Minimum Tank Size? (Betta & 2 Cories)

[Harlock]

Ayep. Pygmy Cories are small, but even they won't fit in a full grown bettas mouth. Add to that they have these little spikey fins so they are uncomfortable to snack on even by larger fish if you'v ever been finned by a large freshwater catfish while on a fishing trip, you'll relate). Also, as Spartan said, once your fishless cycle is over, just bring the fish home, float the bags, acclimate them per your normal standards, and then let them into their new home.

The betta will be your "show" piece with the large fins and striking coloration and the pygmy cories will definitely steal the show personality wise. They tend to school rather well and will utilize the middle to lower areas of the tank. Some people have compared them to birds in that that'll swoop around together and then land on plants or decorations a bit before taking off again. Best of luck to you.

 

[tomm10]

Your corys should be safe from the betta but if you have the choice, I'd put the corys in first. They really don't get territorial at all while the betta could (very dependent on the individual betta though). The betta won't eat the corys and may not even nip at them but he could stress them out a little bit if he is the first in the tank and thinks its his. Probably not a big deal though.

I'll second the notion of a 10g tank at least and for my money, if you're going to do a 10g why not do a 20g tall which has the same footprint and would allow you to put some pygmy corys and regular bottom dwelling corys into the mix. It shouldn't be a lot more money, the footprint is the same and you're doubling the volume. Just a thought.

 

[Aristotle]

I'll second the notion of a 10g tank at least and for my money, if you're going to do a 10g why not do a 20g tall which has the same footprint

Oh, don't put ideas in my head. I've done a great job of taking an insane 30 galon (tall) tank concept and reducing it to a 10 galon tank. This is my first tank, so I want to work with a semi-small tank to get my feet wet.

I've got a big area (60" long with plenty of depth and height) where I'm planning to either put a single big marine/reef tank or two "smaller" tanks (one marine/reef and the other brackish). I'm going to give myself a year to get used to taking care of the little freshwater aquarium before I go all out and start working on that spot.

 

[tomm10]

Oh, don't put ideas in my head. I've done a great job of taking an insane 30 galon (tall) tank concept and reducing it to a 10 galon tank. This is my first tank, so I want to work with a semi-small tank to get my feet wet.

I've got a big area (60" long with plenty of depth and height) where I'm planning to either put a single big marine/reef tank or two "smaller" tanks (one marine/reef and the other brackish). I'm going to give myself a year to get used to taking care of the little freshwater aquarium before I go all out and start working on that spot.

Get a 20g! I'll give you a few reasons.

1. More water volume= more stable water conditions (20 gallons heats/cools, etc. slower than 10g), plus you will have a greater variety of fish you can add.

2. Its the exact same footprint as a 10g. If you have the space a 29g would be even better but a 20g over a 10g in a given space is a no-brainer.

3. When you upgrade to larger tanks in the future the 20 would make a fantastic hospital/quarantine tank or even a breeder tank for some fish.

4. Cost difference between a 10g and 20g is really pretty small. twice the substrate and probably the next step up in filter size but thats really it. The footprint is the same so you'll buy the same number of plants/decorations but you'll have the ability to buy taller ones.

I regret buying a 10g as my first tank every day. I'd much rather see a 20g on the same stand.

 

[Aristotle]

Okay, assuming I might go with the 20 gallon tank, what additions would you consider? (I won't likely add anything beyond the betta and the pygmy cories for the first 3 months.)

Maybe...
2 or 3 larger cories (which kind?) and a black mystery snail?

or...
a cherry fire shrimp (just saw one of these and liked it) and 3 or 4 mid-strata schooling fish (suggestions?)


To further show how indecisive I am (at least I have the willpower to hold off from buying until I've made up my mind), I've considered replacing the beta with a pair of pearl guaramis. Do you see any obvious conflicts in doing that?

 

[YoFishboy]

With the 20g, you have enough room to set up a nice community tank - bettas are really kind of shy, so have some plants, real or fake, for them to hide in. Don't get anything that would be a fin nipper, either. Tetras, peaceful small rasboras, maybe an african frog, etc. would work fine. Avoid barbs - barbs nip. Bettas and Gouramis are both Anabantoids, and may be aggressive towards each other. You are right to go with Corys - there are a lot of different Corys you could try - they are all great fish and do well in larger groups. Have fun!

 

[tomm10]

Okay, assuming I might go with the 20 gallon tank, what additions would you consider? (I won't likely add anything beyond the betta and the pygmy cories for the first 3 months.)

Maybe...
2 or 3 larger cories (which kind?) and a black mystery snail?

or...
a cherry fire shrimp (just saw one of these and liked it) and 3 or 4 mid-strata schooling fish (suggestions?)

Both good choices. I love shrimp in the tank as they are great cleaners, contribute little to bioload and are fun to watch. Get a few. Amanos are good choices too.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the big snails but a lot of people love them. Mystery and apple snails can make snacks of your live plants if you plan to have any.

I'd stay with the betta. The 20 is a decent sized small tank but its not huge. While I think you could probably fit two gouramis in there its really probably the bare minimum size for them. I'd rather see the one betta as a showpiece in the tank.

With regards to plants, think of either real or silk fake plants with the betta. Their flowing fins are delicate and can get torn up on the fake plastic plants.