55 Gallon Tank Beginner betta sorority

Hello guys!!

So I’m thinking about getting my first big tank for the future. I have 4 tanks, with 3 males and 1 female betta, and then tank mates for all of them. I’m moving out with my bf this year and I’m thinking it’s the perfect opportunity for a big tank in the living room! I think I’m most likely getting a 55 gallon. However, I’ve thought about it a lot and there’s really nothing I’d want to keep more than more bettas. So my question is does anyone have experience or advice they can give for starting their first betta sorority?? I’d love to be as prepared as possible so I can have a successful tank. As a side note, for the future 55gal I was wondering what you all would think about a school of 5-6 golden zebra loaches with the female bettas? I was misinformed at the LFS and bought two already and keep them solo in two different tanks, and I don’t want to get rid of them and want to eventually keep them in a school like you’re supposed to. Would that group be a good match for the tank? And also a recommendation on the number of female bettas for a 55 would be awesome. Thanks for any advice!!

 

Hello guys!!

So I’m thinking about getting my first big tank for the future. I have 4 tanks, with 3 males and 1 female betta, and then tank mates for all of them. I’m moving out with my bf this year and I’m thinking it’s the perfect opportunity for a big tank in the living room! I think I’m most likely getting a 55 gallon. However, I’ve thought about it a lot and there’s really nothing I’d want to keep more than more bettas. So my question is does anyone have experience or advice they can give for starting their first betta sorority?? I’d love to be as prepared as possible so I can have a successful tank. As a side note, for the future 55 gallon I was wondering what you all would think about a school of 5-6 golden zebra loaches with the female bettas? I was misinformed at the LFS and bought two already and keep them solo in two different tanks, and I don’t want to get rid of them and want to eventually keep them in a school like you’re supposed to. Would that group be a good match for the tank? And also a recommendation on the number of female bettas for a 55 would be awesome. Thanks for any advice!!

So I’ve had a sorority and personally won’t do it again. It will last a year or two but they will end up becoming egg barren or they become to aggressive and kill each other. If you can make it work do it but I couldn’t figure it out. Mine was heavily planted as well. The loaches will do ok in a 55 gallon

 

So I’ve had a sorority and personally won’t do it again. It will last a year or two but they will end up becoming egg barren or they become to aggressive and kill each other. If you can make it work do it but I couldn’t figure it out. Mine was heavily planted as well. The loaches will do ok in a 55 gallon

That’s super sad I’ve heard so many horror stories about sororities but also many successes, that’s why I wanted some extra opinions. I work at said LFS and we keep our females in sororities, but they’re always sold and don’t stay like that for too long so it’s almost always successful. Gonna keep thinking about it definitely

 

That’s super sad I’ve heard so many horror stories about sororities but also many successes, that’s why I wanted some extra opinions. I work at said LFS and we keep our females in sororities, but they’re always sold and don’t stay like that for too long so it’s almost always successful. Gonna keep thinking about it definitely

Definitely give it a try just with caution. Maybe have a extra 5-10 gallon ready just in case something happens

 

I don’t recommend it and I know many others here have had bad experiences with them.
If you’re bound and determined to do it, may I suggest looking into wild Bettas? They are often a bit less aggressive if only because they weren’t hand picked to breed because of their aggressive behaviors.
It doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, just might work out longer term.

I have 5 bettas and had a very hard time not grabbing a 6th or 7th when I went to the lfs lately. So I get it. But I wouldn’t do it.

 

If you're going to try it, be prepared for the worst possible scenario. Assume it won't work, and don't get hopes up. Be vigilant, if you notice things start to go sideways, don't hesitate to take preventative measures.

 

I don’t recommend it and I know many others here have had bad experiences with them.
If you’re bound and determined to do it, may I suggest looking into wild Bettas? They are often a bit less aggressive if only because they weren’t hand picked to breed because of their aggressive behaviors.
It doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, just might work out longer term.

I have 5 bettas and had a very hard time not grabbing a 6th or 7th when I went to the lfs lately. So I get it. But I wouldn’t do it.

I have thought about wild bettas before, and I’ll put some more thought into it! Still on the fence about a sorority in the first place. I do plan on having a backup 5 gal, and since I work at the LFS I’m thinking it won’t be too hard to handle something going wrong when I know the store will always have a place for them if it fails. Thanks for your input!

