I have a 20 gallon tank with a 4" common pleco and I was wondering if I could put a betta in there The tank is a barebottom with plants and driftwoods.Any help appreciated!Thanks

Maybe a female betta. I think males are just to agressive for their own good.

If a male betta hangs around the top guarding his nest then there should be plenty of room for the pleco to graze around the bottom. At 4" the male betta isn't likely to see it as a threat or food, and in 20 usg there should be lots of room for both.

Give it a try.

Thank you both.I really appreciate the advice I would love female bettas but haven't really seen them around here.Maybe male bettas are more popular.

I already got a male betta in quarantine right now.I bought him yesterday I think I'll put him in with the plec and see if they get along fine.The reason I asked is because I was afraid the pleco would suck on the betta like with goldies and I certainly wouldn't want to risk that Thanks again for the help!

I have two females and they're twice as agressive as the male... so I think it comes down to the individual fish.

Siamese fighters can usually look after themselves except for super quick nippy fish. Halfmoon's are hindered by their tails and swim a bit slower than the others but he should still be able to get out of the way of a pleco.

I think the betta may only flare around the pleco when it comes up to the top half of the tank maybe dash at it to chase it back down and then leave it alone. They're not colourful or frilly so he's unlikely to think it's a rival.

Just watch them for a while.

I'll tell you,that I have two Common Plec's that are about a foot long each,and they're both extremely gentle fish.Although they have technically killed a few fish,it wasn't really their fault.They got spooked and jumped.With their size,the smaller fish just didn't have time to get out of the way.Yours is small enough,and the tank big enough where it could work out okay.

Thanks again Yabbie and Devs for the wonderful advice I think this will work out fine!I can't wait

Let us know how they do together, I might put one with my betta too. My betta sleeps and rests on top of the tallest "plant" in his tank, so maybe if you put something tall in there for him to rest on, the pleco wouldn't bother him while he's still. I'm a little more worried that my betta would be too hard on the pleco! But I could always move the pleco to another tank I guess.

Thanks Ginger.... I will definitely let you know how it goes with them

[QUOTE]I'm a little more worried that my betta would be too hard on the pleco! QUOTE]

Are bettas that aggressive

The betta might be scared in such a big tank, but with all the hiding places, it sounds like he'll be fine after he adjusts. My betta took almost a week to get used to a three gallon, but he loves the space. I think it would be that way with most bettas and most sized tanks (up to a limit naturally Goodluck!

Not all of them...sorry, didn't meant to worry you! I have had some that couldn't care less and very easy going and some that think they are the biggest, baddest thing around! Just depends on the fish.

Thanks Kissy I sure hope he's gonna love his new home and settle in fine.But just in case,I do have a 3 gallon tank that I can put him in





For a minute there,I was worried for my pleco I am hoping they'd get along well!But I guess I'll never know till I put them together....I can't wait!How long should I quarantine the betta?

I think I heard that the ich cycle takes about three weeks. It might be less in heated water.

Cathy,

Hope this doesn't mean that you've given up on the goldies.

Good luck with your pairing.

Who me?! That will never happen!How can I give up those cute little faces





Thanks Yabbie...3 weeks is a long wait but I guess it'd be worth it!Wouldn't want to be sorry after all