Algae eaters are very useful fish in any aquarium. We will analyze in this blog whether betta fish and algae eaters are compatible in the same aquarium, their habits, water parameters, food types, and how to solve possible problems in the keeping of these fish.
The Betta Fish
Bettas are known for being aggressive, which makes them difficult to get along with. They are solitary fish that will attempt to drive away the majority of other fish. As a result, Betta fish, especially males, are often suggested to be kept alone.
On the other hand, they get along well with certain tankmates. This, however, is not always the case. Some Betta Fish will pursue anything that moves. Some are gentler than others and get along well with fish that aren’t clearly male Bettas.
Algae Eaters
Algae eaters have long been an important component of the aquarium-keeping hobby, helping to balance the natural environment that we are all attempting to reproduce. They are wonderful additions to your aquatic family because of their proficiency in algae removal.
Because these fish are so crucial to your aquarium, it’s critical that you discover how they can naturally clean up your system so you don’t have to use harsh chemicals. But the question is: can algae eaters and betta fish cohabitate the same tank?
Can Betta Fish and Algae Eaters live in the same environment?
Bettas and Siamese Algae Eaters are excellent aquarium companions. Bettas like to spend the most of their time at the surface or in the upper part of their tank, whereas Siamese Algae Eaters seldom leave the bottom.
Siamese Algae Eaters are ferocious algae eaters who will keep your Betta tank clean. Bettas have been found to get along with a variety of algae eaters or bottom feeders as long as they do not threaten a betta’s territory or food.
What is the best algae eater to live with betta fish?
First and foremost, bettas require their own place, especially if they are living with other animals. It is advised that you keep one betta in a tank that is at least 2.5 gallons in size, however betta prefers 3-gallons in isolation.
If you wish to keep another animal with your betta, you’ll need a 5-gallon tank. Make sure there is an additional gallon or two of room in the tank for each animal you add. This ensures that you have adequate area to put hiding locations for all of your small ones while also ensuring that your betta does not feel like their space is being invaded.
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are among the tiniest algae eaters on the list of algae eaters, yet they do an excellent job of clearing algae. They’ll be able to go to locations you and other algae eaters can’t because of their size.
If you intend to add cherry shrimp, keep in mind that they can survive for 1-2 years before dying and can grow up to 2 inches in size. In an aquarium, you may keep up to 5 cherry shrimp per gallon of water.
Cherry shrimp do not require any special conditions to live in your tank. They’ll be alright as long as you keep the temperature between 57 and 84°F and the pH between 6.5 and 8.
And as long as your cherry shrimp are both sexes, the water conditions are favorable, and they have a food supply, they will reproduce without difficulty.
However, when adding cherry shrimp, use caution since if they are too little, your betta may mistake them for a snack. Ask for the largest ones in the aquarium, and make sure there are enough hiding spots for them before introducing them to your tank.
Amano Shrimp
Betta fish love amano shrimp in their tanks. They have a three-year lifespan and consume more than enough algae to keep your tank clean. Furthermore, they are bigger than other shrimp species, which means they are too huge for your betta to eat.
Amanos will happily devour trash and uneaten food that falls onto the substrate as well as the algae in the tank. Ensure that the tank is well-planted and has plenty of hiding spots. This is vital for Amanos since they molt on a regular basis and will seek protection until their new shells solidify.
You should also provide plenty of live plants and hiding spots for them. This will not only help them feel more at home, but it will also provide them with plenty of places to hide during molting until their robust exoskeletons return.
The one drawback of Amano shrimp is that they aren’t the most visually appealing shrimp. They’re transparent, with stripes and dots going up their sides.
And, once again, you must use caution when introducing any new critter into your tank. While your betta should be OK with them, it’s normal for bettas and other fish to view shrimp as food, especially after molting.
Ghost Shrimp
If you’re still not sure how your betta will respond to other tankmates, you should start with ghost shrimp. They’re also known as feeder shrimp, so if your betta has a hostile demeanor, you won’t waste money on more costly shrimp like Amanos.
While ghost shrimp aren’t as adept at consuming algae as cherry shrimp and Amanos, they’re still rather good. They’re very fond of hair algae. If that’s the algae in your tank, you should consider adding a few ghost shrimp.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are ideal betta buddies, residing near the tank’s bottom, feeding on algae and sucking up particles of uneaten food that drift down from above. However, you will need to supplement the cory’s diet with a flake or pellet meal to ensure that they obtain all of the nutrition they require to survive.
Corydoras grow to be around two to three inches long and thrive well in small groups of at least four. These intriguing tiny catfish are available in a variety of colors and sizes, all of which are acceptable for keeping with a betta fish. Your Corydoras catfish should survive for around five years.
Whiptail Catfish
If you can get your hands on a few twig catfish, they’ll eat through any algae in your tank in no time. While they will need to supplement their food, algae may provide the majority of their nutrients.
If you want to keep twig catfish, you’ll need to keep them in pairs. In order to survive, each pair will require 12 liters of water. However, because of their great size, they should not be kept in tanks smaller than 20 gallons. This will provide them with lots of space to swim around and graze.
While you can keep them in pairs, keeping them in groups of 4-6 is frequently suggested for the highest chance of happiness and survival.
References
17 Best Algae Eaters For Betta Tanks
Algae Eaters and Betta Fish
Can Algae Eaters Live with Betta Fish? Which Are the Best for new Betta Fish Owners?
Best Algae Eaters For A Balanced Freshwater Aquarium
