Failed 6 G Community Tank

Gallito(my betta) has been living with a pleco(may later make a pond for him) and the tank is cycled, planted and heated.

A week ago I attempted to introduce a group of neon tetras into the aquarium. Some died before getting them into the tank, and I have one left. I separated my betta in a breeding container for a day. There was initial chasing, but no nipping from my betta. However, the neon tetra started nipping Gallito and damaged his fins.

I had to take out Gallito into a heated 2 g for now. I'm thinking of taking the neon tetra back and just letting Gallito enjoy himself with the pleco in the 6 g. However, I'm uncertain. I don't want the neon tetra to possibly die on his way back. I'm unsure about getting more neons to build up the school because I fear they might just bully Gallito.

My aquarist(?) says the neon just needs more fish, but reading more into the betta neon tetra relationship, I've read the tetras can also be pretty nippy and damage beyond repair. I also have a cherry shrimp tank, but I don't want to risk them either.

I need advice. Thank you!

 

Neon tetras should not be with bettas especially in this small of a tank. Rehome the neon tetras and the pleco. (assuming it's common pleco) it will grow more than 1 foot.

 

first of all I would say that a pleco should definitely not go in a 6 gallon tank. I would just have the neon tetras in the 6 gallon, keep the betta in a different tank. A pleco needs a muchn larger tank.

 

first of all I would say that a pleco should definitely not go in a 6 gallon tank. I would just have the neon tetras in the 6 gallon, keep the betta in a different tank. A pleco needs a muchn larger tank.

I later learned this, sadly. I am making arrangements to get him into my city's botanical garden once he reaches a certain size. They have a large fish pond.

Neon tetras should not be with bettas especially in this small of a tank. Rehome the neon tetras and the pleco. (assuming it's common pleco) it will grow more than 1 foot.

Thank you.

Then it's settled! Keeping Gallito in the 6 g, and the 4 cherry shrimp in the two gallon with filter. Thanks a lot!

 

It sounds like he was just trying to sell you as many fish as he could
I agree with the above advice

 

It sounds like he was just trying to sell you as many fish as he could
I agree with the above advice

I think so too. Well it IS his job, but I want to keep happy fish. It is hard to find accurate information online as well, so I'm glad I joined.

 

Ha ha, yep, like you said it IS their job to sell as much as they can. Sorry the little community tank effort failed, it is possible with the right Betta temperament, fish choice and space! my community tank has a Rosetail Betta (Deimos) in it and they all live like a happy family but when I first tried my HMPK Betta (Phobos) in there, he thought he was a shark at dinner time