[Nynieloo]

I am way more comfortable with mollies, platies and fish of that sort, I decided I want to stock my tank with them. However, I have always wanted a beta fish and despite the aggressive nature of them, I want a male beta because they are wayy prettier.( but I value health of my fish over appearance so if it 100% wouldn't work then I would try females.)

I guess my question is if you think this setup could work:

1 male beta
2 male mollies (probably a Gold Dust or Dalmatian)
6 female mollies ^
2 male guppies
4 female guppies

In a 46 gallon bow-front aquarium with lots of hides and several fake plants

(Also, I had mollies for two years and never had brackish water, and they were fine and healthy. Maybe it's the water condition in my area that is naturally brackish though, I'm not sure. I never added any aquarium salt.)

 

[Aries&Gucci]

i have a male betta and male+female guppies in the same tank and its one fine ecosystem. But Sororities of female bettas Are Really fun too

 

[Nynieloo]

i have a male betta and male+female guppies in the same tank and its one fine ecosystem. But Sororities of female bettas Are Really fun too

Do you think mollies would be compatible though? They are fin nippers, and I read you can't house fin nipper fish with bettas but I also read that mollies work well with bettas so I don't know.

 

[RussellTheShihTzu]

Welcome to the Forum!

As you are successful with your Mollies you will be successful with other species. If you are concerned about the nipping, have a back-up plan or get a male Plakat instead of a long-fin. My only thought is to watch so the Betta isn't intimidated.

As an alternative, have you considered a tank of smaller fish? There are peaceful and colorful ones that do quite well in Betta-based community tanks. Don't worry about their colors inciting the Betta. If one doesn't do well with colorful fish it won't do well with any fish.

I'm sure there are members who've had Mollies and Betta together who will give you their experiences, too. And if you decide you might like to go with smaller fish, we can also advise you those with which we've had success.

**

A word of caution: Unless you have enough experience to correctly interpret Betta behavior, you might want to wait to try a sorority. They are a complicated system requiring specific conditions to reduce stress, illness and death.
Friends who've had long-term success (as in years; not months), emphasize two things are essential: 1) 75% planting and 2) the ability to accurately evaluate behavior and act accordingly. To anthropomorphize is usually harmless; it a sorority it can be deadly.

 

[Aries&Gucci]

Do you think mollies would be compatible though? They are fin nippers, and I read you can't house fin nipper fish with bettas but I also read that mollies work well with bettas so I don't know.

if they are fin nippers then no I wouldn't recommend them but it is still possible