Female bettas require a peaceful environment to thrive. Unlike male betta fish, the females can coexist in the same tank. A sorority tank with maximum comfort and foliage will provide a great place for their personal space.

Let’s get down to how many female bettas in a 20-gallon tank can be kept together.

Do Female Bettas Get Along?

Female betta fish are territorial but less aggressive, thus possible to coexist together in the same tank. However, not all female betta fish get along. They can also get into fights like their male counterparts, hence the need for a bigger space that makes each feel safe.

An ideal way of making bettas peaceful in one place is to keep fish belonging to different species. This makes them feel less threatened by one another. Additionally, they should be within the same younger age range to reduce aggression or intimidation as they get along. 

How Many Female Bettas Can I Keep in A 20 Gallon Tank?

You can keep at most 5 female bettas or fewer in a 20-gallon tank. With such a big space, they will feel more secure and less stressed out. The sorority tank should have plenty of hiding spaces to minimize their sight of one another. Add other tank mates, foliage, and ornaments.

Keeping more fish in a tank than the recommended number can lead to fights, depression, and a possible outbreak of diseases.

Alternative Tank Mates Female Bettas

Apart from the female betta tank mates, you can also incorporate other mates. But before choosing mates, consider the following factors:

• Avoid nibblers– they are likely to get into fights with the betta fish
• Opt for bottom feeder mates – they thrive better with these fish
• Avoid colorful and bigger tank mates – the betta fish might feel intimidated 
• Don’t forget to add ornaments and live plants – this would provide a safe space for both the fish and tank mates.  ` 

You might not know how the fish would react to new mates. However, with trial and error, you might find one that gets along with your betta fish. The following are some tank mates you might try.

Neon Tetras

Neon tetras do well in a group of around 10 to 12. Apart from adding color to the tank, they are quick movers. They prefer a warmer environment, and plants in the tank don’t bother them. Thus, they can thrive peacefully with betta fish. Neon Tetras often hang in the middle of the tank, and they need a bigger space to thrive.

Plecos

Plecos are shy creatures that, fortunately, make good companions for betta fish. They like staying at the bottom of the tank and will avoid paths with the betta every time. They eat algae and help keep your tank clean. Some plecos grow pretty large, hence you will need a larger tank over time. 

African Dwarf Frogs

The African Dwarf Frogs are common partners with the betta fish. These dwarf dogs are easy to take care of. They also share the same diet as the betta fish. African dwarf frogs are passive eaters. Always check on them to ensure that they eat, lest they go hungry.

Cat Fish

Catfish are dull-colored fish that prefer a warm environment. Different catfish can live comfortably with bettas. Examples include Corydoras and Otocinclus. Catfish thrive excellently in groups of 3 or even more. They are small and fast-moving; hence often stay away from the betta vicinity. 

Tips for a Successful Betta Sorority

If you want your betta to live peacefully in the tank, then how you take care of the tank will determine the failure or success of the betta. But before that, consider the following aspects:

• Age – betta fish of around the same age get along easily.
• Fish personality – if all the fish are peaceful, then you wouldn’t have any problem with any of them. However, if one or two of them are aggressive, a fight may erupt more often than you expect.
• Avoid buying sick betta fish- an ill fish may transmit parasites to its tank mates and make the other fish sick.
• Mix fish of different sizes and colors, but some should not be too big to cause intimidation.

 The following are some of the tips to help you out:

Tank Size and Temperature

Bettas need ample space to survive. A 20-gallon tank can fit 5 female bettas, while a 30-gallon tank can accommodate 7 fish. A small tank would mean that the fish would be fighting for territories. 

Betta fish thrive well at a temperature of between 75 – 81 Degrees Fahrenheit. They are tropical fish used to warmer temperatures. Too cold or too hot temperatures can cause the fish to experience shock and frustration.

Incorporate Hiding Places

For each betta to establish a territory inside the tank, it’s advisable to add a couple of things to create a barrier. Add natural plants like betta bulb, java moss, and anubias. You can also add driftwood, rocks, and tunnels as decor.

These elements act as a barrier between the fish and make them feel safe. Apart from that, it also kills their boredom.

Live plants help in creating a natural aquatic environment. If you don’t love natural plants, artificial plants will still do fine. You can also add filters to keep the water clean. Filters absorb different dirt located there.

Introduce the Betta Fish at the Same Time

The time you introduce these fish to each other is essential. When you introduce female betta fish at the same time, they are likely to get along. However, when you introduce them one at a time, the first ones in the tank will get aggressive. The reason is that they’ve marked their territory and would see others as intruders.

Thus, if you are starting a sorority of 5, you should place all the fish to float on the water in one go.

Feed the Fish Balanced Diet

After the fish have settled, it’s now time to take care of them. Ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced. Add protein-rich food like larvae, shrimp, fish, and insects. 

Instead of offering the meal in one setting, strive to feed small portions of meals at different intervals during the day. It’s advisable to feed them a meal that’s it’s the size of their eye. 

Cover the Tank

Female bettas are jumpy and lively. When you leave the tank open, you are likely to find them lying on the floor. It isn’t a must to cover the tank with a tank lid. You can use fine meshing or any other suitable material.

Perform General Maintenance

To ensure your sorority tank is a success, always ensure to clean it. Conduct weekly water changes. Don’t remove all the water, as this may stress the fish out. However, every once in a while, change around 10 – 20 percent of the water.

Also, use a vacuum to remove food remains and dead plants. If you don’t change the water in the tank, bacteria and fungus will build up, and your fish will soon become vulnerable to diseases.

 Also, once in a while, use a water conditioner to treat the water. The treatment helps eradicate minerals like chlorine and chloramine, which are bad for your fish’s health.

Lastly, always check the filter. The filter sponges wear out with time. The chemical filtration can stop working after some time. Thus, it’s important to wash the filter regularly and replace the needed parts whenever necessary.

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Final thought

Having a sorority tank is essential when keeping multiple betta fish. Before deciding on having one, consider the different aspects like the size, the diet, and how you introduce them to each other. Don’t forget to engage in maintenance practices for a successful sorority.