New betta quick question!!?

[fishgirl]

So i bought my friend a betta fish for christmas because she has been longing for another since her two had died after a long happy life and i got myself one as well. I have a 20 gallon tank with other freshwater fish. I know how to care for them and everything but i was wondering if i could just put my new betta in a net holder that you would use for fry and just keep it in the 20 gallon. The 20 gallon has a heater that automatically keeps the water at a room temperature and a filter. Would this be alright for me to do so it can have more room and its not another bowl in my room lol!!??

[C. Andrew Nelson]

So you're talking about the Betta you bought for yourself, right? It would probably do fine like that. What I'm wondering is if you are going to go to the trouble of putting this Betta into your 20 gallon community tank why not let it swim free with the rest of the fish? Bettas can do quite well in a community tank as long as...

a) the other fish aren't aggressive fin-nippers
b) the other fish aren't extremely active swimmers
c) the water flow isn't too strong (Betts live is still calm waters in nature)
d) there aren't any fish in there that the Betta will pick a fight with

What other fish do you have in that tank? I've successfully kept Bettas in tanks with Guppies, Platys, small non-aggressive Tetras (i.e. - Neons, Rummy Noses, Silver Tips, etc.), Corydoras, Zebra Danios, and small Plecos. If the rest of the fish are generally peaceful and small there shouldn't be a problem. Just remember that the water flow can't be too strong. If the current is too fast it can actually damage the long beautiful delicate fins of a male Betta. For females it's not as big an issue.

So what's in your 20 gallon?

[fishgirl]

I'm talking about my own betta. Well currently there isnt much because I'm trying to let these mistake fish i bought live their full life and die before i go on with my new plan.(please do not criticize. I know i made a mistake but thats why I'm holding off on the fish i purchase until it is old and dies) i have a bala shark, a tiger barb(the nipper who probably gets nipped on more than he nips on others) golden killifish, a spotted catfish, and a common pleco. He is just really beautiful and i dont want his fins to get torn. The holding net is bigger than the plastic containers and it would be on the opposite side from where the filter is so the current wouldnt be too strong. As long as it is okay for him to live in there. Id rather him be in there where the temp is regulated and safe biological water is already present(even though they are hardy fish) than in the little vase he is in now. He is making himself crazy because he can see his reflection at the bottom! Thank you!

[Diana]

You have several fish that could nip the fins of the Betta, so keeping him separated from the other fish is a good idea.
Look into a tank divider, a plastic mesh that will block off one end of the tank, not just a small section like the breeding net you are describing.

My Bettas explore all parts of the the tank, though they do spend most of their time nearer the top.

Warmer than room temperature would be better for a Betta. Mid to upper 70s is their preferred range.

[fishgirl]

Thank you for your reply!! Thats exactly what my tank temp is! It is about 74-78ish degrees F in there!

[C. Andrew Nelson]

I completely agree with Diana. That's why I was asking what other types of fish are in the tank. A tank divider is an excellent idea. And Diana is quite right, Bettas love to casually explore. That's why I personal never keep them in little bowels. I've always had mine in tanks of 10 gallons or more.

I second the suggestion of a tank divider. Your Betta will be happier and the tank will look more attractive than it would with the fry net.

[fishgirl]

Well i thank you both for your replies but i was surprised today with a white betta fish and i also recieved one of thise bowls that have the blinding divider so thats where both are now. I truely appreciate your replies though and i thank you for your help!