Need a light bulb, but while I'm there...

[iheartmyfishies]

A light bulb in my tank hood died this morning so I have to go to Petsmart to get a new one. But I find myself in need of a clean up crew since my girls keep eating my shrimp. Should I get more shrimp? Snails? Something else? I have a ten-gal which currently houses 5 female bettas. Thanks~

[doggyhog]

Unless you have lots of live plants. DON'T get a snail. Snails really don't clean, they eat algae, but they POOP! a LOT!!!!!!! Trust me. They also can't just survive eating other algae in the tank, they need regular fresh fruits and veggies.

I'd just get more shrimp. It's a good healthy snack for your girls even if they DO eat them! :D

[iheartmyfishies]

Coolio. First time round I think I had seven shrimp, but the second time I had two and both setups seemed to work. I think I'll get just two this time because of how many girls I have. Plus I don't like having too many shrimp around because then they're noticable.

[reaperss06]

so basically as long as you have plants for the shrimp to hide in then they will be fine from the bettas?

[doggyhog]

Originally Posted by reaperss06

so basically as long as you have plants for the shrimp to hide in then they will be fine from the bettas?

Well.... usually.

Some bettas will just hunt them down 'til they have eaten them. Some don't mind them at all.

[dukie1346]

Mine has been there a couple weeks now, but I just walked in my room to see my betta girl, Berry, chomping on a shrimp. Poor thing.... Oh well.

[doggyhog]

LOL yeah.. My Angel was swimming around with a shrimp hanging out of her mouth. :D Hahaha guess she was hungry!

[reaperss06]

I know I would lose shrimp, so thats why I never got any.

[xgoingdownx]

I wish I could get a few ghost shrimp, but I'm pretty sure AF would eat them in a heartbeat. :/