starting a community tank

[jaws1013]

I have a beautiful crowntail in a 7 gallon minibow, and I have been thinking of adding a friend or two in the form of guppies or neon tetras. My question is how do I go about feeding? I assume that I will be feeding different foods, as my betta requires a certain diet. How do I make sure he eats and not over feeds? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[amanichen]

Feeding is the least of your worries.

The main issue here will be compatability. In short, bettas can be targets for otherwise docile fish, and bettas can also become very territorial when other fish are around. Of course, this will depend on your individual fish, and you'll only know by trying.

What sort of filtration do you have on the tank?

[jaws1013]

I have a whisper filter, and do water changes and gravel cleaning once a week

[amanichen]

You could try to stick a couple of tetras, or danios or livebearers or something in there, but the small tank really doesn't leave you many options.

You'd be best off making other arrnagements for the betta, or getting like a 20 gallon tank, where you'd have a greater chance of everbody playing nicely with each other.

Again, I'm worrying about fish harassing the betta, or the betta harassing other fish. The larger the tank, the less problems you'll have with compatability.

You won't know till you try. I can't guarantee that it'll work, or won't work.

[twoluvcats]

personally, I wouldn't...not in a tank that small. As much as it keeps getting said that they are, bettas are not community tank fish. They are slow swimmers and really just prefer to not be bugged.

You could put a couple corydoras in there...non-agressive bottom feeders do work ok with bettas. Snails, and shrimp are other things you can try...tho they shrimp can end up being a snack if you have an agressive betta.