Betta.

[Alex09]

Thats alot of fish. Your neons probably died from ammonia poisoning. I wouldnt suggest putting a betta in there. In such crowded conditions, something bad is bound to happen.

[JetTiger]

Originally Posted by Alex09

Thats alot of fish. Your neons probably died from ammonia poisoning. I wouldnt suggest putting a betta in there. In such crowded conditions, something bad is bound to happen.

I had my water tested immediately after my Neons died at two separate fish stores: at both places the ammonia level was exactly zero, as were all other levels. The PH is slightly above 7, but I expected that from tap water (which I of course treated for chlorine).

I'm more concerned with my Betta's ability to coexist with his new tank-mates. So far, he seems to be chasing them around more than anything, which is about the opposite of what I expected.

[bettafish15]

If your using strips, they are very inaccurate. Use a good liquid test kit, like API Master Test Kit. Anything else just isnt reliable, especially the strips :)

[JetTiger]

Originally Posted by bettafish15

If your using strips, they are very inaccurate. Use a good liquid test kit, like API Master Test Kit. Anything else just isnt reliable, especially the strips :)

They did use the liquid test, at both places (I don't remember the brand).

[bettafish15]

It's just that with that amount of fish in that tank, I think its impossible for everything to be at 0. ;)

[Sweeda88]

That's too many fish already. Get the Betta a small tank of about 2.5 gallons of his own. Make sure you get a heater. 78* F is best for Betta fish.

[bettafish15]

Originally Posted by Sweeda88

That's too many fish already. Get the Betta a small tank of about 2.5 gallons of his own. Make sure you get a heater. 78* F is best for Betta fish.

Or bigger than 2.5 gallons :D The temp should be 78-83F ;D