Marine Betta in 55 Gallon (Stocking Inside)

egwich · Mar 27, 2019

Hey Everyone,

I'm running a 55 gallon fish only. Outfitted with a 406 Fluval, and a skimmer (can't remember the name) that is rated for 100 gallons. My favorite fish is the Marine Betta. I had no idea they existed until about six months ago, but they are a sight to see when you see one in person. For tank ratings online it looks like 55 is plenty for a Marine Betta, but will I be overstocked? My current inhabitants are...

2 Nemo's
1 Lyretail Anthias
1 Diamond Watchman Goby
1 Royal Gramma
1 Fire Shrimp
4 Peppermint Shrimp (which I only got to take care of the Aptasia outbreak I had so if they become chow then I don't mind).

Biocube32 · Mar 27, 2019

I don’t think you would be overstocked at all, personally. Peppermint shrimp might be lunch and if any of your other fish are tiny they might be lunch, but if they are grown i would guess they would be alright

Jesterrace · Mar 27, 2019

If it's a big Fire Shrimp then it should be okay, but the Peppermints are likely to be picked off and the Royal Gramma might be lunch if it's small. Generally if it can fit in the Marine Betta's mouth then it's lunch. Are the clownfish tiny?

egwich · Mar 27, 2019

Jesterrace said:
If it's a big Fire Shrimp then it should be okay, but the Peppermints are likely to be picked off and the Royal Gramma might be lunch if it's small. Generally if it can fit in the Marine Betta's mouth then it's lunch. Are the clownfish tiny?

Clownfish are a good size. The Gramma is about an inch and a half so he's the only one I'm a little worried about, and I may not get one quite yet just because I don't want to see him get eaten. The fire shrimp is giant so I'm not super worried about him. I've heard stories of Marine Bettas being model citizens and I've also read horror stories of them eating everything in the tank. They're such a cool looking fish, though.

Kmsutows · Mar 28, 2019

You will be fine. Unless you get one that is vastly different from mine it wont even think of touching any of your tank mates. I've had mine for around 10 years! Never once has it ever shown any aggression to any invert or fish.. anything at all. They are very cryptic but always keeping an eye on what's going on. They need larger food once or twice a week. Buy a baby and you're set. I dont see how it would ever go after anything bringing it up on frozen foods.