Male Betta with Neon/Cardinal Tetras

[chub04]

Hey everyone, just wanted to hear some opinions on this topic. I currently have a male betta in a 20 gal. tank and was thinking about adding neon or cardinal tetras. Probably about 10-12 of them. Wanted to hear some opinions on whether or not this will work? Any success/horror stories of people putting these two together? I know it probably depends on the betta's personality and aggressivness, but just wanted to get some input.

My betta isn't very aggressive, well at least doesn't seem too aggressive. He's about 1 years old. The only time I've seen him flare is when I hold a mirror up to the tank, but it takes a couple minutes before he starts to flare, almost as if he's just annoyed that he can see "another" betta. Never seen him do any kind of nipping towards his reflection or anything. If I hold my finger up to the glass he just stares, sometimes will swim away, other times will just follow my finger around. Just seems more curious than anything.

So, what does everyone think? Let's hear your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[OrionGirl]

How warm is the tank? Bettas tend to do best when kept warm.

That said, the big concern with mixing is that the tetras will shred fins. Neons are usually less nippy than others, so it should be ok.

 

[chub04]

The tank on average is 79 degrees F. Will that temp be okay for neons?

 

[tanker]

Neons generally like the water a little cooler, between 72-78,

 

[fishorama]

I'd go with cardinals for that temp. We used to buy tiny "feeder" neons for our bettas. They ate few but when they grew enough they did nip the betta's fins a bit, no real damage. Do you have live plants? that can help both kinds of fish, hiding for tetras & resting spots for betta.