To get ghost shrimp or not to get ghost shrimp...?

[kakashikage]

I currently have a male VT betta (Amadeus) living alone in a one-gallon tank. However, I will be getting a five-gallon soon, and it has been suggested to me that I should get a few ghost shrimp in there to help with cleaning and such. I don't want Amadeus to feel crowded, is there really enough room in a five-gallon tank to put anything with him? If so, are ghost shrimp the best choice?
Just for info...the five-gallon is the kit from Walmart, it comes with a filter, in addition I have a Tom's mini-filter with adjustable flow that I will use if the Walmart filter is too strong. Of course, I will be putting a Hydor Theo 25-watt heater in it and keeping it at 80 degrees. I plan to use glass stones on the bottom, three small silk plants, and a small "cave" I built with river rocks and aquarium silicone.

[Welsh]

Ghost shrimp can be aggressive and need hiding places just like a betta, what you could put in the tank is a nerite or mystery snail to help with the algae or try a few cherry shrimp but I will warn you that betta's are known to eat shrimp :)

[TheJadeBetta]

I agree. Some Betta fish are known to eat shrimp. But not all of them. I have one Betta that won't touch them, but he isn't to fond of Cory cats.

[shinybetta]

I would get ghost shrimp. They help alot and I love watching them.

[JKfish]

Cherry shrimps sound much better than ghost shrimps in my opinion, but either one would help with the cleaning. I've got two ghost's in my 10 gallon tank, and they have significantly reduced how much I need to gravel vac (of course I still do, but less frequently). A good idead is to get one or two ghost shrimps, and put them in and see how your betta gets along with them before you buy more expensive shrimps.

[frogipoi]

I would get cherry shrimp.

[wallywestisthebest333]

I agree with JKfish. =] don't put a lot of money into it if it might go badly. simply test the waters first so to speak. =P