What kinds of fish are compatible with bettas?

C

Chicken Fry

New member
I have a betta fish in his own 5 gallon tank, but am having a hard time maintaining the water temperature.
So, I bought a 29 gallon tank with a built in heater and filter. I want to house more fish than just my betta in it, so what kinds of fish can go in it that betta won't eat or kill? What kinds of freshwater fish live well with bettas?
Thanks!
 
Generally Bettas go fine with short-finned, drab colored fish. Any fish that nips fins is a bad choice, as the betta is an easy target. They would do best with a school of cories in that size tank and a small school of white clouds if you don't want a tank dominated by bottom feeders. White Clouds prefer lower temps though so you'll have to keep the tank around 78, but they are hardy as all hell and cheap so they'd probably do just fine regardless.

http://www.ultimatebettas.com/index.php?showtopic=14389

That's a pretty good listing.
 
Go with

1 school of a small, calm tetra, like neons, cardinals, head-tail light, etc (6-8)

and 1 group of a small bottom dweller like corydora catfish or kuhli loach (4-6)

Decorate the tank with plants and caves and open space in the middle and you'll have a nice setup. I've had great success with this kind of setup, my last betta living for 5 years in a 15 gallon planted community like this.

Avoid overly active fish like barbs and danios because they can stress bettas. Avoid other territorial fish like gouramis or cichlids or they will fight. Stay away from livebearers, though they can work they're not a great choice.
 
i too also have a beta. if you buy school fish it should be fine. school fish stick together. so if one goes to the other side they all go. and because they stick together they are equal as one big fish and the beta wont mess with them. if you go to the pet store they have those fish that have the blue line on there sides. and there also very tiny. i hope that helps a little
 
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