"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...

"NetMax" wrote in message
news
"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...
All this talk of Betta females has me considering a buddy or 2 for my
lone male Betta. He seems very peaceful, as I've never seen him
flare. But he's only in a 10 gallon tank, so I'm concerned that it
would not be enough space for the three of them.

Should I put a divider in the tank and see how he reacts to the two
females before letting them interact? He's been in the tank about six
months now, so he likely considers it his personal space. Should I
add both females at the same time or space them out? Any preference
for the colours of the females (male is Indigo with red highlights)
in terms of compatibility?


Success (mixing M&F Bettas) is a function of their personalities and
the tank size, so I think you might be making this very difficult for
yourself, having only a 10g.

This male seems very laid back, I almost think he's a female. But he
does have long flowing fins. I've been meaning to see how he reacts to
a mirror.


The sequence is to reset the tank (remove male, re-arrange plants,
decoration etc), install the females (typically at the same time) and
wait a few days (let them settle in, and the surroundings to fade from
the male Betta's memory).

Feed them all well and re-introduce the male into the tank (they will
be less likely to go to war on a full stomach ;~). Seriously, a full
stomach does reduce the magnitude of their energies if things go
badly. Lower water temperatures also helps keep things cool.

Then watch. I would overlook a bit of fin damage if it occurs and let
them settle in. With enough hiding holes, and a male Betta who is a
benign ruler ;~) then you have a chance.

Thanks Max (and Beano), any thoughts on two vs. three females Max?

Behaviourally, your chances are better with 3 females. Remember that
females will also quarrel with each other, so having 3 divides the alpha
female's attention *usually* ;~). However, your tank is small, which
makes everything a little harder, so ymmv.

snip
LOL. I am not addicted to fish. I am not addicted to fish. I am not
....

You're not convincing anyone here ;~)
--
www.NetMax.tk

People think I'm eccentric (nuts) now with my four tanks and the pond.
I guess it couldn't get any worse if I started lining the furniture
with Betta Tea cups.