Tetra/Betta question.

[Iilo]

Thanks. I'll get a heater and wait a couple of weaks for the tetras to enjoy their new climate and then I'll introduce a Betta.

[Freedom]

A heater will definitely help with the life span of your fish, tetras and betta both. You may also want to get one of those thermometers, so you can tell what the water temp is. There are 2 types, the ones that float in the water (and some versions have a suction cup to attach to the front of the tank so you can read it without dipping in to catch it!) and the sticky type which go on the outside of the tank. I use the sticky type. I had the floating one, didn't like having to take everything off the top and go get it. And for some reason, the suction cup won't stay on my tank, which is not glass by acrylic.

You want to set the heater to maintain the water at about 70 to 72 degrees for tetras, if I remember correctly.

I have kept one male betta in with tetras successfully, for months at a time. I did this with 4 or 5 bettas; only one at a time in the tank, though! It CAN be done. Like any other creature (animal or human) it takes all sorts to make the world go 'round. About a year ago I bought a male betta at PetsMart. I spoke with the woman working there about putting him in with community fish. Good thing I did speal with her for a bit. The BETTA started attacking all the tetras!!! Nibbling on THEIR tails AND top fins. So I had to take him back. She remembered me and gave me a full refund, no problem.

[Suki Wingy]

goodluck! I had some kind of dwarf pleco with my betta and they were fine. Heavy filters did kill two of my bettas though so watch out.