Female betta tankmates?

[koldsoup]

I am in the process of setting up a 20L planted tank. I was thinking of putting BN plecos, shrimp, and maybe some dwarf cories. I generally only like bottom dwellers but I have a friend who is asking me to import some bettas for him. I was thinking, since I am importing bettas for him anyway, I might as well pick up a betta for myself too. Long story short, can a female betta coexist with longfin BNs and shrimp? I am afraid the betta might decide to nip the plecos' fins. Anyone with any experience with female bettas and LF BN plecos?

edit: I meant 20G long

 

[Ballyhoo]

She'd probably eat baby shrimp. Idk about the BM, it would depend on the Betta.

 

[tanker]

She will eat the baby shrimps, but probably leave the BN alone.

 

[koldsoup]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll leave the betta out then. I don't want to risk it nipping the BNs. Plus I would like some baby shrimp too.

As I'm not that familiar with top range fish, any suggestions for a 20 long? I was thinking celestial pearl danios. They're stunning

 

[Jumko]

The problem with keeping shrimp in a community tank is that most fish large enough to fit shrimp in their mouth will gladly do so. I don't know much about celestial pearl danios, but if they're anything like zebra danios or pearl danios, a small school should be more than fine.

 

[tanker]

I was thinking celestial pearl danios. They're stunning

An excellent choice.

 

[bluemeate]

side question can a bn withstand a non heated tank? cuase it only goes bout as low as 40f over here... but its the temp fluctuations more than the actual temp that does the damage, right?

 

[tanker]

side question can a bn withstand a non heated tank? cuase it only goes bout as low as 40f over here... but its the temp fluctuations more than the actual temp that does the damage, right?

I do not think any of the tropical fish can survive 40 degrees F.

 

[Eclipse_sky]

Get a heater they are cheap for your tank size and a betta will do fine with other tankmates.

 

[dorris]

Yes a small heater is advisable.

Also, female Bettas are definately NOT going to even look at your Bristlenose, lol. They would love to eat baby shrimp, but seriously those girls won't bother anyone. Even a male wouldn't bother pestering any type of catfish. That's been my experience anyway. The only fish that Betta's usually enjoy harassing really are live bearers like Platies because they are of a similar size and very bright colors so Betta's will usually flare up at them and scare them away, but I have never seen any Betta nip fins of another species, only other Bettas if they get the chance.