If you're going to try it, be prepared for the worst possible scenario. Assume it won't work, and don't get hopes up. Be vigilant, if you notice things start to go sideways, don't hesitate to take preventative measures.

That’s what I’ve been thinking too, it would certainly be a challenge and require a lot of attention. Luckily I live very close to the store I work at so I think I’d be able to quickly handle an emergency if need be. If I had a sorority fail and something happen to someone I doubt I would ever try again, that’s why I’m so on the fence in the first place.

 

I've kept a 30 gallon sorority for just over a year , 5 females. So far I can say its successful as the girls no longer nip or bite each other at all. Just the odd body slamming dominance wrestle on occasions, they appear to enjoy each others company sometimes! I've even caught a few of them sleeping together in one territory a couple of times. That being said, I do believe I am lucky with my stock, they are all well mannered girls from the same breeder and they all look very different from one another which helps. I did have one girl I had to separate because she was too aggressive to mesh, despite numerous timeouts, rearrangements and reintroductios. Which is not uncommon.
I have (and would also massivey recommend anyone else trying a sorority) spare tanks on standby so that I can split them up at any time if things are to take a turn for the worst. As it can very well happen at any point, so you must always be prepared and have a solid back up plan.
Lots of tall plants/wood/ rocks is a must and no real large open swimming spaces or tight spaces anyone can get backed into is important too.
Also bear in mind that in a correctly set up sorority tank you won't see the fish all that often either unless its feeding time and they're begging. Since it should be rather evenly dense and most territories will be established in hidden away spots.
Sororities are difficult to feed too, because the dominant females will snatch and barge the submissive ones out the way, sometimes resulting in bloated alphas and skinny subs.
I love my girls to death and I fear if I split them up now they'd be unhappy as they definitely do have a bond.
But! I've been keeping bettas for almost 10 years and probably would not do it again if I am to be totally honest. I like my bettas in peaceful communities far better. I also wouldn't recommend putting botia loaches in a betta sorority, I personally feel that would be too much high energy stress in one tank, that's an opinion though not experience so it may or may not work. I tried tetras with my girls and they became stressed so I moved them into a different tank.
Preparation and perspective of all possible outcomes is the best way to approach this. best of luck! whatever you decide to do

 

I've kept a 30 gallon sorority for just over a year , 5 females. So far I can say its successful as the girls no longer nip or bite each other at all. Just the odd body slamming dominance wrestle on occasions, they appear to enjoy each others company sometimes! I've even caught a few of them sleeping together in one territory a couple of times. That being said, I do believe I am lucky with my stock, they are all well mannered girls from the same breeder and they all look very different from one another which helps. I did have one girl I had to separate because she was too aggressive to mesh, despite numerous timeouts, rearrangements and reintroductios. Which is not uncommon.
I have (and would also massivey recommend anyone else trying a sorority) spare tanks on standby so that I can split them up at any time if things are to take a turn for the worst. As it can very well happen at any point, so you must always be prepared and have a solid back up plan.
Lots of tall plants/wood/ rocks is a must and no real large open swimming spaces or tight spaces anyone can get backed into is important too.
Also bear in mind that in a correctly set up sorority tank you won't see the fish all that often either unless its feeding time and they're begging. Since it should be rather evenly dense and most territories will be established in hidden away spots.
Sororities are difficult to feed too, because the dominant females will snatch and barge the submissive ones out the way, sometimes resulting in bloated alphas and skinny subs.
I love my girls to death and I fear if I split them up now they'd be unhappy as they definitely do have a bond.
But! I've been keeping bettas for almost 10 years and probably would not do it again if I am to be totally honest. I like my bettas in peaceful communities far better. I also wouldn't recommend putting botia loaches in a betta sorority, I personally feel that would be too much high energy stress in one tank, that's an opinion though not experience so it may or may not work. I tried tetras with my girls and they became stressed so I moved them into a different tank.
Preparation and perspective of all possible outcomes is the best way to approach this. best of luck! whatever you decide to do

Thank you for all the insight! And yes with the loaches I may have to agree with you on their high energy, my two are always bouncing around. I’ll keep thinking about what’s best for them. And yes feeding was definitely a worry of mine! I feed my four different tanks a variety of different things, but I was thinking for a sorority flake might be best so it floats down and reaches everywhere. I soak all my food in garlic and vitamin C so the flakes would sink almost instantly, I think that would be my best feeding choice. Also hearing that the more different they look from each other the better is great, because I wanted to get different tail types anyways!! Glad to hear you have success with yours, I hope it keeps going well! From your experience, is introducing all females at once a must??

