4 white clouds and a betta in a 3 gallon eclipse?

Question

i've had my betta boy & his 4 white clouds companions in a 3 gallon eclipse for almost a year now.but now im starting to question whether or not i should even have the minnows in there? how much space do they typically need? they look like they need more room to swim,considering they are small & have darty movements.i think i might return them to the petstore.

Answer 1

Hey I work at Petco in the aquatics department, and that is way to many fish in a 3 gallon tank. The rule for freshwater fish is a inch of fish per gallon of water. Im really surprised the white clouds lasted that long because they will usually get stressed out without having enough space to swim or hide. Getting a bigger tank will help out greatly. A 10 gallon tank should be ideal. Just put hiding places for the fish to go.

Answer 2

Yes 3 gals is pretty cramped for an active fish like White Clouds.

I have kept, and bred, them in a 5gal before, but 5 fish in a 3 gallon is a bit cramped.

Ian

Edit.. best solution - get a bigger tank. Leave the betta in the 3gal, which will be OK  and get a bigger tank for the WCM. Give them some space and they will probably multiply.

Answer 3

no way bettas are tropical and need 2.5 gallons minimum and do best at about 24c

wcmm are coldwater schooling fish although they can survive in tropical water they are best kept at 18c and need to school in groups of 6+. 2 gallons each is fine

both can be kept together with a tropical (24c) 15 gallon tank but the wcmm are allot better in cold water (1 betta and 6 wcmm)

also bettas prefer to be kept alone

Answer 4

White clouds are small BUT as you have noticed are quite active and therefore really need 10 gallons plus and are also happier in larger groups. I would either return them to the store or upgrade your own tank.

To the Petco person: Quit using the inch per gallon rule! Its rubbish and doesn't take into account all the other species needs such as territories, shoals, activeness, bioload etc etc.