I really need some advice. Opinions please!

[Chazbot]

Hey all!

Ok, I've got a 20 gallon tank set up. I set it up for my platy fry because I don't really have room for them anywhere else. Right now I've got 2 Balloon Mollies in there with some nipped fins healing up. My qt tank is full of new fish for the 45 so and I need something to keep the cycle up too so...

Anyway! I really haven't had any solid plans for this tank other than the 5 fry currently in a breeder in my 29. But I'm sort of wondering what would be the better thing to do here and I'd like some advice.

I've got 5 female Bettas and 2 Otos in a 10 gallon tank. Water parameters in this tank are consistently - ammonia = 0, trites = 0, trates = 20. This is with weekly vacuums and 50% water changes. I know those tests are ok but you should see the filter in the vacuum! I mean TOTAL poop factories!!! There's no food waste in this tank with the possible exception of some left-over algae wafer from time to time. The bloodworms and flakes I feed the girls are eaten right in front of me. NOTHING sinks to the bottom, but the poop is AMAZING! I get more crud up vacuuming this tank than I get out of my 29 and my 45 combined!

SO! I was thinking maybe it would be better for my girls to move them to the 20 gallon. I mean, yeah I know there's still going to be the same amount of poop but would it be a cleaner tank overall? Would it be better for them? If I moved them, do you think I could still put my Platys in there when they're big enough or could 5 Platys be ok in the 10g with the 2 Otos?

Regardless of who goes in the 20 gallon there will be 2 Otos and 2 Corys going in there in the future.

So what do y'all think? Move the girls or leave 'em be?

[Red]

The female bettas will be fine in the 20gal. Same with the 5 platies in the 10gal. You seem like you have it down. I would but up the cory group to 4+ its better for them.

[Chazbot]

Thanks Sev!

Move the girls, then. Yeah, I really think that's probably the best thing to do. They're pretty peaceful together with the expected occasional nipped fin - just the way it is when you put a group of women together! :hmm3grin2orange: But I do think they'll enjoy the extra room and I'll definitely enjoy a cleaner tank!

But I've got another question. I saw a Sunset Honey Gourami at the lfs the other day. GORGEOUS fish. I'd love to have one. Do you think I could put one of those in with these 5 Betta ladies?

[Red]

You might have to watch some nipping, but I think all is good. I am a firm believier that bettas can live in a community tank, and most of mine I have at least one type of betta in there.

[Chazbot]

COOL! Thanks Sev!!

I have 2 Blue Gouramis. I got them together and had planned to put both in my 45 but it didn't work out. Too much aggression. Now one is in the 45 and one is in my 29 and all is good! Seems like they only cared to pick on each other. LOL!!

Overall these ladies are peaceful, but I would definitely keep an eye on things.

I think I'm going to do it. I really think my Betta ladies would be happier with a little more space and one of my Platy fry is big enough that I think I could turn him loose in the 10g (and still be able to see him!). That would be cool too.

Thanks again Sev!!! thumbs2:

[Chazbot]

UPDATE: I moved the girls last night and they LOVE their new home! The two mollies that were already in there came right over to check out the Bettas as they came in and everyone has played together, enjoyed some peas and been getting along swimmingly. :hmm3grin2orange:

Still have one Betta in the 10g. She a bit bloated so I left her in there alone with some peas of her own. She's pecking at them and I'm sure will clear out soon. She does this every so often - have to make sure she gets peas frequently or she'll "puff up" a little.