 

Thank you for all the insight! And yes with the loaches I may have to agree with you on their high energy, my two are always bouncing around. I’ll keep thinking about what’s best for them. And yes feeding was definitely a worry of mine! I feed my four different tanks a variety of different things, but I was thinking for a sorority flake might be best so it floats down and reaches everywhere. I soak all my food in garlic and vitamin C so the flakes would sink almost instantly, I think that would be my best feeding choice. Also hearing that the more different they look from each other the better is great, because I wanted to get different tail types anyways!! Glad to hear you have success with yours, I hope it keeps going well! From your experience, is introducing all females at once a must??

When I did it I introduced the bettas all at once and when they were small. From my research I’ve found that it seems to work better/longer when they grow up together

 

Ive kept Bettas for 30+ years and Ive NEVER had a sorority work out no matter how big a tank (55 gallon), how heavily planted, how many branches, sticks, etc., I put in it, how young the fish were, how good they acted, etc. 8ish months is the longest its lasted, and that was the last time I did it. Everything was great, no issues what so ever, came home to find 3 of my favorite ones dead and 4 or 5 others severely injured, with all dying in the next few weeks. One fish took over and it was a chain reaction of fights for 3 straight days.

Its just not worth it in my opinion and Ill never do it again.

 

I have a sorority that has been running for about half a year (don't remember the exact date, but probably September or so last year). It hasn't caused any deaths aside from one time when I was stupid enough to introduce an already ill fish to it. It didn't completely wipe out the group (fortunately my dominant female survived as well) and once it recovered I added some new girls.

My top tip is one that many people skip and tbh I think it may be one of the reason why many struggle in the long run: be extremely selective of its inhabitants.
That means, don't just pick a few, test them out outside of the tank, and then toss them in and just let what happens, happen. All of the newly added girls are on trial for a solid 2-3 weeks after being added and if they create any unrest (doesn't matter whether they are personally the aggressor or not) I remove them and house them separately or sell them. This happens to about 1/3rd of the girls, so a very significant portion.
It's important to learn what interactive behaviour between these fish looks like so you can read the 'mood' a little. Sororities are messy in the beginning and until they figure out who is boss and the underdogs learn to stay out of the way of the more dominant fish. In turn the dominant fish should not be overzealous in harassing underdogs. Any new fish will have to find its position in the group. If it is either too weak (all the other fish pick on it), too challenging (not respecting the more dominant girls) or too aggressive (taking top position but enforcing it constantly and chasing others for no reason) you will have to remove it.

I think you have the best shot starting with a young group of sisters that grow out together. Then later on you can add more, but in pairs and ideally larger groups. A 55 can easily hold two dozen bettas - more is usually better, less focus on individual fish.
I would ignore that advice about picking betta that look different, it's never really made a difference for me (nor has the opposite been a problem).

Be aware that sororities tend to be more prone to the spread of illness as high stress levels and the not-super-great-genetics of most bettas make the group vulnerable to infections by omnipresent bacteria, etc.

Another tip to consider: add some active fish that use all levels of the tank. These can help break up potentially tense situations and make the betta less focused on each other. Groups of tetras or rasboras could work, I've had honey gourami and non-bottom-sticking loaches with bettas.

 

Ive kept Bettas for 30+ years and Ive NEVER had a sorority work out no matter how big a tank (55 gallon), how heavily planted, how many branches, sticks, etc., I put in it, how young the fish were, how good they acted, etc. 8ish months is the longest its lasted, and that was the last time I did it. Everything was great, no issues what so ever, came home to find 3 of my favorite ones dead and 4 or 5 others severely injured, with all dying in the next few weeks. One fish took over and it was a chain reaction of fights for 3 straight days.

Its just not worth it in my opinion and Ill never do it again.

