Betta Buddy??

[batman669]

I have my betta in a 2-gallon tank, which is getting unwanted algae growth. I was wondering if adding an otocinclus catfish to eat the algea would be pratical or would the betta just bother the catfish to death? Any other suggestions on getting rid of, and preventing the algea from coming back would be appreciated!

thanks

_batman

 

[oneponygirl]

I got a mystery snail for my small tank that had algae. It should be OK as long as you keep on top of the water changes and don't use salt in your water. I wouldn't add another fish to a two gallon.

 

[FalconStorm]

Also, otos are shoaling fish. They need three or more to be comfortable and they are voracious. They tend to starve because they can't find enough algae. They're also notorious about dying in the first couple of weeks because they've been starved in transit. Just a warning. I would get a snail. They take care of algae like pros.

 

[the_faze]

Just thought I would throw this out so that you aren't dissapointed like me.

I bought a snail for the same reason, to get rid of algea, but my snail apparently doesn't like the algea that's growing in my tank. So I have to now feed it beans, lettace, carrots and other veggies.

So yeah... I am not an expert but thought you would like to know that my snail doesn't so the algea thing.

 

[snowyangel]

I would throw in a snail from one my other tanks into my betta bowls. Even if the snail doesn't clean the algae, my betta sure loves it's chewy centre.

 

[abstract]

i wouldn't put an oto with a betta..i would move the tank out of direct sunlight, wouldn't have the light run as long, and would scrub the sides each time i do a 100% water change - you are doing weekly water changes right? you should be able to remove all algae with a wet cloth when cleaning the tank

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If its only a 2gallon why don't you just clean the whole lot in some boiling water and keep it out of direct sunlight ?

 

[krash]

Just another data point - I tried an oto in my 2.5g with one betta. They got along fine, but there wasn't enough algae to keep the oto busy, so I had to supplement with wafers, and found that the oto produced enough waste that I had to clean the tank twice as often. I do have one in my 5g with one betta, and it works well. I have 3 otos in my 10g, and about once every 10 days or so I give one of them a little vacation for a couple days in the 2.5g, then put them back with their school. I don't know how much stress this causes the otos, but they've been with me for a few months and *seem* to be fine. As soon as they go in the 2.5 they get right to work, and in a day or two I have a clean tank and a chubby oto...

Stacey