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Questions on Female Soroity Tanks

2K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  fishmanbob3 
#1 ·
I have a 10 gallon tank and I thought it would be interesting to have a female sorority tank. Nothing is set up as I wanted to see what was necessary for success in attempting this set up. I hear at least 5 females would be best for hierarchy reasons. If I got five, would I be able to have other tankmates or would I be limited to the five female Bettas? Would three be possible?
 
#2 ·
Five would be the limit for females in a 10 gallon. It needs to be so heavily planted that you cannot easily see your Betta and they cannot see each other. Limiting lines of sight so each can have its own territory is extremely important. For most, this is the first mistake: Not enough cover.

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but most sororities are not long-term successes. Few, unless in a 40+ gallon, last for more than a year with the original residents. The reasons are many but the main one is they are high-stress environments which can lead to compromised immune systems and disease. If you look in the Diseases and Emergencies' section you will see what I mean. Disease has wiped out many a sorority of forum members.

Also consider that females are every bit as territorially vicious once sexually mature as males. It is not if they will fight but when. Some are lulled into a false sense of security because they get immature females.

We have a sticky in this section which might be of interest. However, be aware the author, after years of experience, no longer has nor does she recommend sororities.

I do admit that sororities are lovely to view with their multiple colorful jewels. Best of luck whatever your decision.
 
#3 ·
You best bet is to buy directly from a breeder five females who live together, as most breeders keep their females together from fry.

I purchased five mystery females from one breeder, one passed away after vacation but from bloat/constipation(overfed), not stress. The four don't nip each other or chase but get along peacefully. One is even blind and they don't harass her. This is in a fully planted tank and the most I see is the occasional squirm, there hasn't been any bites out of fins for months.

Having a sorority is delicate work, I believe the only way to keep a sorority long term is buying females that are raised together and not purchasing singles to add more bettas after the initial setup.
 
#4 ·
I had a 10 gallon sorority. I purchased 5 young females from PetSmart. Kept them separate in different tanks for a short time which allowed my tank time to sit and get ready. I used lots of plants and decorations. Then when I introduced them into the tank I kept a close eye on them for a few days.
I was very lucky and my females really didn't get into any fights. There was a little chasing between the bigger two and then that was it. I did introduce ottos into the tank and the girls didn't bother them. Unfortunately they were very hard to keep alive. At least for me. I also introduced 2 more females later and they did fine with them as well.
My sorority stayed healthy and kicking for a little over a year before my girls started having some health issues.
It's really trial and error. Sometimes it'll work out and other times it won't. You just have to pay close attention and keep an eye on them.
My first tank were my baby girls. I loved sitting and just watching my girls.
I also had a sorority in a 29 gallon tank but they mysteriously started disappearing after a few months so I'm not sure if they were fighting or what was going on when I wasn't near the tank.
So I've been on the successful side and the not so successful.
I would recommend putting together the tank and then asking what other users on here think. Because first tank I changed around twice after advice from users that have had tanks as well. And that tank was very successful.
Your best bet is to go for smaller, young females too. Or as they suggested above, females from breeders.
 
#5 ·
Yeah, that's what I've heard about most sororities. There's not a lot of people that have long term successes. (I mean bettas usually live for several years, not just 2 or 3) A lot of times what I hear is that they work well in the beginning then eventually decline and die off after 2 or 3 years or less. I agree with russell that its more possible with a huge tank, I think its just the high stress environment. Sure, there could be that many female bettas that are near each other in the wild, but they have the option to get far away, which is an option a sorority doesn't give them. Plus, even if its only occasional nipping or chasing, a high stress environment can lead to a swifter death with any betta. *shrug*
So I'm on the side of not personally recommending it either. But, its up to you. As said before, some have had a relative amount of success.
 
#6 ·
Currently have a 55 gal tank with lots of plants and hiding places. Population consist of 5 FM Betas, 6 corys, 6 tiger barbs & 6 serape tetras. Early experience indicates keeping more than one FMB in the 10 gal holding tank does not work out well as one out of three harassed one of the others to death. Probably why the LFS's only house one FMB per display tank, usually less than 10 gal. Have arrived at a fully stocked tank without any fin nipping issues except the serape occasionally will do this but don't appear to do as much damage as the other FMB in the holding tank.
I fully realize I have probably violated all the stocking mix rules of fish keeping. It has been an interesting journey so far.

After this group reaches the end of their life cycle I will probably alter the mix next time but will absolutely keep the cory population in the mix as they are the most entertaining and fascinating species of freshwater fish I have ever owned during the last 60 years of off and on fishkeeping!
 
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