Where to put Betta: Is he lonely?

Reframer

Reframer

AC Members
Feb 22, 2009
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36
Minnesota
Hi guys,

I have a 55 gallon with 5 danios, 2 male pearl gourami, and 2 rainbow fish. I also have 1 male betta in a 2 gallon. Whenever I approach him, he comes over and "kisses" me, he is very social with people. I am begining to think he may be getting lonely but I have always been told that he is best kept by himself.
Do you think he would get along with the other guys in the 55 or would that be too deep for him? Also, the 55 has a HOB powerwheel filter.
I have heard so many different things about bettas, but I know you guys know best. I've had him for about 1.5 months and he is healthy so far.
 
They are very social. I have one at work in a 3 gallon and he gets lots of attention. I have a female at home and she is in a 20 long with some whiteclouds and snails. I think each fish is an individual. You just kind of have to decide. I don't think my male would be happier and my 55 had too much current for my female.
 
I would not move him. They are best on their own. Him being "social" is most likely him knowing where food comes from. ;)
 
Ok, do you think that if I got maybe a 5 gallon tank that he would prefer to live with a female girlfriend betta or just stay completely by himself.
 
You should get him a bigger tank for the room. Plus a larger tank is easier to heat. Definitely do NOT get him a "girlfriend." They will just fight and kill one another.
 
AshK said:
You should get him a bigger tank for the room. Plus a larger tank is easier to heat. Definitely do NOT get him a "girlfriend." They will just fight and kill one another.
Click to expand...

:iagree:
 
IMO I would add him to the 55 gallon. Huge tank means more room to roam around. And if any aggression happens the Betta has room to swim away.
 
I think, from what I've learned here reading the many posts by betta owners, that they are fine by themselves, but they do like to have your attention.

Some betta owners have a couple of snails and other fish in with them, if the tank is the right size and as long as the fish don't have long fancy tails.

Betta males will fight with anything that has a fancy tail because they think they might be another betta, lol.

A bigger tank is a good idea though. They really do enjoy having more room. They even get used to, and enjoy, a current in the tank, once they are able to swim more and get exercise and develope their muscles.

Many people don't know that they really do like to have more room and like to swim and explore.

Does your 2 gallon have a filter and bubbler, plants or decor? They like that, too, and really like very clean filtered and heated water.
 
Ok, thanks guys. I will get him a little bit bigger tank (hopefully I will find a job soon so I can afford it). I bought him that tank because I was not informed about bettas at the time and the store employee said it would be fine. I do have a nice heater in there that maintains the temp at 78-80. Also has a nice tall silk lily plant to lay on and be lazy, I took out the filter becuase it seemed to disturb him. I change his water 30% every 3 days and I put gravel from another aquarium in there.
 
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