Is there an alge-eater that can...

F

Fishbowl

New Member
..share a 2.5 gallon with a male Betta?
I just got my first tank set up and it's a little 2.5 that has a Betta and three amazon sword plants living in it. But I was wondering is there was, perhaps, a small alge-eater that would be fine living with my Betta?
Even though I will be doing lots of water changes, I do wonder if one might be a good idea. Also it would be neat to have one in that little tank. But given the tank size I think it's unlikely there is a fish that would do alright, but asking can't hurt.
Just a thought, I'm new so don't shoot me down to hard if I'm crazy! ^^;
 
F

Fishbowl

New Member
Oh, those silly little catfish I like so much? *points to favorite fish*
The only reason I pause when thinking of putting one in there is that they can be kind of social fish(in my extremely minimal experience) . Not really schooling but hanging out in twos and threes. Would that inclination ever be a problem?
 
Kaosu

Kaosu

New Member
nerite snails are nice.and come in a variety of shell colors ..as well as do not breed in fresh water so you will not have to worry about them over populating .
 
S

Skagit

New Member
Definitely don't do an oto in that small of a tank by itself - it won't fair well.
I agree with Kaosu- nerites are a good choice. Also, depending on how much growth you have, an amano shrimp might do ok if it's large enough and if your male isn't too aggressive... but there's some risk involved.
 
Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I have always used Oto's but its your choice. I have never tried the snail route, but sounds like it is a good idea.
 
G

GilbertonFisher

New Member
My Otto's haven't done nearly as good a job as my nerites and mystery snails. I don't like that the nerites lay those white eggs everywhere, I prefer the briggs/mystery snails.
 
R

Ratlova30

New Member
In my opinion briggs will get to large and 5gals is recommended for just one. I would just to trumpet snails, if anything. I suppose a nerite or two might work but make sure the tank is completely sealed off. Just keep in mind the more you put in it the more difficult it will be to control water quality in such a small tank.
 
S

Skagit

New Member
Ratlova30 said:
In my opinion briggs will get to large and 5gals is recommended for just one. I would just to trumpet snails, if anything. I suppose a nerite or two might work but make sure the tank is completely sealed off. Just keep in mind the more you put in it the more difficult it will be to control water quality in such a small tank.
Click to expand...
Just curious, why have it sealed off? 2 out of 3 of my tanks have partial- mostly open tops and I've never had an issue. Thanks!
 
R

Ratlova30

New Member
Skagit said:
(with nerites)
Click to expand...
:spoton:

Nerites will climb right out of the tank, despite my attempts to seal off my tanks all the nerites managed to get out and they eventually met their fate in my living room after they dried up.
 
F

Fishbowl

New Member
It's not a lot of growth, so a snail might be good, we have a bunch of Zebra Nerites in the 36 gallon so maybe I'll just steal one of those and it can keep the walls and rock I want to add clean.
 
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