Hello and welcome to the Forum!

This tank size gives you many options - great for you!
I can only talk of Galaxy Rasbora and male Betta which works fine as this male is relaxed and the Rasbora are neither nippy nor ”naughty“.
Concerning your Betta I think it‘s not so much a question of gender but rather of character.
So I look forward to your stocking decisions and more suggestions to come in!

 

Thank you! Yes after your comment I did some reading on Rasboras and they do seem like a solid choice. I think the ones I was reading about were Harlequin Rasboras, I don’t know much about Galaxy Rasboras but I will have to research those! Yes from what I’m reading it may be best for me to get the betta first and then see if he would be suited to some tank mates.

 

Maybe some bottom feeders? Like corydoras catfish?

 

Welcome to the forums! It's nice to have you here 🤗

It all depends on the personality of the betta, I once had a koi buddy who literally wanted to eat everything on sight, even a snail 🤣
On the other side of the spectrum I had a OHM male who was super chill and loved hanging around his guppy friends, even the colorful males!
I'd start off with some non agressive loaches, cory's are a good option too, maybe a snail or some non bright shrimp to see how your male will react. If he responds favorably you can then try cherry shrimp and other peaceful semi colorful fish, who knows, you might be able to start a livebearer community if you want!

 

Welcome to the forums! It's nice to have you here 🤗

It all depends on the personality of the betta, I once had a koi buddy who literally wanted to eat everything on sight, even a snail 🤣
On the other side of the spectrum I had a OHM male who was super chill and loved hanging around his guppy friends, even the colorful males!
I'd start off with some non agressive loaches, cory's are a good option too, maybe a snail or some non bright shrimp to see how your male will react. If he responds favorably you can then try cherry shrimp and other peaceful semi colorful fish, who knows, you might be able to start a livebearer community if you want!

Thank you, it is nice to be here! I had wanted to upgrade to a larger tank for a while, and after my last betta sadly passed it seemed like the perfect time to start anew with a bigger tank. I am just anxious to get it cycled so I can start over with another betta (I know it can’t be rushed though and it’s for the good of the fish, so I’ll be patient). Yes I did some reading on your suggestions and I think so far corys might be my top choice, but it does sound like the best approach might be to get the betta first and get a feel for his temperament.

 

The trick to introducing tank mates is to shut the tank lights off before you float the new fish. Leave them off for at least an hour after the release; more is better

When you leave the lights on, some Betta become frustrated at the activity and fish in the bag. Some will even continuously bump the bag. A dark tank helps keep the Betta from becoming frustrated as most, IME, will pretty much ignore the bag. You leave the lights off so the new residents have a chance to explore their new home in relative peace.

Always have a back up plan as even the most peaceful-seeming Betta can be aggressive with tank mates. Do give him a week to settle and make sure he has a place to get away from the activity of the others. I have found 75% planting makes for the most peaceful Betta-based community tanks but 50% will work.

 

Just wanted to update the thread: my tank FINALLY cycled, here is my new beautiful boy Twilight (my betta I had before him was named Midnight so it was sort of to honor him as well as I think it matches his color).

I’ve had Twilight for about a week now and he has really been thriving. Still trying to get a feel for whether or not I think tankmates are suitable for his temperament but I totally love him so far 😊

 

Holy Moly! A swimming Rainbow! All the best for you and beautiful Twilight!

 

Thank you!!! I am absolutely loving him. Still trying to figure out what tail type he has, I know he’s a dumbo ear but not 100% sure on the tail ♥

 

Wow! Twilight is a really beautiful boy! Congrats!

 

Awww thank you, I really love him (but then again don’t we all just love our dear bettas)? 😊

 

Handsome fella. Harelquin Rasboras are an excellent choice. Beautiful, hardy, peaceful and from the same part of the world so one set of water and temperature conditions fits all.

 

Thank you. I keep hearing about the Harlequin Rasboras so I think they would be my first choice. I just worry if he’d be aggressive: he seems happy most of the time but on the occasion he sees his reflection he gets QUITE aggressive.

 

I have harlequins in with my female they mind their own business and she minds hers. I would have them in with my male but his tank is only 5 and you should have at least 6 in a group I put them in my girls tank.