Can I put a ghost shrimp in with a betta fish?
by Aquaboy on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 | 7 Comments
I have had my betta for awhile now in a 1.5 tank, of course with a light and an under gravel filter, and a cool hide spot thingy. But the under gravel filter isn’t extremely powerful, and some food ends up on the bottom of the tank and the food doesn’t get filtered for awhile. Which is why I want to put a ghost shrimp in with the betta so it can clean the bottom of the tank to keep the tank looking better. Would that be okay? And if not what else could I put in with the betta to clean the bottom?
im pretty sure the betta would eat it but they have filters that you can put under the gravel that seem to work pretty well. a place like petco/petsmart could help you out with that.
You can and should get a gravel siphon. Its usually powered by your arm and cheap. And also, remember that bettas are tropical fish and need heaters, which requires atleast a 2.5 gallon tank, and i would really reccomend a 5 gallon. The only filters that work well with bettas are sponge filters, because bettas dont like water that is moving around a lot. I wouldnt get a ghost shrimp, even if he is cleaniong, his waste lets it out again.
-Bizz
no you shouldn’t but you can get a cory cat. they clean better and they get along 100000000%
because of the size of your tank, your limited to space
i know people who always want to have other fish with their betta in small tanks like yours, but they always seem to end up getting ghost shrimp. because they arent a fish they are small and are technicaly another pet in your tank. and it will clean up your tank but it will also have to put out what comes in if you know what i mean
Do not add anything to your fish’s tank, it’s too small for him, let alone any other critters.
Do get him into proper housing, soon.
Here is what you need to know for your Betta to live a long and happy life:
1. A 5-gallon cycled ( http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php and http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquarium… )
tank is minimal for Betta health. (Larger is always better.) Smaller tanks and bowls do not maintain a consistent temperature, and it’s nearly impossible to keep healthy water conditions.
2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers. Another good option is a sponge filter.
3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.
4. In a 5-gallon or larger tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the new water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc. Never change all of your Bettas water, as this shock your Betta, and ultimately weaken him.
5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (use live or silk plants, plastic can tear their fins,) with a cave or two for exploring and resting.
6. Feed your Betta a good staple pellet or flake diet, substituting frozen foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms several times per week. Reserve one day per week for fasting.
When properly cared for, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them live to for 6.
Yes you can do it, but make sure to have decorations in your tank so shrimp can hide.
You can have ghost shrimp with bettas, but they would do much better in a 5 gallon tank.
http://bettacare101.com