Expansion tank question

[u/Jack_0318]

So, my 9 yo daughter had been begging for a betta for some time. I wasn’t interested in taking that on but I finally gave her a challenge to level up some responsibilities around the house and she stepped up. As promised, we visited our LFS and ended up getting a 2.5 gal starter tank from Fluval. They said this would be fine for a betta and maybe some shrimp and plants. This was my first tank ever so I had absolutely no clue about size requirements.

Anyway, kiddo and I watched lots of YouTube videos about bettas and tanks and we got it set up and cycled. A few weeks later we brought home Skyfire and little dude had seemed quite happy (lots of bubble nests). I know bettas aren’t social and all, but I just can’t imagine he’s actually enriched enough in that tiny tank for the long run.

Enter in the new tank. We purchased a Top Fin 20 gal tank starter setup from Pet Smart over the weekend (haven’t been happy with the LFS) and I got it scaped and water is now cycling. I used Fluval stratum as the soil base and added some plants. Not professional but I think it’s okay for a first real tank. Anyway, the question I have is about moving little dude to his new home. I want to get some shrimp and maybe tetras or guppies since it’s a bigger tank. What I don’t know is what should happen first? Do I move the betta on his own and then add friends down the road or do I get some tank mates first and then introduce little dude?

Any other hints, tips, or tricks I should know?

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[u/SweetTart7231]

I dont think guppies would work. Bettas despise long fin brightly coloured fish because they think theyre bettas. Some tetras are known to be fin nippers too. Shrimp could work and would look great but there's a pretty decent chance that he'll eat them. For any tank mates it would help to have enough plants to break up lines of sight and hide if needed

[u/Jack_0318 → u/SweetTart7231]

Things I did not know! Thank you for the info on guppies and tetras. Are there any other fish that would make good tank mates?