Is A 10-Gallon Tank Enough For A Betta Sorority?

If we love betta (as we all do), it’s only natural to want to keep more than one (all female, of course).

But you want to ensure the sorority has enough room to live happily and safely.

Which begs the question: Is a 10-gallon tank enough for a betta sorority?

Betta experts agree a 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a sorority of four to five betta fish. But since betta fish are quite territorial, we recommend choosing a larger tank size—especially if you get more than five bettas. Also, consider the tank conditions, landscape, and maintenance.

10 Gallon Betta Sorority Care

Both regular tanks and female betta sorority tanks must meet specific care standards.

Water Parameters

Bettas thrive when their water quality is high. Below is a list of the appropriate tank water parameters: 

 Dive deeper into the topic with our comprehensive guide on betta water parameters.

Tank Setup

The first thing to consider is the size and shape of the betta tank.

These territorial tropical fish require lots of space. The recommended size tank for a single betta is five gallons, and the ideal rectangular shape. 

Once you have the tank, you’ll need a few things to get it set up: 

• Tank lid
• Neutral-colored aquarium gravel or substrate
• An aquarium filter
• A heater
• A tank light
• Aquarium plants
• Aquarium decorations 

Also, consider buying a water thermometer and water testing strips. These will help you monitor the water temperature and quality at all times. 

Feeding

Betta fish require a varied diet high in protein and fiber. 

Most bettas enjoy pellets, and there are many options on the market.

It’s also a good idea to feed your bettas the occasional live, frozen, or freeze-dried meal.

The more varied their diet is, the more nutrients they receive.

Avoid overfeeding your bettas, and clean up any leftover food from the bottom of the tank.

Bettas can become ill or constipated if they eat too much.

Leftover food can cause ammonia levels to rise, which is detrimental to bettas. 

Betta Sorority Tank Care

Sorority betta tanks have a different social structure from other tank types. Before creating a tank just for female bettas, learn about the dynamics to expect. 

Sorority Dynamics

Unlike male bettas, female bettas can live together in the same tank. This is because female bettas are generally less aggressive than males. 

Female betta fish create a pecking order when living together. This is a way of establishing a hierarchy early on, which prevents future fighting. 

Be cautious when adding a new fish to a sorority tank. Female betta fish tend to be more aggressive towards new fish. Monitor new bettas for signs of stress or bullying: 

• Flashing behavior
• Aggression
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive hiding

If your female bettas are aggressive, they may present physical signs. These signs commonly include flaring, fighting, and torn fins.

Tank Size

This is a key consideration when starting a sorority tank. 

The smallest possible aquarium size for a sorority tank is 10 gallons. A 10-gallon betta sorority is adequate for four to five bettas. 

The more bettas you have, the larger the tank will need to be. This is because bettas are territorial fish requiring much space to roam. 

When buying a tank, factor in any decorations or aquarium plants you’ll include.

Too many of these items can make the tank overcrowded, causing your fish community to feel stressed. 

Tank Mates

Creating community tanks is a fun way to enhance your bettas’ lives.

Adding compatible tank mates increases the diversity of your aquarium. It also provides a more natural environment for your bettas. 

A few of the best tank mates for bettas include the following: 

• Snails
• Tetra fish
• Rasbora fish
• Endlers
• Female guppies
• Shrimp

Pay special attention to keeping only compatible tank mates in your sorority.

Some fish and sea creatures do not get along with betta fish, which may cause aggression and fighting. Also, some potential tank mates may need different water parameters to thrive. 

Water Changes and Maintenance

Betta fish need to live in clean water within optimal parameters. The best way to accomplish this is by performing regular water changes. 

We recommend changing out your sorority tank’s water once every seven days.

This involves swapping out 20%–25% of the water each week. Changing out only a portion of the water each time keeps water parameters relatively stable. 

Use conditioner for the new water each time you perform a water change.

Water conditioners remove harmful chemicals from the new water you’re introducing to the tank. 

Here are a few other tips on how to keep the water in your betta fish sorority tank water clean: 

• Remove any uneaten food from the tank each day. Uneaten food can result in higher ammonia levels, which is toxic to fish. 
• Install a high-quality, low-flow tank filter. A filter helps to keep the water clean and circulating. 
• Use a water thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Betta fish need the water temperature to be within the range of 78-80° degrees Fahrenheit (25.5-27° C). A thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature anytime. 
• Buy a water testing kit to check for harmful toxins and pH levels. Certain substances and chemicals can result in health issues or even kill your bettas. Test the water regularly to prevent the buildup of these toxins. 

Up Your Betta Sorority Game

The minimum size requirement for a betta sorority tank is 10 gallons, which can house four to five bettas. Having plenty of space is crucial to your bettas’ happiness and health. 

There are several factors involved with maintaining your female betta fish sorority. For example, you must frequently change the water and create the ideal betta fish environment. 

Keeping bettas is a complex hobby, but don’t let this deter you.

Follow us to learn about feeding, water parameters, tank mates, products, etc. And here’s another article on a similar topic you might be interested in: How Many Female Bettas Can Safely Live In A 20-Gallon Tank?