A Tank Pal For A Betta

[Nic84]

I currently have a Fluval edge that appears to be nearing being cycled. I am toying with the idea of adding a Betta in with my two platys but have read that this is a bad idea. I'm just wondering what the circumstance would be if the two were added to the same tank? I may have to give my two platys to my friend as I unknowingly entered a fish in cycle with the them and the intention was to have a betta in there all along.

What would you guys suggest? I also need something to eat the algae off the tank (as it has started to form). What would work well in a small tank with a Betta? I would prefer fish over crustacean. Something that might be worth mentioning is that I would not be changing anything for at least three months to allow the tank to become mature.

Thanks guys

 

[BethK]

For starters, that tank is not suitable for a betta. They have to breath airfrom the water surface and a fluvel doesn't provide that surface adequately

 

[loraxchick]

bettas will do fine in an Edge given the current from the filter is cut way down. have you tried him and the platties? they may just get along. in any community setting ive not had a problem with bettas and other fish. not once. be sure you have a back up just in case, but if well decorated with hidey holes to break up line of sight, i dont see a problem with a betta and some platties.
cheers

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

What would you guys suggest? I also need something to eat the algae off the tank (as it has started to form). What would work well in a small tank with a Betta? I would prefer fish over crustacean. Something that might be worth mentioning is that I would not be changing anything for at least three months to allow the tank to become mature.

The best thing to get to remove algae is a sponge . Algae eaters won't necessarily eat all the algae, they won't eat all types etc.

 

[BethK]

If you can give us the actual size of the tani i.e. liters/gallons, we will be able to answer for you.

A BN catfish would be ideal, they tend to munch on most algaes but you do still need to feed them regularly. They can grow up to 6" as an adult, I think a bulldog pleco will get to 5.5" I think and are a good substitute. Both have a good body armor and a betta wouldn't bother with them.

You could also consider shrimp, something like Amanos, they make a good clear up crew

 

[Nic84]

It is a 23L tank. I have 5 plants in there, a piece of bogwood (been in a tank for around 6 years before I had it), fine substrate (not quite sand but getting there) and rwo rocks. There would be plenty of places for the Betta to retreat too and the platys seem to be friendly to each other. I had my eye on a pair of otocinclus as I hear they are good for cleaning and can happily live in small tanks?

I may add the shrimp this weekend if the Nitrite continues to stay at <0.1 ppm. How many would be suitable?

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

otos need 3 or more (I think); for a 4 gallon tank I wouldn't get any more fish. If you really want something go with a snail or shrimp (although they may get eaten)

 

[BethK]

Yeah scrap the catfish idea!

Amano shrimp are good, you can have 3 in a tank that size. Crystal and cherry shrimp too, although, you could most prob put a good 6 in there but they breed chronic, the Amanos are less neurotic with the breeding