So sorry to hear that happened to you another horror story of them like snapping out of the blue. Thanks for your experience and caution

 

I have a sorority that has been running for about half a year (don't remember the exact date, but probably September or so last year). It hasn't caused any deaths aside from one time when I was stupid enough to introduce an already ill fish to it. It didn't completely wipe out the group (fortunately my dominant female survived as well) and once it recovered I added some new girls.

My top tip is one that many people skip and tbh I think it may be one of the reason why many struggle in the long run: be extremely selective of its inhabitants.
That means, don't just pick a few, test them out outside of the tank, and then toss them in and just let what happens, happen. All of the newly added girls are on trial for a solid 2-3 weeks after being added and if they create any unrest (doesn't matter whether they are personally the aggressor or not) I remove them and house them separately or sell them. This happens to about 1/3rd of the girls, so a very significant portion.
It's important to learn what interactive behaviour between these fish looks like so you can read the 'mood' a little. Sororities are messy in the beginning and until they figure out who is boss and the underdogs learn to stay out of the way of the more dominant fish. In turn the dominant fish should not be overzealous in harassing underdogs. Any new fish will have to find its position in the group. If it is either too weak (all the other fish pick on it), too challenging (not respecting the more dominant girls) or too aggressive (taking top position but enforcing it constantly and chasing others for no reason) you will have to remove it.

I think you have the best shot starting with a young group of sisters that grow out together. Then later on you can add more, but in pairs and ideally larger groups. A 55 can easily hold two dozen bettas - more is usually better, less focus on individual fish.
I would ignore that advice about picking betta that look different, it's never really made a difference for me (nor has the opposite been a problem).

Be aware that sororities tend to be more prone to the spread of illness as high stress levels and the not-super-great-genetics of most bettas make the group vulnerable to infections by omnipresent bacteria, etc.

Another tip to consider: add some active fish that use all levels of the tank. These can help break up potentially tense situations and make the betta less focused on each other. Groups of tetras or rasboras could work, I've had honey gourami and non-bottom-sticking loaches with bettas.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I think that is very smart advice, keeping all the bettas on trial until you’re sure they’re okay and going to work. I am hoping I can learn as much as I can about how to read and monitor them without hands on learning just yet, thank you for your explanation. And that makes me feel better that maybe keeping the loaches will be of benefit if I decide to do a sorority, those guys are so active. Thanks for your advice again

 

Thank you for all the insight! And yes with the loaches I may have to agree with you on their high energy, my two are always bouncing around. I’ll keep thinking about what’s best for them. And yes feeding was definitely a worry of mine! I feed my four different tanks a variety of different things, but I was thinking for a sorority flake might be best so it floats down and reaches everywhere. I soak all my food in garlic and vitamin C so the flakes would sink almost instantly, I think that would be my best feeding choice. Also hearing that the more different they look from each other the better is great, because I wanted to get different tail types anyways!! Glad to hear you have success with yours, I hope it keeps going well! From your experience, is introducing all females at once a must??

You're more than welcome!
The flake soaked the way you do it would be a great option imo. Target feeding each of them thawed frozen and live foods with a pippette works well for me too. Which you definitely could do with soaked pellets and flakes too.
Yeah I'm not sure there's an exact science to them looking different but I'd heard it from breeders I source from that were also keeping sororities. Then noticed with my own, I had more trouble getting two girls of similar colour to get along in the beginning so I'm assuming if they were exactly the same it would have been worse? But again just given advice and a minor observation.
I did not add all of my ladies at once no, I kept 3 from one shipment and added them first together. The other 3 came a week later, I just watched them interacting during the acclimation process to make sure I didn't have any real firecrackers, I did have one! She was pulled , and now lives in a different tank. My girls were 3.5 months when I got them which may have helped too? But they were more aggressive then, than now that their older . So many factors come into play really, and I think everyone's experience will be very different so I don't like to put my experiences down to any kind of science or facts. Just my personal experience and observations

*edit
PascalKrypt has made the best point so far about the individual fish and how their temperaments affect the dynamics of the hierarchy too. Finding well balanced fish is definitely the most important thing. Like I said in my earlier post I was very lucky to have well mannered girls and only had to pull one out of 6. Had it not worked out that way rotation is necessary to find a working balance. It does require close observation of behavioural patterns