Alright, I asked about a hypothetical set-up a little while ago. Link Well I've done some thinking and here is what I would like to ask about now. I have a 29 gallon that I am thinking about using for this set up. This 29 gallon would be set up as follows: 2 acrylic diveders with holes used to split the tank into a [5 gallon-19 gallon-5 gallon] configuration. Then I would like to put my bettas into a [1 male-8 female-1 male] configuration. A minimum rule of thumb for females is 2 gallons per female, correct? If so, I feel that this will give them a little bit of extra room. Is this configuration sound? Will the fact that the males and females are exposed to each other's hormones stress them?

They will be stressed at first but settle down after a few days and cope with the arrangement. It will give them all something to do, with all that showing off.

Sometimes bettas can split their fins from too much flaring and the youngsters could wear themselves out (probably not good before breeding) but the older fish will take breaks away from the activity.

The females may keep filling up with eggs also and if that happens they may need higher protein food.

This sounds like a neat idea. I have a 10g divided m|f|m and now that they're used to it they are much more excited about food than each other.

The only bad thing I can think of is that the boys' areas might be kind of tall and skinny so you might want to look into tall decorations that will allow them some close to the top lounging area for shorter breathing trips.

Sounds neat to me. Do you keep the females together now?