Some Questions about Compatibility! PLEASE!!

Guppyluver4ever

I am thinking of upgrading my 20 gallon tank to a 55 gallon tank and was wondering if i could put a betta in a 55 gallon tank along with guppies, platies, ottos, bloodfin tetras, neon tetras, mollies, pristella tetras and other small fish? I was also wondering if I could put a red tail shark in the tank with those fish? Thank You so much for taking the time to read and respond to this thread!

:bl ueyay:

Pasfur

I would not suggest a Red Tail Shark for this setup. However, the Betta should be fine. Your only concern will be the Bloodfin Tetras, who may decide to nip at the Betta's fins.

Guppyluver4ever

guppies also cant live with fin nippers and the bloodfin tetras don't do anything to them, all they do is race around and around the tank in circles, so I think im fine.

DragonFish

Its always good to keep an eye on the fins though, just because they don't nip the guppies doesn't mean they won't nip at a slower moving, longer finned Betta ;)
It depends on the Betta really, I had mine in my 50 gallon for a long time before I introduced a Powder Blue Gourami(not knowing they won't get along in my ignorance)and therefore removed the Betta when he began to pick on my Gourami. Since then he's lived happily in his little Bowl. After the Gourami died I tried re-introducing him into the tank but he would have none of it and sit in a corner all day. He's now hanging out in a large breeder inside the 50 gallon while I'm working on getting him his own tank....and still isn't ver pleased with this xD
So it all depends, but keep a bowl or smaller tank handy in case your Betta doesn't enjoy the tank/is nipped at ;)

Guppyluver4ever

Now I am very confused on another thread I had posted they said a red tail shark would be fine in a 50 gallon tank and gave many instructions that would allow me to properly and peacefully keep a redtail shark in a tank along with small fish, he sounded very sure about it and not to mention his avatar was a picture of a redtail shark and now Im pretty scared to put a betta in there because I hate seeing fish get hurt and I do not want to hurt a beautiful betta, I might just try it and if it doesnt work out Ill return them to the store.

But Thank You for Replying

DragonFish

No problem, happy to help^^

I myself have always wanted a Red-tailed shark, decided agents it a while back though ;) Since the shark is mainly lower level and the Betta is more of a top dweller, I think you should be fine. I would be a little worried about the shark with Guppies though as it matures and wouldn't put it with other, smaller bottom dwelling fish like Corys, Otos, ext. and definitely only one per tank. Its always best to do as much research as you can on a fish before purchasing though, IMO and IME, it turns out better when you do ;)
Though, the Shark will surely help regulate your livebearer population xD