Can A Male Betta Share A 10 Gallon?

Hi,
I'm setting up a 10 gallon tank in the children's area of the library where I work. I have an aquaclear 20 filter, 75 w heater, and plan on several live plants. I'd like to start the tank with a betta. There is one male koi betta I have been watching in my LFS who I've kind of fallen in love with. They won't reserve or hold him for me, so I just have to cross my fingers he doesn't get sold until my tank is ready. He's white with red splotches and the store has named him Dexter (Love that he's Dexter, but we will probably have to give him a different kid-friendly name). They have him in a community tank and he seems happy and active. I'm wondering if I do get Dexter, will I be able to add additional fish in with him in the 10 gallon? The LFS tells me yes, and has many suggestions, but I'm a little skeptical because they seem to tell me I can add in more fish then I think. They said 5-6 schooling fish plus an algae eater with the betta. To me that seems like too much for the 10 gallon!
Just wondering what you think. What kind of fish, if any, would work with a male betta who is used to being in a community tank? How many in a 10 gallon?

I really want this guy, but others in the library think the kids would like more than 1 fish, so if it doesn't look like that would work, I may have to chose something else.
Thanks for your help!

 

HI and welcome! I agree with you, that store wants to overstock your tank!

We have a thread with a big list of fish that can fit comfortably in a 10 gallon tank. If you get a Betta though I wouldn't chance it. You could probably have shrimp and snails but if the Betta takes exception to their presence then you're going to have to teach the kids what "carnage" means

What size tank is he in at the store?

 

HI and welcome! I agree with you, that store wants to overstock your tank!

We have a thread with a big list of fish that can fit comfortably in a 10 gallon tank. If you get a Betta though I wouldn't chance it. You could probably have shrimp and snails but if the Betta takes exception to their presence then you're going to have to teach the kids what "carnage" means

What size tank is he in at the store?

Thanks! In the store he's in a 20 gallon long, with several different community fish.

 

It's probably overstocked too but a 20 long has a considerably larger footprint than a 10 and you can get away with a lot more

In a 10 I would pick either the single Betta OR a community of nano fish OR an invert tank.

This link might help:
Stocking options for 10 gallons

 

I agree with the above. I'd love to see some pics once he's in his new home!

 

Thanks. I'm attempting to do an Alice in Wonderland theme in the tank, but not sure how that will work out.
I'll look through that thread about stocking the 10 gallon.
What about a female betta? Would that make it easier to house with others, or still not a good idea?

 

Having had many female Bettas I'm going to suggest that you avoid them. Wonderful fish, just like the males, but faster and capable of doing more damage by virtue of not being hindered by fancy fins

 

Females can be just as vicious as males if not worse. You'd still unfortunately be overstocked either way. However, you could add a few Nerite snails or some ghost shrimp to add a bit more life to the aquarium.

 

Celestial Pearl Danios!

 

CPDs are great but I've heard that they are quite shy and you might not see them very often with an intimidating fish like a Betta around.

 

I meant on their own. I just got excited at the thought and blurted it out

 

ha ha! It loks like I may have to scratch the betta idea. I'm off to consider Celestial Pearl Danios !

 

If you have a lot of plants in it then you're likely to see more of them!

But what about guppies? Old standby, very colourful, easy to find!

 

Yeah, actually I have been thinking about guppies. I think the kids will lke them. I actually don't want to deal with any baby fish though, and I have this idea guppies like to breed...

 

I agree with the above, bettas really do best on their own.

If you get all male guppies you won't have to worry about them breeding, plus the males are much flashier.

 

As I'm sitting here contemplating and reading all your replies you are convincing me. I think guppies will be the way to go. I just really reallky like Dexter the betta fish
I'd bring him home but my husband doesn't want fish and he thinks I have too many other responsibilites right now (he's right).

 

Agreed! And if you go for male guppies you can choose different tail types so the kids can easily tell them apart. There are different strains like Red Moscow, Blue Moscow, Snakeskin, etc

 

I'm sorry you can't bring Dexter home
If you need any ideas for an Alice in Wonderland tank I would be happy to help, I'm actually working on the musical version of it for drama right now.

 

As I'm sitting here contemplating and reading all your replies you are convincing me. I think guppies will be the way to go. I just really reallky like Dexter the betta fish
I'd bring him home but my husband doesn't want fish and he thinks I have too many other responsibilites right now (he's right).

Not even one itty bitty betta? *puppydog eyes*

 

I just really reallky like Dexter the betta fish
I'd bring him home but my husband doesn't want fish and he thinks I have too many other responsibilites right now (he's right).

That's exactly what *my* husband said!!...five aquariums ago.....I keep thinking that I'm done with one of the smaller aquariums, then something moves in.

I love my koi betta, btw, and couldn't be prouder of him. So I'm the voice on the shoulder where the little devil sits, egging you on.

 

Ha! Yes, still thinking of the possibility of bringing Dexter home, but I know myself and promised I wouldn't bring home another pet until I can manage to walk the dogs as regularly as I should. Got to be fair to existing pets. Just visited him yesterday and he's still there.