My wife felt sorry for the betta in her office (it was a gift from a
salesman), living in a tiny little bowl, so we decided to rescue it
and bring it home.

I haven't messed with aquariums in several years, but I had a big
marine tank one time, so I'm pretty familiar with the mechanics of the
hobby.

I set up a 10 gallon tank with an Aquaclear 150 (#1 and #2 inserts),
heater set at 82 and a few artificial plants and decorations for
cover.  The betta was in fishy heaven! Sometimes he'd just rush the
length of the tank for the fun of it. He loves to just drift around,
take little fishie naps, etc. He is in perfect health, and eats fairly
well - a couple of bloodworms twice a day or so. The water, of course,
is sparkling clean.

Until today. I decided to add three little one-inch Bronze Corys, to
kinda keep the bottom clean, and to better utilize the tank's
capacity. Yikes! These fish are INSANE. They are HYSTERICAL. Do they
EVER calm down? Sometimes they'll dash right towards the betta, then
zig-zag on either side of him, just going berserk all over the tank.

Now the betta spends 90% of his time down at one end of the tank, and
about half his time right under the discharge from the Aquaclear
filter. Sometimes he gets caught in its current and it "blows" him
halfway across the tank, and he'll just jump right back under it.

What's going on? Do you think the corys aggravate the betta, or
intimidate or frighten it? He's about 10 months old, and I don't think
he's ever even seen another fish before. I can't help but pity the
little guy - the peace and quiet of his nice, beautiful private tank
has been destroyed by these three hysterical little demons.

In fact, I'm probably going to take them back, anyway. They're not
"peaceful" fish, not the kind we like to have and watch. Any
suggestions for a bottom fish that's more peaceful, keeping in mind
that this is a 10 gallon tank? I thought a pictus might be nice, but
they grow way too big, in my experience. Please give me some advice
here.

Thanks,
Ron M.
---
þ RIMEGate(tm)/RGXPost V1.14 at BBSWORLD * Info{at}bbsworld.com

---
 * RIMEGate(tm)V10.2áÿ* RelayNet(tm) NNTP Gateway * MoonDog BBS
 * RgateImp.MoonDog.BBS at 1/12/03 9:59:01 PM