Chief_waterchanger

There are several compatibility charts I've seen on pretty reputable sites that have claimed the creators (of those charts) had success keeping bettas with different species of freshwater "sharks", such as bala.

I won't even go into the arguement of betta splendens in community tanks, but I will say that this thread needs to stay positive from here on out.

I would like to also add that unless we, personally, have kept several betta splendens in a tank of that size with that mix of fish then we can't even begin to say that it is a bad mix. We can say it has the potential to be a bad mix, but so does mixing 2 guppies... I know that I've never kept Bala sharks, so I do not begin to judge you, Hobzz , on your decision, and would love it if you would keep us updated on how that betta does.

Shawnie

I do have a bala and a betta together...bala's are the most niave, gentle creatures in the fish world...they barely eat their own food first and are very submissive...they are like the st bernards of the dog world...big lugs with huge hearts lol ...the other sharks i dont have a clue about...but id worry more about the potential of the tetra's being meanies than the bala...and overall tank size and waste is important I think as well...so keeping an eye on water parimeters is going to be key and Like I said before, breaking the rules of fish keeping or even trying to break them, is how we learn...just having a back up plan if it doesnt work is the most important thing before hand and not loosing fishies while we learn

clinton1621

I agree 100%, my post about not a good mix was more of a size issue than anything else, as most of the sharks types are just rather large but usually not agressive =)

Barbrella

You do know that bala sharks grow well over a foot long? The pleco, if it's a common, will grow even bigger. You cannot keep these fish in this tank. You need to look at ADULT sizes and not think that because they're babies, they'll stay small.

What is a "bull shark"?

hobzz

thank you very much for your advice it has helped me o lot specially in my typing and spelling skills it has improved a lot on the other hand the betta in the community tank was a totally crazy idea. i knew it is wrong =/ but i still for some reason decided to do it and now its on going.. stuff happens im aware of the situation and im paying close attetion to it, if something seams to go deadly then i act rapidly, trust me i like the betta a lot i think they are sick some of the spike up crazy!
well this is how he the betta is doing, he created a new hanging out spot attac free, he comes out to eat and the he goes back to the bowl, the sharks hang out there no1 else!!! im happay and they seam happy, new stuatons will come and im sure you and your expirience will help me go tru it thank you very much
HobzZ.
here is a pik

pamd

Perhaps I'm just interpreting your photo wrong. But it looks to me that you've ignored some very thoughtful advice.

If I'm interpreting your photo correctly, your betta is going to die of suffocation in an upside-down glass jar on the bottom of the tank!!! He needs to be able to get up to the water surface to get air! I think that's been mentioned several times.

I don't mean to dispute the opinion of the mighty Chief Water Changer, but I still maintain that you're not experienced enough to introduce a betta to a community tank, especially one that's overstocked considering all the fishes' potential adult sizes. Well, don't worry about it. Maybe some of the fish won't reach adult size. So, no worries, yeah, right? I have to admit once again to being grumpy with you and worried about your fish.

Chief Water Changer knows a whole lot more about fishkeeping than I do, although I'm not sure he had time to read through all your posts, as I have. I'm not just worried about your betta, but about all your fish.

I do sincerely wish you the best of luck with this experiment, but hope you will take the time to research community tanks in general, plus keeping a betta in one, for the sake of your fish.

Lucy

Oh dear, I looked at the pic and it sure does look like it's upside down.
Hobzz, can the betta get out on his own to get air?

If he can get in and out of it, I'm afraid he's retreating, not being cozy as he deserves to be.

clinton1621

umm... did you miss this line by chance?

Angela_96

There are several fish that can work out in a tank together w/ caution. Bettas are one of those fish that can work in tanks w/ other fish w/ caution. I think that a Betta in a 55g home is a great thing. They are not always the aggressor, usually in a community tank its the Betta that does not make it to the food fast enough, I would make sure that the Betta gets first dibs on the food, and that would be my only concern.

If it works for you thats great! There are some fish that can be compatable, thats why there are grey areas on the compatablity charts that I have seen.

pamd

CWC is absolutely right for encouraging us to keep the thread positive. I realize he means to keep it friendly. Friendships and camaraderie are some of the best things about Fishlore in addition to the knowledge base. However, I think a positive outcome would also be for hobzz's fish. I can't speak for CWC, but I suspect he didn't have time to read all of hobzz's posts.

Lucy

I see I missed this post where your little guy can get in and out on his own, that's a good thing.

Angela_96

that was something that I had to read back on, I was stumped about it for a while, I had to read back on it too.

pamd

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/me...-image-137.jpg

Well the newest one really scared me. This is posted more than 24 hours ago and it's the newest one, AFAIK. The previous two pics were posted Sept. 14. Hopefully hobzz will wake up and let the little guy get some air.

As far as I can see, the little guy is trapped in there. Hobzz probably thinks he's protecting him, though.

clinton1621

Labrynth fish actually dont require breathing air directly from the surface as long as the water is oxygenated properly... but if he is unable to freely come out of that bowl, then the oxygen level in the bowl is most likely low... and he will need to come out of it for oxygen.

capekate

Hi Clinton...
Are you sure that the Betta does not have to go to the surface for air? On all accounts that I have read, seen and experienced with the Labrynth fish is that they have to go to the surface for air. On normal filtered tanks with air stones, they still go to the surface for air. Would you explain this theory more, Id like to hear about it. thanks

Allie

Kate you are right.
They definitely need surface for air...it's why they talk about needing enough of it in small tank and unfortunately bowls.
They use the air to help make bubble nests, and to breath. They are labyrinth fish and need to go to the surface for air...it's the purpose of their labyrinth organ. It's what makes them labyrinth fish.

capekate

Hi Allie
Your preaching to the choir... lol.. I totally agree, having had D.Gouramis and Bettas I understand this to be true.
I asked Clinton to explain his theory for me...(and others as well), thats why I quoted his post.

Allie

I am not quoting you to preach I was agreeing with you. I fixed it.