Betta Sorority

[pookie]

I think I've pretty much settled on doing a betta sorority in a heavily planted tank.. cool.

I got questions though, since apparently I'm going to have to wait to get a damn tank because of this virus..everything is out of stock in my area or I cant locate a decent sized tank.

I'm looking at a 40-55 gallon tall tank for this project and I'm used to Africans so I'm thinking female betta would be similar as far as aggression and needing ample hiding/territorial area etc.

How many females do you all think I could get away with in a tank that size?
I was talking with someone about this and they said betta prefer longer tanks but I dont see an issue with a taller tank?
Would stocking be similar like cichlids with adding a BUNCH to help curb the aggression and picking at others?

Does anyone have any experience doing this? Most posts I saw on here are small numbers, under 10.. I want to shoot for as many as safely.possible. I do understand it is "luck of the draw" sometimes with female betta in a sorority setting, just curious.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Kittiee Katt]

I was talking with someone about this and they said betta prefer longer tanks but I dont see an issue with a taller tank?

I can't answer any of your other questions but I can answer this one.

The reason people recommend shorter tanks for bettas as opposed to taller ones is because of bettas need to surface for air. If the tank is too tall its harder and takes longer for them to surface from the bottom. Most bettas aren't strong swimmers so its best to keep the tank as short as possible to make it easier for them to surface for air. Sorry if I explained that terribly haha

However, my short finned betta Miles was in a tank that had a water level that from memory was around 40-45cm (I could be wrong on that height, I'm sure if I searched my old posts I'd find the height of the tank somewhere) so the tanks don't have to be ankle deep, but most recommend keeping the water level under 1'.

I'm aware I didn't follow that with Miles, but had he shown any signs of distress I would have lowered the water level for him.


Essentially, get a taller tank if that's what you want, but be prepared to lower the water level if he starts to struggle. He might not, but be prepared just in case.


Sorry for the long post, now hopefully someone else can chime in about your sorority and answer your other questions.