10 Gallon

[Garth13]

I have a 10 gallon tank and right now I have:
1 male betta
1 bristle nosed pleco
2 snails (1 will be going in my 39 gallon when it gets a bit bigger)

Can I add any schooling fish like tetras or platties?

[1fish2fish]

The pleco is going to get way too big to be in that size tank, I'd move him into a larger tank. They need at least a 30 -40 gallon tank.

You can add a school of fish but beware that not every betta tolerates tank mates, you need to be prepared in case he decides to kill any other fish in the tank.

Personally I would not get livebearers, if you end up with a female your tank can easily become over run by fry. Also platys bright colors might cause the betta to react aggressively.

A small school of tetras or harlequin rasboras would be nice. You need to get at least six so they're less likely to harass the betta. Also make sure you have lots of plants.

Also.. it would be wise to make sure your tank is cycled before adding any extra fish.

[Pitluvs]

I find this fascinating, as BNP's are highly sought after for 10-29g tanks here as the only thing you can buy from pet stores is Commons. Usually people buy baby Commons until they get to big and take them back for a new one. BNP's are all the rage for small tanks. I have one in mine, but he'll get the 29g when the Common is too big for the 29g. Our BNP's are usually 3-4" max though.

I'd say upgrade your tank though, if you plan on keeping the BNP in there. Seems to me in USA, you need quite a bit more space than the 10g for one of your fish.

[Garth13]

I might as well add that I already knew about the bristle nose and he is also going in the 39 gallon. I am just worried he will get eaten by my jack he is very aggressive and I can't seem to find anyone who wants him.

Also my betta, has had some tetras in with him before, but those were food for my jack and for cycling. He didn't bother them at all so I know we are good in that department. :)

[1fish2fish]

Hmm... I always understood BNP to get up to 6 inches long. That's a pretty big fish for a 10 gallon, especially with other fish.

[Pitluvs]

You really gotta take into account the average fish doesn't hit its potential size, or it's max age unless kept in pristine conditions with the best of experience and knowledge of the caretaker. I am reading the MAX size is 5"-6" with the above taken into account as being great conditions. Most are not perfect.

Still better than the guy who sold me my 10gal tank. Dropped it off and ran. I come to find 2 Common Plecos in it... one 5" and one 6". My female is 8" now (bought her a 29g). Guess who has to buy a suitable tank, JUST FOR HER, again? Urgh.