Would I be overstocked?

[FreshyFresh]

I agree with biondoa . I think bettas should always be kept on their own.

Betta "communities" are usually a short term experience. The betta either is too stressed from all of the fish in there and doesn't live out it's lifespan.....

Is this your personal experience with them?

I've had groups of female bettas live several years in community settings. The only issue I have with them in this type of setting is their tendency to over-eat.

 

[Anders247]

Is this your personal experience with them?

I've had groups of female bettas live several years in community settings. The only issue I have with them in this type of setting is their tendency to over-eat.

Several years? How long would that be, 3?
Yes, I had a betta in a community. "Surprisingly" the betta ate cories.

 

[evil wizard]

That is physically impossible. A betta could not eat a cory, even if it was a dwarf. If a betta tried to do so then the betta would die because of the cories spines being lodged in the bettas mouth. I have had bettas with every common fish. By common I mean platies, tetras, and in that area. None had a problem because of the betta. The only problems were because of fin nipping.

 

[Anders247]

I wasn't being literal. I mean it killed them.....

And technically it is possible, if the betta took bites out of the part without the spine, it could happen.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Several years? How long would that be, 3?
Yes, I had a betta in a community. "Surprisingly" the betta ate cories.

Years as in 2-3...

Best I can tell, we're talking two different scenarios. A group of female bettas in a community fish setting, or a single male betta in with community fish. I currently have 3 female bettas in my 55g and have done male bettas in 10g with other fish. Never once had an issue with a betta showing aggression towards anything other than their own kind.

 

[Anders247]

2-3 years is not their full lifespan capability. This backs up my saying that they are stressed and live shorter lifespans with other fish.
They get live 5-7 years in the right conditions.

I know a member on another forum who has had their bettas live longer without fish (5 years) than with fish (just 3).

This screams to me that they shouldn't be with other fish.

 

[dereks]

Hi all,
Since my betta Cosmo can't get along with anybody, he needs his own tank. Currently I have a 20 high gallon tank and my landlordad only allows one more 2.5 gallon! :'(

Would my male betta with 2 zebra nerite snails be too much for a 2.5 gallon tank?

I'm also trying to convince my landlord to let me do a 5 gallon! So until that happens I'm stuck with the 2.5 gallon.

As always, all suggestions and tips welcome!

Patty

I'm a fan of under-stocking and making the aquarium more about the decorations with just a few fish to accent the tank, and I think this would be perfect.

 

[evil wizard]

With the way bettas being treated with how they are being treated 3 years is pretty good. Also I have never heard of a betta or seen a betta that has lived past 5 years even with the best of care.

 

[rufioman]

My betta was 4ish when she died......

 

[FreshyFresh]

Over the years, I've heard people quote the ~5+ year lifespan of a betta. I'm sure it's possible given the best of the best in terms of up-bringing and care, but even with excellent care, it's probably not typical. Any of the bettas I've kept, I purchased for $0.99-$2.99/ea from Petsmart or PetSuppliesPlus, and they were kept horribly there.