Betta fish community tank (PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION)
Betta 8 years ago 1,742 views
This is a 5 gallon Fluval Spec tank housing 1 betta, 1 Sunburst Platy, 1 Guppy, 6 Neon Tetras and 4 Ghost Shrimp. They say you need 1 gallon per inch of fish; however, after many years of owning and breeding fish.. that is an actual false misconception. All these fish have been thriving for the last 14 months in this tank. This tank is now at full capacity, but I took the time to monitor and introduce each fishes requirements over a period of time. I personally need my space in life. I live in a family household environment; however, if I was a bachelor, living with one individual who bothered me, I would live a pretty miserable life. With fish living together, there are standard limits such as tank size, fish size/temperament and maintaining the tank accordingly, but, limits can be bent based on your experience and the characteristics of each fish. I could make a duplicate of this tank with half the fish, just to have them all die. (monitoring all fish, and quality of the aquarium is key) It's about quality of life; not quantity. Once again, I've had all these species living in this tank for over a year, living happy and peacefully. Any comments of over crowding is now proven contradictory. Thanks for watching!
Also, in the vein of "cleaner" tankmates, have you held any combination of plecos, shrimp and/or snails? Or just the ghost shrimp? I'd be interested in keeping all three.
I realize a lot of this information is on the internet but some of it seems to be conflicting and vague, and I prefer to ask from first hand experience, and clearly if your tank can look this good and thriving for 14 months, you must be doing something right!
Cheers!
I take risks with each of my aquariums. Sometimes my set ups work; sometimes they don't.
I have to warn you that ghost shrimps may fall victim to some fish, such as my beta, but sometimes they may live in harmony; really depends on your fish.
As for snails, you shouldn't have to worry about them. The only difference to my tank is that I've actually replaced my shrimp with snails, as well as replacing my fake plants with real live plants.
My tank is doing much better since the change.