David C

I finally got around to ordering a new bio-wheel filter for my penguin 100b so I can get my 10g back up and running after "The Incident"... and wifey REALLY wants it to be a betta tank. I have a few questions if it wouldn't be too much trouble...

1. Will my existing filter work or is it too strong?

2. Can I put any other fish with the betta? (i.e. female betta, neons)

3. Should I put any other fish with the betta?

4. What types of plants work well with betta? Planted tanks are my requirement.

I think that wraps everything up, thanks for being patient with my questions.

Alessa

Usually bettas do not like to live with other fishes... they can "co-exist" with bottom feeders but that entirely depends on the bettas personality... the best thing is to leave them alone they will be agressive with anything! I think (correct me if im wrong) that girls are the only ones that can live together, but if youre getting a male the best thing is to leave him alone in a tank.

David C

1 betta with a 10g to himself, if only i could be so lucky, lol

Lucy

I don't have personal experience but I've read here on the forum that you can try ottos or cories, you'd have to be careful not to overstock because they do like to be in schools. If you do decide to try them, add them before the betta to try and avoid territorial issues.

I wouldn't take the chance with neons, they can be fin nippers. With your size tank, I wouldn't add another betta.

My betta has a 10g to herself and she loves it.

TFA101

1. Adjustable outflow should be on the filter (most filters have them)
2./3. NO...
4. Java Fern, some floating plants, may I suggest duckweed? Amazon sword.

David C

I have no adjustable outflow on the filter, maybe I could put a floating plant and anchor it by the discharge to break up the current. Think it would work? I like the java fern.

Lucy

That could work. Mine isn't adjustable either so I shoved a peice of media filter into the outtake, it lessens the current so the water trickles off it.
My betta likes to play under it. lol

David C

That's a great idea Lucy, I'll give it a shot. BTW, I just noticed your avatar photo with the cat in the tank. My cat's wouldnt get out of my 55g while I was trying to prep it for water, lol

Lucy

Good luck. If that doesn't work for you, somewhere in the DYI area of the forum there are intructions on how to make a baffle.

lol, I love cats, curious little buggers.

COBettaCouple

Our Bettas LOVE water sprite floating in the tank. Java moss is also popular with them.

I wouldn't recommend other fish for a Betta for the reasons already brought up. I think most of them (but not all) will put up with Otos and Corys, but you have to be clever so the Betta doesn't overeat by taking the food you put in for the other fish.

A filter with an adjustable flow is great for Bettas. They can start out with a weaker flow and as they develop swimming strength, you'll be able to increase the filter flow.

shellbell4ever

Some of my Betta Boys have Ghost shrimp in with them and do fine, But watch closely as I found Bishop trying to eat one the other day (LOL) Poor Shrimp

COBettaCouple

Yea.. they LOVE shrimp.

David C

I may try out some otto's later on, but not Lucky... he's been through enough. My 10g is in a bad spot and will have an algae bloom like you've never seen. Before I put the first ottos in 10mos ago, the algae would cover the walls so thick you couldnt see in within a couple of days of cleaning. I adjusted the lighting and added ottos and it cleared right up. It was probably the lighting adjustment, but I like to think it was the ottos

COBettaCouple

I think the Otos helped for sure.. they're busy little workers.

HatchetHaven

Well, the only thing pretty unanswered is plants. What sort of lighting is the tank getting? If it's got medium light, try ambulia, cabomba, Java moss, Echindorus Swords, (There are some smaller variety's that don't take over to much) and basically any plant that can thrive in your light conditions. www.Tropica.com is great.

David C

I have exactly 2wpg in the tank. That website looks good so I went ahead and bookmarked it, it'll definately help out with some plant selection to give me the exact look i'm after.

Thanks

Barbrella

I also have 10 gals, and have a thriving garden in there.

I have:
Cryptocorynes
Rotala
Hygrophilia
Ambulia
Java Fern
Anubias

All these will do great with 2 watts per gallon, and your betta will love it!!

You could try putting a very small albino bristlenose in there for algae control. That's what I have in my 10G, and have found they grow very, very slowly. But you have to watch and make sure the betta isn't biting it. Driftwood is a necessity if get one.

Never put another betta in there - a female who won't breed is likely to be killed - and preferably no tetras either.

KonaBoy

I have two Peppered Cory's in with Poe, and I haven't had any problems, and it's been 3ish months I can't give you any advice on plants, as I don't have any yet.

Cory