Betta Sorority

CrimsonBlush

CrimsonBlush

Attemping to post rather than lurk
Jun 15, 2008
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I first posted this in general freshwater, but I decided it should be here! My question is below along with the replies!



CrimsonBlush


Betta Sorority

My planted 10 gallon is currently stocked with 3 female bettas. I would love to add more, but could I add more than 1? I don't want to overstock. I do water changes about every week and I have a AquaClear 20 filter. Thanks! :)
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194484

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Today, 5:52 PM #2 jpappy789
Embrace your inner fish




Seems a tad bit tight as it is. Don't know if adding another would be worth it...not much space for her to retreat to as they sort the hierarchy out again.

Just my thoughts.



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Today, 6:07 PM #3 CrimsonBlush
First Time Aquascaper




Quote:
Originally Posted by jpappy789
Seems a tad bit tight as it is. Don't know if adding another would be worth it...not much space for her to retreat to as they sort the hierarchy out again.

Just my thoughts.

Really? Oh that's too bad...I've heard of someone who had 6 bettas and a couple ottos. I thought that was overstocking, but I thought I would be able to get at least 1 betta in there. I thought it might balance out the aggression actually, so one in particular doesn't get bullied.

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Today, 6:21 PM #4 jpappy789
Embrace your inner fish



A lady at the LFS I got my females at said I could have up to 30 in my 30 gallon...:rofl:

I'm sure you could for some time, but really, how comfortable would that be?


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Today, 6:28 PM #5 CrimsonBlush
First Time Aquascaper



Quote:
Originally Posted by jpappy789
A lady at the LFS I got my females at said I could have up to 30 in my 30 gallon...:rofl:

I'm sure you could for some time, but really, how comfortable would that be?

Not comfy...oh well, if I can't have another I guess I can't.... sure wish I could get another tank then :) I want more fish!
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I kept 5 females in a 30 and due to some jumpers ended up with 3. They definitely found a way to work it out. I would recommend more if there was space.

IMO if there are aggression issues at all it is because they are cramped. 6 female bettas in a 10 gallon?
 
jpappy789 said:
I kept 5 females in a 30 and due to some jumpers ended up with 3. They definitely found a way to work it out. I would recommend more if there was space.

IMO if there are aggression issues at all it is because they are cramped. 6 female bettas in a 10 gallon?
Click to expand...

6 isn't that bad in a 10 gallon. they tend to shoal after they set up their hierarchy. They also tend to congregate at the top.

Make sure you have plenty of hiding spots I would say 2 more spots than bettas.
 
upgrade your tank size before you add any more female bettas. 10 gallons is not large enough to have a sorrority. go with a 20 long at the smallest and have plenty of plants and hidey holes for the girls to feel comfortable and have plenty of room to swim around, with, and away from each other. this size and dimension tank also will allow you to have a few cories for clean up crew if you want.

personally, i'd stick with just the three bettas and maybe the few cories, if you do upgrade to a 20 long.
 
I agree with Jpap and BFM... Three is pushing it for a 10g. I wouldn't add more. However, BFM had a great idea... a 20 long is only 10" longer than your 10g, and you could add fish to it!

LOL... so that's how the addiction spreads. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
OK, you will definitely need at least 5 females to have a chance at success. Females also display conspecific aggression but not as much as males. Also, it is best to introduce them all together, a mature tank is necessary.

And 6 bettas in a 10 gallon is not really overstocked. In fact I have used exactly this set up in the past...
 
There was a thread just a few days ago about a female betta going psycho. Females can be as agressive as males. I had one that would shred anything that went into the tank with her. It's a gamble at best aggression wise.

I think that if more in a 10g does create less agression, it's not because the fish are happier. From my understanding of bettas, they need a fair amount of territory to claim as thier own to feel secure; or at least a good amount of unclaimed space to retreat to if threatened. I think that with too many fish for any to establish territory, it makes them less agressive out of paranoia.... they never get a place to feel safe.

IME, to really see a betta's personality (not to mention color) come out, give them some space and a cave or plant to call home. This will decrease agression becsue the fish will feel safer, and increase health by reducing over all stress and improving water quality.

Just my thoughts.
 
Eh, I didn't really see mine shoal. Sometimes I would see them being social but I could definitely tell which female was supreme...the other two tended to stick away.

I'm looking at my 15 gallon and trying to figure out how 6 female bettas, at 2-3", could possibly feel comfortable in that space let alone something smaller.

It may be feasible for some but its definitely not something I would personally recommend.
 
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