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I've gone and done it! I noticed the other day that the only tank that DIDN'T have a betta in it was my 12 gallon tank. I've got the 20 gallon betta girl community tank, the 10 gallon guppy girl tank (with Feather, the delta tail male), the five gallon with Honor (yellow veil male) and shrimp, and numerous individual betta tanks.

The 12 gallon has the unlikely combination of fancy male guppies and long-finned golden danios. I was staring at the tank for a while and pondering... if the danios don't harm the guppies' long, fancy tails, will they hurt a betta boy? Only one way to find out!

I slowly introduced Liberty (my eldest betta) into the tank. There's a very gentle current in the tank and it doesn't even bother him. The guppies took one look at him and ran off, but once they figured out he didn't give a flying fig about them, they settled down. Seriously, he didn't even look at them!

The danios pretty much leave him alone. The alpha female, Boss Lady, took a couple nips at his long, trailing anal fin, but I think she's settled down. I've got Liberty's two gallon tank still setup and waiting for him in case he shows signs of stress.

All in all, I've rarely seen him this active. He isn't flaring at anyone, and has staked out his territory, but he doesn't chase anyone around or bother anyone. I'm happy with the situation thusfar.

I certainly wouldn't try this with any random betta or even any random danios. My danios have been with guppies of all ages and sexes pretty much since my first tank was cycled and have never had issues. (Okay, they were population control for my oversexed guppies, but once they were past a few days old, the danios left fry alone.)

Liberty is an old gentleman, approaching the second anniversary of his coming to live with me. He is the first fish I ever owned myself and I thought he deserved to have something more than just a two gallon tank of solitary confinement. He seems to be adjusting nicely and I'm happy for him. Also... three cheers... he seems to be over the chronic tail rot he's had nearly since I first got him. His tail is longer than it's been in a loooong time, which is part of the reason I moved him to a bigger tank... better water quality.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Kitten

When you go into your LFS what do all the staff call you "The Betta Girl" or "You better look out here come the Betta girl looking for more Bettas"



Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Actually, if I got them all from the same store, they probably would! However, my bettas have come from Petco, Petsmart, Walmart, and two independent LFS. I actually even got one for free from my fav LFS... I offered to take him home and heal up his fins (completely torn up, hardly anything left) and bring him back... I was told to keep him. My sis adopted him from me.

Beware... betta addictions are also contagious... she has three bettas now!

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Kitten

I Betta watch out when I get my Beta tank. I can assure this will be the only one.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

i think theese betta jokes betta stop soon

sorry

! Y'all are silly.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Yep, i too am on the lookout for a betta tank... looking for a nice 5 gallon or so that i can sneak past the wife]

I am trying to pace myself but I know one of these days im just gonna end up bringing on of those little guys home from the LFS.

I am waiting to see the perfect tank and as of yet have not found one.

DonnieBoy

I've got a five gallon minibow that I quite like. The only thing is, it makes it hard to get a decent picture because of the bowfront. I've also seen five gallon hexes, eclipse systems... all seem pretty decent. I'm looking forward to moving out... and getting more small tanks.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

DonnieBoy, keep a watchout at your local thrift & second hand stores. Around here they always have 5 & 10 gallon tanks for cheap.

I recently purchase a 5 gallon with two operating HOBs glass top & light for $5.00. This too is being setup as a planted betta tank, it will be my second betta once completed.

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Don't forget garage sales! I once saw this CUTE little glass container (3-5 gallons, prolly)... not sure if it was meant to be a fish tank, but might have been. I'm still kicking myself for not picking it up. Could have been fairly easy to seal if it wasn't already water tight.

You can also pick up decent tanks for cheap... saw a 29 the other day for 10 bucks... was used as a lizard tank or something, but would have cleaned up nicely. Unfortunately, I don't have the room.

Last edited by Kitten at 04-Apr-2005 13:07

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~