How many hatchetfish will live comfortably here?

Question

I bought a five gallon tank today for my betta, and I want to get him tankmates because he's actually very social (don't give me the line about how he'll kill the other fish, and I know no other bettas or long finned fish - I do my homework.) I was at the petstore today and saw a betta in with some silver hatchetfish, and I thought this could be great friends for mine so long as they go in first. The guy at the petstore seemed a little confused, but he said I could put in two with the betta in the five. I've also read that they like to school, so would it be pushing it too far to add one more so that there are three hatchetfish? The tank is cycled, heated at 80 degrees, with a good filter system and a live plant. Or if you should have any other suggestions about other tank mates for him, that would be great. Thank you to good info in advance.

Answer 1

Actually, it depends on the structure of your tank. I had the eclipse hex 5 with an angel, 4 hatchets, and 4 danios.

The tank was higher instead of the norm.

They are top dwellers so that helps when you're trying to organize by top, middle, and bottom feeders. They aren't too sensitive like neons and guppies are - which is weird. Mine are alive and living well!!

They can live in 80 degrees, but all 3 of my tanks are set at or below 78. When you add them add more of your treatment for the water and stress zyme to reduce the slight cloudliness, but it's normal.

Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

None, unfortunately--hachetfish need bigger tanks.  They're also a bit delicate.

No bettas are "social", although yes, he may be friendly with you (many bettas react to their owners).  If you do want tankmates, a few ghost shrimp might work, although some bettas eat them.  You could also add 3-4 pygmy corys, but remember, a 5 gallon can't support a lot of fish.

Answer 3

Well, you should start by lowering the temp. to about 75 or 76. warmer water leads to more aggression. i learned the hard way with my oscars. three would be pushing it. i like to have 1.5 to 2 gallons of water per fish.  just keep the temp down, 'cause this will also lead to higher oxygen levels in the tank.

Answer 4

No hatchetfish for a 5 gallon, sorry.  3 fish don't make a school, nor do 4 or 5.  6 is the minimum.  Hatchet fish are often quite active and need a larger tank.  I wouldn't recommend less than a 20 gallon long for a school.

Yes, there are many types of fish you can keep a Betta with, but not many in a 5 gallon tank.  Most small ones are schooling fish, and the few that I can think of that aren't are just slightly too large.  You could try one cory or kuhli loach.  Although they prefer schools, I have seen soloists in tanks before.

Or go with 2 or 3 colorful shrimp like cherry shrimp.

Enjoy.