Betta fish are some of the prettiest fish in the world.They are solitary creatures in their natural state.Adding a betta to a community tank can make it aggressive and agitated.Adding a betta to a community tank should be done the right way.Ensure the tank is clean and ready to receive the betta, then gradually acclimate the fish to the community tank's water.
Step 1: Quarantine the betta.
The betta needs to be isolated before it can be added to a community.If the betta develops illnesses that could spread to the rest of the fish in the community tank, this will give you time to monitor it.Ensure that your fish eats properly, demonstrates normal activity, and remains free of signs of parasites during the two week period.If your fish shows signs of illness, you should take it to the vet.There are many symptoms of illness in betta fish, including a bloated body or a refusal to eat, fluffy white growths on its body, torn or disintegrating fins, or small white spots on the body.Any behavioral abnormality or symptoms of illness should be referred to a doctor.Betta fish can be obtained from qualified betta breeders.A pet store is not likely to give you a healthy fish.
Step 2: Make sure your tank is clean.
Check your tank for debris on top of the water or on the bottom with a visual check.Clean and operate your tank's filter.If you want to reduce the risk of disease, add a UV sterilizer.Change your tank's water if necessary.To clean the tank's gravel, scoop it out and place it in a sieve, then rinse it with hot water.After the cleaning, replace it.
Step 3: Check the environment.
A betta fish can tolerate certain conditions in the tank.The temperature should be between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.Make sure the acidity is between 6.5 and 7.5 by using your pH meter.Ammonia should stay at 0, nitrates at 20 and nitrite at zero.If your tank is too cold, invest in a heat lamp.Most pet stores have these.Check the pH level with a small test kit from your local pet store or online.Adding an acidic compound to the tank will lower the pH level.Blackwater extract and Indian almond leaf are some of the common Additives.Adding some wood to your tank is also possible.Adding a crushed coral or limestone chip will increase the pH.You can check your local pet store for materials and compounds.When adjusting pH levels, follow specific use directions.Dramatic changes could affect your fish.
Step 4: Acclimate your betta to the community.
The betta is ready to join the other fish.The overhead lights of the aquarium room should be turned off.The betta should be put in a plastic bag.For about 15 minutes, float the bag in the water of the community tank.It's best to move it slowly through the water.This helps the bag approach the water temperature in the tank.
Step 5: The bag needs to be folded down.
The edges of the bag should be rolled down so that they don't get wet.The bag should be able to continue floating without your help because of the air trapped between the rolled-down edges.
Step 6: Water can be added to the bag.
Add half a cup of water to the bag every four minutes.If the bag is full, dump half the water from it into the tank.Add half a cup of water to the bag every four minutes.Place the betta fish in the tank when you fill it again.Take the water out of the bag.
Step 7: You should monitor your fish.
Keep an eye on your betta for a few days after you add it to the community tank.Conflicts between the betta and other fish can be signs that the community arrangement is not working out.Before adding the betta to the community tank, have a backup plan.If the betta is not accepted by the community, the best backup plan is to simply transfer it back to an individual tank of at least five gallons.There are a number of warning signs that include missing scales, visible bits missing from the betta's fins, or the presence of stress stripes.Stress stripes are not the same as a female's breeding stripes.
Step 8: You can choose the sex of your fish.
If you want to keep male betta fish in the same tank as other males, it's not a good idea.When they see other betta fish, males can be aggressive and territorial.Females are less aggressive and territorial than males, so you should keep an eye on any betta fish in your tank.If you want to breed betta fish, do not mix males and females.If this is the case, separate their interactions at the first sign of conflict.
Step 9: Add a curious fish.
There is more opportunity for exploration and enrichment in a community tank.Betta fish are smart even though they prefer their own space.A community tank with non-threatening fish, snails, and other creatures will keep the betta active.Add some fake plants, fish houses, tubes, rocks, and hidey holes to your community tank if you haven't already done so.Betta fish like to explore these spaces.
Step 10: Aggressive fish shouldn't be added to a community tank.
All betta fish are solitary by nature and can be aggressive if they see another fish in their zone.If you want to know if your betta would fit in a community tank, try it.If you have had your betta in contact with another community before, it is a good idea to think about whether or not the fish would like to live in a different community.
Step 11: Determine compatible species.
Some fish are better betta tankmates than others.Betta and cories share space and prefer swimming along the top of the tank.Both loaches and otocinclus catfish are compatible with betta fish.Ghost shrimp are transparent, making it difficult for betta fish to see them.Red cherry shrimp can be eaten by betta fish.The betta community likes snails since they do their own thing at the bottom of the tank.The betta is unlikely to notice the Feeder guppies because they are dull in color.The corydoras, rasboras and white cloud mountain minnows are good tankmates.
Step 12: The tank should be the right size.
The minimum community tank size is 20 gallons.Bettas like to explore around their tank.It is important that the tank is the right size.Bettas should get 2.5 gallons for themselves.Before introducing a betta, think about the needs of the other fish and creatures in the community.The community tank should not be overcrowded.
Step 13: Don't add betta fish to a tank with fin nippers.
Betta fish have long fins.Some fish think the betta's fins are for nibbling.Tiger barbs should not be in the same tank as a betta.This isn't just an annoyance for the betta fish.Increased stress can be caused by nicked fins.
Step 14: Don't add a betta fish to a colorful tank.
Most guppies, goldfish, tropical fish, and other bright and multicolored fish are enemies to the betta fish.In rare instances, a betta can live in peace with colorful fish or guppies.
Step 15: Add fish that share the same environment.
The betta fish like water with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5.The temperature of a betta fish tank in the tropics should be around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.Since betta fish are from non-flowing waters, the community tank should have a gentle filter.The water can be tested with a pH monitor.A handheld monitor can be found at your local pet store.Aquarium tank thermometers can be used to monitor the temperature in your betta fish tank.You can check the temperature quickly if you keep one in the tank.Unless you have the time and energy to perform frequent, high-volume water changes, keep your betta in a tank without a filter.Don't use distilled water.Betta fish need water with vitamins and minerals that are not found in distilled water.