Do betta's need real plants?

[sivic]

Do betta's need real plants or do they just prefer them? I have a cycling 20-30gallon hexagon tankthat im trying to think of what to add in it. My girlfriend wants me to put in her 2 goldfish in. And ive been thinking about a betta, or dwarf puffers. I really wanna stay away from real plants since im doing that in my 55gallon and i already have plastic plants that i would rather use then throw away or leave laying around.

 

[Kasakato]

They dont need tehm, but they would really like some. Even some Java furn, and Hornwort is better then nothing. And remember the rule with goldfish: 1 for the first 20g, and 10g for every fish after that. And goldfish and tropicls dont mix, they both need different temps.

 

[sivic]

ack. the way i worded that you think im talking about mixing goldfish with something else. I was trying to say ethier i put 2 of my girls goldfish, a betta, or dwarf puffers. Her goldfish are small and are in her 10gallon now so i would only keep them till the get big enough to put in my pond. But they will never be mixed with tropicals. Im worried about keeping the goldfish though because my room is very hot and even without a heater my water stays around 78-80 degrees.

Regardless, the tank really stinks for growing plants. Its fairly tall and has a 14watt bulb so light doesnt really get to plants. I do not plan on buying any new lighting for the tank as its a fairly old ( 1983 ) tank and i dont plan on putting anymore money into it. But even if i could i really dont want any live plants in this tank only in my 55gallon. So i guess ill just rule out the betta and probally the dwarf puffers because i would like to provide a good home for the fish, not something that could use improvement.

So if you would have any other suggestions for any other fish im all ears. Plus that would save me the redundancy to create another thread to ask for stocking suggestions.

 

[Kasakato]

Sounds good then. I would still go with the Betta. They dont need plants to live, many are beeing keeped without them and they are fine.

 

[sivic]

Males are the only ones that will fight correct? would it be possible to have a male and a female, or a male and 2 females depending on if i have enough space?

 

[firefly]

Males will fight with females. It would be possible to have multiple females, but usually those will need to be sisters or the like raised together to be 'nice' to each other. They won't have the same long fins as the males, but you could find some pretty colors. Otherwise, one male. But, then you coudl add some other things. Peaceful schoolers like white clouds would do well, as would african dwarf frogs.

Emily

 

[led_zeppelin]

dont forget plecos also can go with bettas also, make sure he is small one though.

 

[Kasakato]

Maybe also a ADF?

 

[sivic]

thanks for the info everyone. As much fun as an ADF would be i think ill pass. Ill just stay with fish only. One male betta and some white clouds sound alittle better but white clouds are coldwater fish and bettas are warm water? Im going to try to search the forums and see if i can hunt down any other possible tankmates for betta's. Thank again

 

[WinterWind]

It's true that white clouds are a coldwater fish, and bettas prefer warm water, but I think there could be a compromise. I'm keeping a few white clouds with a betta and some cories, and they are doing fine. I think if the temperature doesn't go over 80 degrees F, it shouldn't be a big problem. A temperature like 74-76 F would be great if you can keep it constant. Otherwise, in the summer, have some decholrinated ice cubes on hand, which is what I'm doing for my white clouds.

Another great choice for betta tankmates would be cories. A group of pgymy cories or pandas would be a great addition. Very cute and entertaining.