jamesg1993

I'm currently cycling a second tank for a betta (you guys got me wanting one lol) with a heater, filter etc. but was wondering if 5 gallons is big enough for a betta and a tank mate?

Any suggestions appreciated

Thanks

Devon

Hey James Five gallons is a good size for a betta, but most users here recommend against keeping bettas with tank mates in general. Not because of an overstocking danger, but because bettas are just really much happier when alone. Searching for keywords "betta tank mate" in the forums will show you lots and lots of the same answers you will get here.
If you're still set on getting a tank mate for your betta after that, bettas only count as 2-2.5" of fish, so you could maybe put a cory or an oto in there with him. Just be prepared with a backup plan if things don't go as well as hoped. Also, if you are going to put a betta in a tank with anyone else, it's good to be sure everyone else is moved into it before you introduce him -- it will help curb his ideas that he was there first, so it's all his -- and hopefully reduce territorial aggression.

Annadvn

My betta lives in a 5gal hex. with some ghost shrimp and a mystery snail. They all get along well.

But for fish other than corys and ottos, there isn't much else.

Anna

Lucy

I'd be wary of the shrimp, the betta might eat them.

LilMollieBreeder

agreed

jdhef

Cory's are schooling fish, so you really don't want to put just one in a tank. Really a 5 gallon tank is only good for a lone Betta.

MinxMermaid

hee, hee
bettas are adicting....we'll have you wanting more than just ONE

shellbell4ever

I had Ghost Shrimp in with all of mine for months... Then they were gone I'm thinking when they molted they became snacks I actually caught My Bishop with one in his mouth kinda folded in half and part sticking out,he spit him out but it was dead the next day There all by themselves now except for my few divided tanks.I agree they best if alone.Good luck though.

jamesg1993

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking probably a snail would be good in the tank. With the tank being only 5 gallon.

By the way you guys with a betta and a snail how do you feed the snail with out the betta getting it because their little piggy fish?

Also what would i feed the snail? I know betta like the hikari gold pellets.

Minx i don't have space for another tank lol i have 2 set up in my bed rooom and my mums big tank down stairs but she wont let me have that one lol

Thanks

jamesg1993

My tank has finished cycling wooo lol

I'm hopefully getting a betta tomorrow but first i need to know if a 5gallon tank is big enough for a betta and a snail?

Sorry if i sound pushy

jdhef

Congrats on the tank cycling.

I think a 5 gallon tank is big enough, but your Betta may eat the snail.

Alessa

Snails are big waste producers, so... if you still want to do it, you have to stay alert with constant water changes.

Shrimp will eventually become snacks when they molt.

both otos and cories are schooling fish. (although some people keep them alone) I would recommend keeping a at least a pair but in a 5 gallons that would legally be overstocking.

Devon

Snails can count as up to 5 gallons of waste, if you get a big one (and you should, or he might become a betta snack.) I keep a large white mystery snail in my 6.6 with my betta, but 5 gallons is really pushing it. If you're willing to change the water twice as often then I say go for it... just keep a close eye on your parameters.
Snails really just need some algae growing in the tank to be happy... I think you may be able to give them algae wafers if there is none, not 100% on this. I don't actually "feed" mine at all, he's only there because without him the algae gets a little out of control.
Congrats on cycling your tank... can't wait to see betta photos!!

COBettaCouple

A 5g really is only big enough for a Betta. You might get away with 2 otos in there, but it still would call for extra water changes.