Correct Algae Eater For A Betta?

[Aquatic_Az]

Is there a correct algae eater to keep in a betta tank?

Ive heard people say oto's and cory's are good even bristlenose plecs. But then ive been reading things that say these need a decent current in the tank to keep it really well aerated, whereas bettas tanks are very slow current tanks so have much less aeration than a normal one. So would these algae eaters really be suited to a betta tank? I wouldnt like to get one, just for it to then struggle to breath all day.

My betta tank is 14 US gallons and currently my male betta has the whole tank to himself, so I really would love to put something else in there with him, preferably like a few algae eaters or similar, but I want them to be deffinately suited to living in his tank.

So whats your thoughts on this guys and gals? and suggestions?

 

[wilsonnw8]

Is there a correct algae eater to keep in a betta tank?

Ive heard people say oto's and cory's are good even bristlenose plecs. But then ive been reading things that say these need a decent current in the tank to keep it really well aerated, whereas bettas tanks are very slow current tanks so have much less aeration than a normal one. So would these algae eaters really be suited to a betta tank? I wouldnt like to get one, just for it to then struggle to breath all day.

My betta tank is 14 US gallons and currently my male betta has the whole tank to himself, so I really would love to put something else in there with him, preferably like a few algae eaters or similar, but I want them to be deffinately suited to living in his tank.

So whats your thoughts on this guys and gals? and suggestions?

Otos and Corys should be fine, you could also get shrimp, perhaps not some of the smallest varieties as occationally bettas will eat them

 

[danni_69]

In with my boys, I've got pygmy corys, amano and cherry shrimp, apple snails and otos.. Fred has only got the snails tho cuz he doesnt like other tnk mates cuz he's miserable lol.. love him tho ^^ the other two seem perfectly fine with the rest.. Miagi actually lets the shrimo clean him sometimes too
do remember tho.. bettas have their own personality so what one fish may like, another may not

 

[Aquatic_Az]

but do the algae eaters live happily without being distressed about the lack of aeration?

my temporary backup plan if my betta is a miserable git, is to put the algae eaters into my community tank

 

[stang1]

Bristlenose Cats and Ottos would be more suited to a tank with a good current.
Snails and Shrimps are good for cleaning, provided your Betta doesn't mind them being the tank!

 

[danni_69]

mine are all perfectly fine with slow moving water.. none of them have ever died.. they make a nice edition to a tank that big with only one lil betta in it

 

[stang1]

Sorry to disagree Danni, although they do fine, it is not the best environment for them.
They both come from areas with fast flowing water and you'll find they are a lot more active in the right conditions.

 

[Aquatic_Az]

at my LFS I was looking at shrimp and my mum pointed out this really big shrimp on its own in a tank and compared to all the other little ones for sale it was gigantic, any idea what this couldve been? and would something like this be far to big to add into my tank and mix with my betta? or is it best to stick with the smaller shrimp?

stang so would corys be the only catfish that would be happy in a betta tank or not even them?

 

[danni_69]

didnt u tell me that otos were a good tank mate for Fred when i first got him?

at my LFS I was looking at shrimp and my mum pointed out this really big shrimp on its own in a tank and compared to all the other little ones for sale it was gigantic, any idea what this couldve been? and would something like this be far to big to add into my tank and mix with my betta? or is it best to stick with the smaller shrimp?

stang so would corys be the only catfish that would be happy in a betta tank or not even them?

yeah ur best bet is to go with smaller shrimp.. one of the guys at one of my LFS said that bigger shrimp cold go for the fish if it swims past slow cuz of the colour or somethin ^^

 

[stang1]

Not that I recall, being a Plec lover, I've always maintained they prefer plenty of oxygen in the water.
Most people keep Ottos in with a Betta provided their is plenty of surface agitation. The difficult part is finding a happy medium.
I've kept Ottos in a tank with very minimal flow and they haven't survived long. When I kept them in a tank with a good flow, I had no problems.

 

[danni_69]

as far as i remember you suggested them but it was a while ago.. mine have lasted about 7 months so far with no problems.. same with the pygmy corys.. but hey ho..

 

[stang1]

Saying and taking notice are two different things...

Aquatic Az - It's trial and error when it comes to choosing tankmates for your Betta as they are generally solitary fish. You may be one of the lucky ones but when adding anything new, keep an eye on your Betta to make sure he doesn't attack anything!

 

[danni_69]

so why say somethin that could cause harm to fish? and like u said.. being a plec lover?

 

[stang1]

Any reason you want to turn this in to a slanging match?

Apologies to the OP...

 

[danni_69]

not particularly.. i was tryin to give the OP some advice, and like in most of the other post i reply to my advice gets trashed..

so im gona stick to my guns this time.. to the OP

i have otos, pygmy corys, cherry and aman shrimp and apple snails in with my boys, all seem happy healty, eat well and live well.. so its your choice, just keep an eye on your fighter to make sure he;s happy with what ever YOU decide to put in the tank with him.

OUT.