Shrimp With Betta?

[happyannie]

I'm thinking of getting a few shrimp as companions to my new Betta, Little Chen, in his 5 gallon tank. I'm wondering about the use of Aquarisol with them and what others use in case they have problems with Ick or whatever or as a preventative. It's my understanding that shrimp and copper don't mix? What types of shrimp are easier than others? I've read about Ghost Shrimp and Rainbow shrimp. I'm just interested in hearing about others' experiences before taking the plunge. Thanks very much in advance!

 

[sukie]

Well I had a ghost shrimp and my wonderful betta scared it til it died. . .

But that's so case-by-case.

I would suggest getting 1 or 2 ghost shrimp and letting them hang out and see how it goes.

I would just treat the water as normal – de-chlorinizer and pinch of aquarium salt should do it

 

[ksam]

I've got Amano Shrimp (caridina japonica) in with my betta, he gets along fine with it, so do all the other fish.....infact I'd say it's more of a case of the shrimp getting his own way, lol it just shoves past everyone to get to the food it wants

They can be left in the tank if treating it with meds that contain copper, I find Esha products to be brilliant for any health products (if you can get ahold of it) & shrimp & snails don't need to be removed whilst it's being used

Here's my shrimp

 

[Dart]

I have a ghost shrimp in withmy females and they get along fine. The shrimp actually fights the females for food, it's really funny

 

[Cichlidkeeper]

Just to talk about meds. Copper is highly toxic to inverts including shrimp. They can't handle the slightest amount. Copper will be absorbed by anything that is porus during treatment. I've heard on a few occasions of people losing inverts because they added copper treated rock to a tank.

I'm unclear to the ingredients of the medication you mentioned. If it has copper in it don't use it. If there are no ingredients listed don't use it. If you do use a copper treatment than use a hospital tank with no porus objects. I prefer using pvc pipe for hiding places. You could also use plastic plants.

 

[happyannie]

Beautiful photo--profile shot.

Thanks for your ideas everyone!!

 

[Never2ManyBettas]

Ghost shrimp have a very short lifespan. Actually change genders too.

If you never see any babies.... just remember.... bettas find they are yummy. LOL. Filters also will suck them up as they released by the female in the upper 1/3rd of the water....

They need trace amounts of iodine to molt properly.

 

[happyannie]

I'm kind of worried about sucking them up when I'm cleaning out the tank if the truth be told. There are ways around that I guess but just more work. Laziness here.