Zodiac007

I have a 50 Gallon. The fishes in it are:

- 3 rummy nose tetras
- 1 male betta ( very peaceful, hasn't attacked even once)
- 6 neon tetras
- 1 cardinal tetra
- 5 harlequin rasboras
- 2 bristle nose catfish

If I were to add 6 Zebra Danios, would that cause a problem for the my gentle male betta?

I've heard that zebra danios can be fin nippers, but if I put a school of 6, will there still be chance they will kill my male betta?

Thank you.

P.S.- I know its slightly overstocked, but its fine.

EDIT: If you people think its best not to add the zebra danios, then is there another type of fish that has the goodness of the Zebra danios, but without the fin nipping? Basically, a dither fish, thats very hardy, and doesn't are rarely fin nips.

Thank you.

Jess

If they are known fin nippers I'd leave them out.
The betta has such long delicate tails. It would be a shame to see him get nipped on. And from what I've heard you've already been very lucky to have such a submissive male that he doesn't go after your other fish.

By the way, welcome to Fishlore it looks like this is your first post!

fishlover78

Welcome to fishlore! first and foremost I don't believe your tank is cycled because you don't know about the nitrogen cycle, read here: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm , you will either have to return the fish and do a fishless cycle with fish food, or cycle with fish which means you will need to do daily water changes of 50% until it cycles. this is for the sake of the fish, otherwise they will die form ammonia poisoning. if you don't have one already I suggest buying a API master test kit. they're very accurate. IMO you should not keep male bettas with anything, no matter what their disposition is. the large tank is a lot for him to handle and can be stressful I would remove him, and give him his own little 5 gal. tank with a heater, filter and such. the tank will cycle fast by using seeded filter media. after you rid the tank of the betta, I believe you can add some danios to make a school. I know this is a lot to take in at once. if you have anymore questions just ask! hope this helps!

Zodiac007

What do you mean by when you said a large tank is a lot for my betta to handle and the stress?

fishlover78

bettas are overwhelmed by big tanks, it makes them feel insecure, 10 gallons is ideal, do you read about the cycle? and besides male bettas should not be mixed with other fish, as I said before.

Zodiac007

Oh yes, everything is done. All cycled and everything. I was too lazy to fill out the stuff when i registered. LOL.

Back to this. But I've had this male betta for a very long time in this tank with these fishes already and nothings wrong. No fin nipping and hes very beautiful.

but thanks for your reply. I guess I wont add the zebras.

fishlover78

well, then I guess you could add the danios if you really wanted to, they are not as nippy as tiger barbs or anything like that.

angelfish220

bettas aren't overwhelmed in any size tank as long as there is plenty of hiding places, as with any fish. The problem is in tanks that are too small.

I wouldn't get any more fish for that tank. I would also recommend getting another tank, just in case something with the Betta doesn't work out.

fishlover78

I said that Angelfish220 but I was convinced that the betta was fine (which I still don't believe completely)

shih-tzu mom

Hi; and Welcome; i have 14-betta's all males and i have some very passive male's but they do better to live alone. i have one that has company but i watch him closely. hope this help's you. And they all live in 4-5-gallons by them selve's. sorry i beleive they do better by them selves or just beside another betta but not too close to aggravate them into flaring all the time lol and they have such beautiful fins it would be a shame to see them torn apart lol, My one bettea live's with one little corey cat fish ad i watch very closely, and the corey was in the tank before the betta-and the betta is the most passive one i have lol bella.

Lucy

I believe bettas do better by themselves but when someone wants to try a community tank with a betta, bigger is better and always have a back up tank. Their personalities really get a chance to shine when you can pay personal attention to them.

If you're already overstocked, I wouldn't recommend anything else especially if you've got a nice balance. One change my change everyone's dispostion.