Betta with Cherry Shrimp

[jossswonk]

Hello! I've got a 6 gallon cube that is densely planted. I've got some cherry shrimp living in there and it appears that they are reproducing. I would really like to put a betta in there but I've heard it's hit or miss whether the shrimp become dinner. My hypothesis is that if I let my shrimp population increase for a few weeks and then get a really young betta that would be roughly the size of adult shrimp that it will grow up and leave the shrimp alone. I've done something similar for a betta in a community tank and everyone in there is doing really well. Does anyone think I should try this or have any helpful comments or tips? Anything would be very appreciated.

 

[Innesfan]

Do you have a plan B if it doesn't pan out as you hope?

 

[jossswonk]

I could put it in my 20 gallon with my platies or I could move some of my fish around so it could have its own tank.

 

[MaloK]

What kind of betta ?

If it's a long finned splendens , he will have a good time trying to catch cherry shrimps.

On the other hand, if it's a Plakat... Things could be different as he grow up...

 

[jossswonk]

I'd go for the long finned variety because I know he'll be slower. It's a possibility that I might accidentally end up with a female though.

 

[jossswonk]

I have a second option. One of the bettas I currently have is very slow and not very bright but I love him so much. Do you think it would hurt to introduce him to the tank and see how it goes? I could always take him out if he goes on a killing spree.

 

[Jinx_]

I heard people had success if they put shrimps/fish in first before the betta, since the fish would have the mindset of "this territory belongs to the shrimp". Or would at least just tolerate the shrimp.

I have a second option. One of the bettas I currently have is very slow and not very bright but I love him so much. Do you think it would hurt to introduce him to the tank and see how it goes? I could always take him out if he goes on a killing spree.

Yeah, you can try putting him in. If anything goes south, you can just take him out.