[Rin68nyr]

About 8 years ago, we won a betta (I know...I know), that had been the centerpiece at a wedding. We brought it home, and I did the research, and found out that it would fit in nicely in my 30 gallon tropical tank with my platties. That betta loved it in there. Very active. I don't know how old it was when we got it, but we had it for 2 years. So...this past weekend, we won another one! It is beautiful! Mostly greens and blues. Well, I was hoping to put it in the 30 gallon again, but this time I have tetras in there...no go. We don't have another tank...not lots of money to spend, but I did go buy a 2 1/2 gallon setup, with filter and heater. I just have a few questions.

With such a small tank, should I get it some companions, once it's settled in?

At this house, we have well water...no chlorine. Is it necessary to condition the water?

Is there a way to tell males from females...similar to platties?

This new guy came in a larger vase than usual. We have set up the new tank, but it's not warm enough yet, and I want to let it all run overnight. I saw tonight that it had started a bubble nest...a good sign?

Thanks,
Erin

 

[VivianKJean]

1) with a 2.5 gallon tank, the only companion you can really get is a snail. Which are very cute and I love them.

2) Yes, you do still need to condition the water. I recommend using Prime since it also protects your fish from ammonia for a very short period of time.

3) Males usually have the longer fins. Females will have shorter fins and you'll also notice a "egg spot" on the belly of the fish between the pectoral fins

4) bubble nests don't really mean the fish is happy. Making them is a normal thing for them. They make them out of boredom, for no reason, because its close to breeding time for them, and many other reasons. Sick fish will make bubble nests as well. I'm not saying your fish is sick, Its just a common misconception that when bettas make bubble nests they are happy.

 

[Rin68nyr]

1) with a 2.5 gallon tank, the only companion you can really get is a snail. Which are very cute and I love them.

2) Yes, you do still need to condition the water. I recommend using Prime since it also protects your fish from ammonia for a very short period of time.

3) Males usually have the longer fins. Females will have shorter fins and you'll also notice a "egg spot" on the belly of the fish between the pectoral fins

4) bubble nests don't really mean the fish is happy. Making them is a normal thing for them. They make them out of boredom, for no reason, because its close to breeding time for them, and many other reasons. Sick fish will make bubble nests as well. I'm not saying your fish is sick, Its just a common misconception that when bettas make bubble nests they are happy.

Thanks! When I was at the store getting the tank, I was thinking a snail would be good...so maybe in a few weeks I'll get one. OK...my tank came with conditioner. I'll put that in, and go buy some more. I'll have to study it to see if it's a male or female. I'm leaning towards male at the moment. I'll post a picture when it's settled.

Erin

 

[VivianKJean]

A snail would be perfect! I just added one to one of my tanks yesterday and I am so happy I did. My betta seems a bit confused but not aggressive which is good.

I can't wait to see photos! Im so glad you rescued him/her.

 

[aselvarial]

Only add a snail if you can move it to the other tank. Some bettas like snails, some do NOT. If you can add plants to the smaller tank, that will help with adding a snail.

 

[kittenfish]

Do you condition the water for the 30 gallon? What works for your tetras should be just fine for the betta, unless you meant that the tanks are at different houses.

 

[Rin68nyr]

No, I don't condition the 30 gallon tank, and they're in the same house.

Thanks!
Erin

 

[NeptunesMom]

A 2.5g is too small for a snail and a betta. Snails are messy, and will cause water parameter problems in a tank that small.

ETA: How many tetras? What type of tetras? Why don't you want to put him in with the tetras? There are a lot of people who successfully have bettas and tetras in community tanks. It just need to be large enough that the tetras don't annoy the betta.

 

[Rin68nyr]

A 2.5g is too small for a snail and a betta. Snails are messy, and will cause water parameter problems in a tank that small.

ETA: How many tetras? What type of tetras? Why don't you want to put him in with the tetras? There are a lot of people who successfully have bettas and tetras in community tanks. It just need to be large enough that the tetras don't annoy the betta.

I have serpae tetras...which are fin nippers.

 

[Rin68nyr]

Not a great picture...but he seems to be enjoying himself (or herself).

 

[Rimbaum]

Not a great picture...but he seems to be enjoying himself (or herself).

With fins that long, I'd say you've got a male.