How Many Shrimp For My 23L? And Can You Mix Shrimp Types?

[TimFok]

Hi Guys,
 
I have a 23L Fluval Edge tank. As of next week it'll be heavily planted.
 
I plan on stocking it with a Halfmoon Betta, some shrimp and made a otos (otos is only if it's not over stocking).
 
My first question...
 
How many shrimp can I put in a 23L/5g with a betta? And what influence would adding an otos have on shrimp number?
 
My second question...
 
Can you mix shrimp type? My original plan was a group of red cherry shrimp. But I've just found a supplier that stocks red, blue, green and bumble bee shrimp. Would they be happy neighbours if I were to get one of each 4 types?
 
Thanks

 

[Livewire88]

You could have a fair few shrimp in your tank as they hardly add anything to the bioload, the Betta is what you have to worry about not the Otos as the Betta will likley eat plenty of Shrimp.  
 
Also you can mix shimp without any problems.

 

[Paradise3]

My first question...
 
How many shrimp can I put in a 23L/5g with a betta? And what influence would adding an otos have on shrimp number? - I'd stay away from shrimp and betta as betta's are known for eating or at least harassing Shrimp to death. Oto's also need well cycled, mature tanks and need bigger groups of 6+ to be truly active. They need a lot of algae too or they don't survive very well.
 
My second question...
 
Can you mix shrimp type? My original plan was a group of red cherry shrimp. But I've just found a supplier that stocks red, blue, green and bumble bee shrimp. Would they be happy neighbours if I were to get one of each 4 types? - Red, Blue and Green are all the same Genus so will crossbreed and produce colourless and possibly deformed shrimp. Bumblebee Shrimp are usually OK with Cherries but I have heard of incidents where they've crossed and the shrimplets have been deformed.
 
So to sum it up - If you want a betta, avoid shrimp. If you want shrimp, avoid a betta. And avoid oto's at all costs until you can get a 10 gallon mature tank full of algae for them.
If you do want a betta and want a tank mate or two then why not get an Apple Snail or Zebra Nerite Snail to go with him? It all depends on the betta though. Some are aggressive towards anything, some will leave shrimp alone and some will eat shrimp but leave snails alone. Add the snail first and then the betta and he'll see it as he's come into their territory and they were there first. You could try this with shrimp but I doubt it'll work. Shrimp look tasty to any fish that can fit them in their mouths really. Or if you want another interactive and active swimming tank mate, see if you can source some Micropoecilia Parae "Red Tiger". They are nice little dither fish and are a decent price most places. They get to about 2-3cm long max so you could have a decent group of 6-10 in with your betta. The only thing is, they are livebearers so females will give birth nearly once a month and to loads of babies. The betta will clear a lot up but may miss some if there are hiding places.
If you want shrimp - You can have a big group of Cherries and Pinocchio Shrimp?

 
Hope this helps.

 

[TimFok]

Oh really??

When I first started doing research for my tank back in December, all I read and advised was stick to shrimp/Otos/corys for betta tank mates.

I read specifically on various different threads that people had shrimps as betta mates, along with being directly advised to go with them on a couple of separate occasions.

The only reason I chose to go with shrimp was from recommendations on here, and now I find I can't go with them either!

I'm starting to go off bettas in small tanks, it seems I can't stock anything with them!

Thanks for the advice, back to the drawing board!

 

[Paradise3]

Oh really??

When I first started doing research for my tank back in December, all I read and advised was stick to shrimp/Otos/corys for betta tank mates.

I read specifically on various different threads that people had shrimps as betta mates, along with being directly advised to go with them on a couple of separate occasions.

The only reason I chose to go with shrimp was from recommendations on here, and now I find I can't go with them either!

I'm starting to go off bettas in small tanks, it seems I can't stock anything with them!

Thanks for the advice, back to the drawing board!

 
Like I say, some betta's will accept shrimp as tank mates. You could try it at the risk of getting an aggressive male and him eating them all but I've owned 5 male betta's over the past and all of them have liked to eat shrimp. Even my females ate shrimp.

 

[TimFok]

Not good odd then!

Are there any fish which generally get along with bettas in small tanks? Are corys or is that a myth also?

I'd at least need an algae eater, no chance my tank would last a week without one.

 

[Paradise3]

Not good odd then!

Are there any fish which generally get along with bettas in small tanks? Are corys or is that a myth also?

I'd at least need an algae eater, no chance my tank would last a week without one.

 
Erm, cory's yes but you'd need to get one of the smaller species. The most common are Corydoras Pygmaeus, Corydoras Hastatus and Corydoras Habrosus

 

[tribalbrit]

Scrap the betta. go with cherry shrimp and red or black crystals. 6 or so emerald tetra. The shrimp will keep the algae in check and are far more entertaining than a betta.

 

[TimFok]

Yeh I'm pretty set on not going with a Betta now for this tank. I have a smaller tank which may work perfectly as a one fish tank (for the betta).
 
I definitely still want to go with the shrimp though. And I'd love to get one of each kind.
 
Is 4-5 shrimp OK for a tank this size? Or should I look at more? 
 
I haven't decided what else I'll be getting yet, but it'll be as many as I can get away with. Off the top of my head maybe some Endlers/blood red Guppies, and 1 other kind (I have a soft spot for puffers, but will need to do research on their temperament). I like Scarlet Badis also. 

 

[tribalbrit]

tank to small for guppies and, badis,, puffer will eat shrimps. Put 20 cherries and the same crystal shrimp. they will soon breed if cared for right.

 

[Paradise3]

Endlers would be fine in this tank with shrimp

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Just to mention the fact you believe you NEED an algae eater... with a tank so small, i struggle to think of any, at this stage, you can house.
As i was told when i started keeping tanks, the best creature to get rid of algae is the fishkeeper his/herself. Sleeves rolled up, dedicated sponges for the job and a little elbow grease. Pay attention to how long you may have to have your lights on, ensure to keep it away from any direct, natural sunlight and clean any that appears quickly...you shouldn't have a problem.
Good luck though... i particulary enjoy Endler Guppy, and after i succesfully kept some in my 30L they remain a firm favourite of mine.
 
Terry.

 

[TimFok]

I 100% agree, and I'm not saying it out of being lazy.
 
But to eliminate all algae I currently get I have to completely overhaul the tank (removing wood etc..) and I fear the livestocks serenity when I the tank is stocked. Not to mention disturbing future plants. So if there's a inhabitant that can help out a little then they'll be more than welcome!