Mako

So the one fish i definately want is a Bala 'shark.' I am going to be getting a 100gallon tank and wondering what other stuff i can add there that it won't eat. Some sort of small catfish is another thing i want, that won't get to big, stuff that adds color, and a dwarf frog and a snail or another algae eater to make it seem like a real community. Is a sand bottom with a few live plants and other decorations good or should I do a gravel bottom? I saw a fish at petsmart today, I think it may have been a molly but it had bulging eyes and thought it looked cool and was wondering if that would work there too? I have a betta in a 1g right now and wondering if I should move that over or leave it alone? Sorry for the tons of questions but help will be much appreciated!

mrsmuffin

I am not sure what all you can put in with a bala shark, but I do know that you should not put your betta in that tank! Betta's really are for the most part solitary fish. There are certainly cases where they have worked in community tanks, but I personally would not want to try it.

That betta also really could use some more space. Any chance that you would be able to upgrade him to a 2.5 gallon or even better a 5-10 gallon tank? He would love you for it!

Shawnie

wow cool size tank! I would put 2 bala's in there...they like to have buddies but will do fine alone also...they get big so I wouldnt put smaller fish as they may end up a snack one day...pictus catfish are really cool characters...tons of spunk and always moving around...as far as subtrate, it depends on entire stocking of fish because some do well with either or both or one or the other..so once you have your entire stocking done, then decide..IMO gravel is easier to keep clean but sand looks more natural...I agree on the betta..at least 5 gallons with a filter and heater would make him some happy boy! I wouldnt put him in the big tank with the others as his life could end or he could be nipped totally finless..goodluck and make sure u get us some pics pleaaaaase

Mako

Yes, I was also planning on eventually (within a week probably) getting a 10 gallon kit i saw on craigslist, I will move the beta there. Should I add a female or one other partner? (obviously not another male). And yes once i get everything set up I will get some pics up. I saw some cool decors at petsmart so i will add those.

mrsmuffin

If you want to add something with your betta, I would go with 3-4 cories.

Shawnie

MOST betta's are happy alone...no other betta especially...m or f...sometimes individual bettas will tolerate cory's or ottos or even an ocassional snail, but not another betta...goodluck!