Upgrading 3.5 to 10 gallon

Ok so I've been thinking about upgrading my 3.5 gallon tank to a 10 gallon. Would it be possible to add some neon tetras to the 10 gallon? Would the 10 gallon be to small for them or would they hurt my betta?

 

IMO a 10 is too small for neons. My neons stressed out one of my bettas too. If your betta will accept tankmates, then ember tetras would make better tank mates in a 10.

 

Ok so I've been thinking about upgrading my 3.5 gallon tank to a 10 gallon. Would it be possible to add some neon tetras to the 10 gallon? Would the 10 gallon be to small for them or would they hurt my betta?

A 10 gallon should be fine for a small tetra/Betta combo. But some Bettas don’t appreciate the tank mates.
I’m not a huge tetra fan after numerous attempts with them in my early aquarium years. Many people do quite well with them though!

 

A 10 gallon should be fine for a small tetra/Betta combo. But some Bettas don’t appreciate the tank mates.
I’m not a huge tetra fan after numerous attempts with them in my early aquarium years. Many people do quite well with them though!

My betta is pretty chill so I think he'll be ok. Also, where can I get a 10 gallon. I checked petsmart and they were like $75 which seems super expensive.

IMO a 10 is too small for neons. My neons stressed out one of my bettas too. If your betta will accept tankmates, then ember tetras would make better tank mates in a 10.

What's the difference between neon tetras and ember tetras?

 

What's the difference between neon tetras and ember tetras?

Embers are smaller than neons, so they are better suited for smaller tanks. They are orange rather than red and blue.

 

My betta is pretty chill so I think he'll be ok. Also, where can I get a 10 gallon. I checked petsmart and they were like $75 which seems super expensive.

Hmm. I got a 10 gallon kit for $50 at petsmart. Not the best lighting or filter but it would definitely work for a while. The filter has an adjustable flow which was nice too.
It also includes the heater...

Definitely cycle the tank first.

If you don’t want or need the kit I know Petco and such have incredible sales. I think they might even have now for like $1 per gallon fish tanks?

 

Hmm. I got a 10 gallon kit for $50 at petsmart. Not the best lighting or filter but it would definitely work for a while. The filter has an adjustable flow which was nice too.
It also includes the heater...

Definitely cycle the tank first.

If you don’t want or need the kit I know Petco and such have incredible sales. I think they might even have now for like $1 per gallon fish tanks?

is it going on now? That would be great! Which tank was it?

Ok

Embers are smaller than neons, so they are better suited for smaller tanks. They are orange rather than red and blue.

How many would I get? Like 7 or 8 since my betta is about 2 inches?

 

I have a female betta in a ten gallon with four male endlers. The endlers keep the tank lively and exciting without overstocking issues, and the betta is fine with them. Aggression levels vary with bettas, so you want a plan B tank up and running. Also lots of people recommend putting the betta in as the last fish when introducing bettas to tankmates. Many have shared horror stories about bettas and endlers, but for me the combination was a good choice, since I knew my betta isn't very aggressive and my water pH is on the higher side (7.8 to 8 usually). Still, please know there is always a risk when you introduce bettas to tankmates. Good luck!

 

is it going on now? That would be great! Which tank was it?

10 Gallon Tank

 

I have a female betta in a ten gallon with four male endlers. The endlers keep the tank lively and exciting without overstocking issues, and the betta is fine with them. Aggression levels vary with bettas, so you want a plan B tank up and running. Also lots of people recommend putting the betta in as the last fish when introducing bettas to tankmates. Many have shared horror stories about bettas and endlers, but for me the combination was a good choice, since I knew my betta isn't very aggressive and my water pH is on the higher side (7.8 to 8 usually). Still, please know there is always a risk when you introduce bettas to tankmates. Good luck!

That makes sense. Thanks a lot. How can I tell that they are all the same gender? I have a growing amazon sword, an anubis and spongebob pineapple cave thing. Will that be enough hiding places for them?

 

Males are much more brightly colored and smaller than female endlers- very easy to sex. Any good LFS should be able to give you all males. Also Aquatic Arts sells all male bundles. If you try them, be sure to get males, since females can hold on to speem and have young even without males in the tank. Also get a type with short fins to prevent nipping- no sword tails, etc.

 

Ok
How many would I get? Like 7 or 8 since my betta is about 2 inches?

If you go for them, I'd get 8-10. But its best if you have a backup plan if you choose to add fish to the tank. Whether its rehousing or rehoming. Not all bettas will accept other fish into their territories.

 

Ok thanks a lot everyone. I really want to upgrade soon.

 

You can also check any local for sale pages like craigslist or Facebook market place. I’ve also found tanks at my local thrift stores just need to be cleaned out well.

 

Also, where can I get a 10 gallon.

If you have Walmarts near you, they usually carry 10 gallon kits for around $30, as well as just a plain tank (so no hood, filter, heater, etc). The empty tank is probably, like. $10, maybe $15. They also sell the bits and bobs (hood, hob filter, heater) separately if you're not looking for a kit. I can't speak for the brands on the accessories, but. It's another place to get just the tank

Edit: Someone mentioned ember tetras, and I second that! They're adorable and stay pretty small; I've got 8 in my tank and love them

 

FyI petco is having there dollar per gallon sale in my area- if you are still shopping for a new ten gallon give them a call!

 

FyI petco is having there dollar per gallon sale in my area- if you are still shopping for a new ten gallon give them a call!

Oooh thanks a ton for the update

 

I wouldnt put Neons with Bettas in a 10 for a couple reason, the #1 reason being they aren't temp compatible. Neons REALLY like mid 70's, Bettas really want low 80's. Keeping Bettas in cooler water really makes them sluggish, slows their metabolism causing digestion issues, etc. Neons in warmer water will speed up their metabolism making them more active and live shorter lives. In a 10, if you set the temp to 78 or 80 even, its far too small for the super actives Neons.

In a 10 you're risking it (have a backup plan incase your Betta doesn't like his new mates) but if you want to do a schooling fish I think 6 Harlequin Rasboras are the best tankmate. We currently have a Betta in a 10 with 6 of them and its been great for 3 years. I did have the tank up and running with the Rasboras and 3 KuhlI Loach before adding the Betta as a baby, which I think helps. All three like low to mid 80's and none of them bother each other. Its a really neat little tank.