HELP!! My bettas getting bitten!!

steffi0122

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Dec 4, 2003
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I have just added a betta to a 5.5 gallon tank with a couple dwarf rainbows and i just notised that the betta's fins are looking frayed and one even had a hole in it. This morning i found one of the rainbows chasing him and nipping at his fins. The betta seems to be just terrified and it is such a shame b/c his fins used to be so beautiful. He hides all the time and i can tell that he is not happy. I don't have anywhere to move him to and i don't have the money for another tank right now. I am thinking of getting rid of the dwarf rainbows b/c i don't really care for them anyway, and just leaving the betta with the dwarf frogs that i already have in there. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments for me that will help? Thanks so much...i really need help!
 
Me, too

I had a betta in a 10 gal tank stocked with tetras, zebra danios and cherry barbs. The stocked tank and the betta were all given to me. I decided to put the betta in with the fish, and he seemed pretty happy. I have a tree stump for decoration/refuge, and he used to go in there when he was tired of the other fish. Not one of these fish tried to hurt him.

I am new to this aquarium business, so I don't know what is recommended for bettas. I just wanted to share my experience with you.
 
In a tank that small you will have to make a choice as they will not co-exist. The frog and betta will have no problems.
 
try to find a LFS that has a return/trade in policy. also many stores have warantys on their fish and will take them back no questions asked as lomg as your still waranteed.
 
Exactly how much livestock do you have in that 5.5 gallon tank?

Sounds to me like your tank is probably overcrowded and there could be some territorial issues since your tank is small. If you don't care much for the rainbows, I'd give them to a petstore, you'll probably solve the problem that way. Be careful about how much livestock you put in that tank, 5.5 gallons is very limiting.
 
Well....if you don't like the rainbows then get rid of them. Or just buy a fish bowl. I had a betta in a fish bowl for three years.
 
Put the betta in the bowl or even some larger tuperware for the time being. Then see if you can ask the LFS to take the fish you do not want. The betta will be the one who has the easiest time surviving in the bowl. Just make sure to do daily water changes to keep him healthy. 20-30% per day should be good.
 
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