Tell Me Everything!

[AnimalHouse36]

I'm considering buying a 5 gallon tank kit, and hoping to keep shrimp, and a betta.
Tell me everything I need to know!

 

[Malawi MaD]

Not an expert with betta's but I know they like a nice tranquil set-up so they can relax (quite a lazy fish) and not be thrown round the tank. They like to have plants for cover and i dont actually no much else so ill let the experts tell you the rest

 

[Fishy friend2]

If you are going to have an external filter you might want to baffle the flow of the filter and you might need a couple of hiding spots for the shrimp as the Betta might find them as a tasty snack, and are you going to have a planted setup, if you are it will be very rewarding if you have the proper lighting and stuff. good plants for a Betta and shrimp are java moss, hornwort, anacharis, poppy and parrots feather are really good for them. Mine love these plants

 

[lilfishie]

5 Gal is perfect size for a Male Betta Shrimps are a bit of a hit and miss with bettas however, some eat them some don't bigger shrimps like Amano's tend to be left alone.

Some broad leafed plants near the surface are ideal as they do enjoy a rest now and then, some are VERY lazy

 

[Fishy friend2]

Oh and don't forget to cycle it before you get the Betta

 

[AnimalHouse36]

The tank I'm looking at has a filter that's easily adjustable.

Fishyfriend: The wattage is a about 2 waters per gallon, will this be okay for most the plants listed?

lilfishie: What type of shrimp would you recommend?

 

[CezzaXV]

I was considering getting crystal shrimp in my tank, but wondering whether this is such a good idea now.

The betta will be the last thing I add, so I'm prepared to wait til the shrimp are fully grown before getting my betta.

 

[lilfishie]

i added Cherries with my females and they ate them i personally think Amanos or bigger are best

 

[Fishy friend2]

I have ghost, and amanos with mine and they work well

 

[CezzaXV]

Are there any other species of shrimp that would be okay with a betta other than ghost or amano?

Ideally I'd like something with a bit more colour/patterning, but I don't wanna take a risk as I'm having to order my shrimp online and it's gonna be expensive if they just get eaten.

 

[sausagewinkle]

i added Cherries with my females and they ate them i personally think Amanos or bigger are best

TOMATO SHRIMP!!!

 

[Xander]

Don't need to cycle the 5gal, it's harder and just more of a pain. It can cycle on it's own, but it's honestly not worth cycling anything 5g and below. I would do 2 50% water changes a week, 1 water only, 1 substrate vacuuming. If you choose not to use the filter (which is more then fine for a 5g betta tank) then it would be 1 50% and 1 100% water change per week. But with the shrimp, best to go ahead and keep the filter.
With the filter, put it on the lowest setting, or baffle it if it's too much.
Medium to highly planted (silk or real), along with caves and such to hide in is recommended.
Will need a heater, 78-82*F is what is preferable since they are tropical fish.
The shrimp need to be a good size, but some bettas may like to chew on their feelers and legs.

 

[AnimalHouse36]

Are there any other species of shrimp that would be okay with a betta other than ghost or amano?

Ideally I'd like something with a bit more colour/patterning, but I don't wanna take a risk as I'm having to order my shrimp online and it's gonna be expensive if they just get eaten.

I too would love shrimp with more color, like the cherry shrimp. But I wouldn't want them to get eaten. Maybe I'll look for a placid betta, and offer plenty of hiding spots. Hmmm, I'll have to think about it.

Don't need to cycle the 5gal, it's harder and just more of a pain. It can cycle on it's own, but it's honestly not worth cycling anything 5g and below.

I think I'm going to go for a tank with the same filter as one i have in my tank, and just use the media from my second filter. Instant cycle!

but this also brings me to my next question:
Is an open top tank a bad idea? The tank i'm in LOVE with doesn't come with one.