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Author Topic: Bettas and Tetras, the age old debate  (Read 793 times)

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Offline Kaylithin

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Bettas and Tetras, the age old debate
« on: April 08, 2011, 04:28:27 PM »
So I'm having a bit of fun planning a tank I'd like to have once I get a job. At this point it's just wishful thinking, but hey, you never know, right? It'd probably be a 15 or 20 gallon community tank with a betta as a centerpiece. Of course, this limits what fish I can put in with the betta. No guppies and the like...

However, what'd I'd really like to have are tetras...probably cardinal since they're a little more hardy. From what I've read, though, they can really go after a betta's fins. It's pot luck whether or not they will. Some people have no trouble, others quickly find they have to put the betta in a seperate tank.

But this seems to be more of a problem for long finned bettas. I wonder if I'd be okay if I got a plakat? Hmmm....
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Offline ShieldWolf

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Re: Bettas and Tetras, the age old debate
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2011, 06:38:53 PM »
Quote from: Kaylithin on April 08, 2011, 04:28:27 PM
From what I've read, though, they can really go after a betta's fins. It's pot luck whether or not they will. Some people have no trouble, others quickly find they have to put the betta in a seperate tank.

But this seems to be more of a problem for long finned bettas. I wonder if I'd be okay if I got a plakat? Hmmm....

Yup it's usually a crapshhoot. I've been lucky & never had that problem. The tetras that I have had in with a betta have been cardinals & various neons. I wouldnt put in some of the larger possibly nippier tetras.

Plakats are a good option or even female betta(s).

Good luck with whatever you decide.
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Offline Kaylithin

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Re: Bettas and Tetras, the age old debate
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2011, 01:37:29 AM »
Alternatively I could have a long finned betta and some platys. But if I went with platys, I'd lean towards the bright colors...which might get the betta after them. Harumph!
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Offline Bombalurina

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Re: Bettas and Tetras, the age old debate
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2011, 07:01:34 PM »
Sorry, I know this is an old thread, but this might be informative.  For those who really want to keep tetras and bettas together, look into ember tetras.  They are smaller than neons, but IMHO just as attractive with their very smart bright orange colouring and black edges.  They are also more chilled, making them perfect for tanks as small as ten gallons.  Since they are not active swimmers, there is no risk of their frantic activity stressing the betta out.  Finally, they are supremely peaceful, never nipping or bothering bettas.  I've heard they aren't massively hardy, but mine do extremely well in my planted tank with my sorority.  :)
Again, sorry to drag up an old thread, but I felt embers were worth mentioning.
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