My boi

[Fish Hobbyist]

This is my betta fish, Zeus! I just got him and am planning to add live plants, snails, and shrimp to his 20 GALLON! Kinda wanted to show him off a little, he even came from a breeder! But also wanted to show off the tank, and ask a question or two as well. So, questions. Do you think shrimp would be okay with my agressive betta? He jumps and bites me when I feed him, he flars at me if I look at him, he loves to threaten my finger. Do you think he'd eat shrimp? What type of shrimp should I add, if any? Also, do you think zebra nerite or horned nerites are better? I've heard the horned ones can be hardier, and that the zebras might die off for no reason. I've also thought the horned ones can protect themselves with horns. Do you think they could hurt Zeus though, or that any of that even matters? Also, should I add plants to my tank or do you think that'd ruin the scape so far? Also, do you like my scape? And should I add a bottom feeder or algea eater? If so, what can I put in my 20 gallon high with no extra oxygen, a rocky bottom, and medium flow? I'd only be able to have 1 or 2 in accordance with my mom and dad. Idk, thanks in advance!

 

[Sunnyspots]

I don't know where to start with so many questions!! What I can say is that I like your tank, I wouldn't add another fish to a betta tank, and while plants would change the minimalist aesthetic you have going on there they might suit Zeus (as long as they aren't plastic). I don't know enough about nerites and shrimp to comment.

 

[NannaLou]

Betta certainly like live plants (plastic and silk ones often have sharp bits that can hurt fins and tails). Betta are often shown sleeping of leaves, but I haven’t managed to see mine doing that…

 

[Essjay]

Shrimps are hit and miss with bettas. Some ignore them, others look at shrimps as an expensive snack.

Nerites are OK though, I always had a nerite with my bettas. There are several species of nerite - you have mentioned zerbras and horned, but there are also the red ones with black markings (usually called red onion), helmet nerites, batman nerites, olive nerites etc.

With a nerite, you won't need an algae eater.