[taquitos]

Sooooo my little 1.5 gal vase looks SPOTLESS thanks to my new awesome fire red shrimp... but I am pretty sure they wouldn't stand a chance in Jackson's tank. I also know how terrifying it must be for them because I never saw my little Hitch (Thai Micro Crab) when he was in the 10 gal. with Jackson.

What will clean my tank as well as the shrimp, that would be compatible with him?

I don't want any snails.

 

[taquitos]

Also, are there any fish that will eat detritus worms?

 

[Ehmdee]

Keeping a tank spotless is more about a stable and balanced system than having critters to 'eat the gross away'. Many types of snail are particularly good at breaking particles down at the substrate and helping with tank stability, and those with a trapdoor have a better defense against betta attack.

Nearly any micro fish will enjoy detritus worms. Nano rasboras might be a nice choice, of which there are several that may appeal to you. Ever-peaceful pygmy corydoras would probably eat the worms as well but will be an easy target for betta aggression.

Before acquiring any fish for the sole purpose of eating the detritus worms, a good first step is to test your water parameters to figure out why there is a noticeable population to begin with. Poor circulation, low oxygen levels can contribute to worm booms as well.

 

[tankman12]

My betta gets along perfectly with my pygmies.
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[taquitos]

Keeping a tank spotless is more about a stable and balanced system than having critters to 'eat the gross away'. Many types of snail are particularly good at breaking particles down at the substrate and helping with tank stability, and those with a trapdoor have a better defense against betta attack.

Nearly any micro fish will enjoy detritus worms. Nano rasboras might be a nice choice, of which there are several that may appeal to you. Ever-peaceful pygmy corydoras would probably eat the worms as well but will be an easy target for betta aggression.

Before acquiring any fish for the sole purpose of eating the detritus worms, a good first step is to test your water parameters to figure out why there is a noticeable population to begin with. Poor circulation, low oxygen levels can contribute to worm booms as well.

I believe it's possibly from poorer circulation -- I don't have my filter on very high because my betta gets buffeted around. Any suggestions on increasing circulation?

I really want to stay away from snails (nerites would probably work best for me and I do not want them laying eggs everywhere).

My water params are tested weekly. Everything is at 0 (Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate).

Hmm would cories take care of excess biofilm on my driftwood and java moss? Lots of gunk getting stuck on my java moss >_>

My betta gets along perfectly with my pygmies.
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What was your betta's temperament like? I would say Jackson isn't overly aggressive, but he's definitely not the most docile either.

 

[tankman12]

Well he flares a lot, at me lol. He goes after the yellow shrimp but doesnt eat them just picks at them. When i first put the pygmies in me nipped them a little bit. Now they are tankmates for life, literally. They get along perfectly. They are in a HEAVILY planted 5 gallon also. But some hiding places help, just in case your betta in a little bipolar lol, like mine.
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[RussellTheShihTzu]

If your filter is adjustable, I would up it. A 10 gallon gives your Betta enough room to get away from the current and as others have noted, current gives Bettas exercise and makes them stronger. An alternative filter would be an internal with a spray bar you can point to the tank wall which baffles but not too much. This one (or the IF-201) is small and effective. Unfortunately, both are out of stock but expected this month.

http://www.truaqua.com/aquarium-internal-filter-if-202.html

He goes after the yellow shrimp but doesnt eat them just picks at them.
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How lovely for them; nothing like a stress-filled life.

 

[tankman12]

The tank is heavily planted and there is a colony of them. So there are obviously fine. My betta has an aqueon quiteflow in hes 5 gallon. Its alot of flow, but he seems to love it. He is wicked muscular and healthy lol.
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[RussellTheShihTzu]

Time will tell since according to another post you've only had shrimp two days.

Thanks for sharing this. I just got into shrimp (today [July 5] lol) <snip>
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http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=421930

 

[tankman12]

Well there were two females that were holding, one released and now they are everywhere.
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[taquitos]

Well he flares a lot, at me lol. He goes after the yellow shrimp but doesnt eat them just picks at them. When i first put the pygmies in me nipped them a little bit. Now they are tankmates for life, literally. They get along perfectly. They are in a HEAVILY planted 5 gallon also. But some hiding places help, just in case your betta in a little bipolar lol, like mine.
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Hmm so the consensus is that I will have the most luck with some cories... may go that route then.

Yeah I don't want my betta picking at the tiny shrimp I think I will only chance shrimp if I had a suuuper docile betta (like my old one -- he wouldn't have hurt a fly lol! He never ever flared and he was just inquisitive most of the time) but this guy has a bit of an attitude lol.

If your filter is adjustable, I would up it. A 10 gallon gives your Betta enough room to get away from the current and as others have noted, current gives Bettas exercise and makes them stronger. An alternative filter would be an internal with a spray bar you can point to the tank wall which baffles but not too much. This one (or the IF-201) is small and effective. Unfortunately, both are out of stock but expected this month.

http://www.truaqua.com/aquarium-internal-filter-if-202.html



How lovely for them; nothing like a stress-filled life.

I'll try adjusting the flow then

RussellTheShihTzu, I know you've suggested cories to me as well... how many bettas have you tried dwarf cories with and what were the bettas' temperaments like?

I just want to better gauge Jackson on how aggressive he is before I attempt to add any other tank mates >_> I am absolutely terrified of coming home to dead fish

 

[tankman12]

Ya I would get some pygmies. In a 10 gallon you could get a nice big school. Probably 10+

 

[RussellTheShihTzu]

I've had Cories in with 6+ different Bettas. I don't recall the Bettas even noticing them. You could easily do seven in a 10 gallon which is what I'd suggest. If you add too many fish at one time it messes with the pH.

 

[tankman12]

Well ya add them at different times if you can. So add them 3-4 at a time, if you live near a fs than you shouldn't have a problem. But if you have to drive a little bit or there is a deal than get them all. I have never had a problem with adding fish and the ph changing. It is more about making the tank unbalanced be adding to much of a new bioload at once.
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[RussellTheShihTzu]

Adding too many fish at the same time, even Nano/Micro fish, can change the bioload enough to overwhelm the beneficial bacteria and start a mini-cycle. Keep an eye on your parameters if you add more than 5-7 (the number most suggested by long-time aquarists). And as I don't always follow my own advice, I can attest that water changes and Prime will get you through the mini-cycle.

 

[taquitos]

Thanks both!

I believe my LFS has some coyrdora hasbrosus in stock, so I will be adding 6 to my tank soon!

Wish me luck

 

[RussellTheShihTzu]

You'll love them; they are so cute and only get about 1.4". They are darker than the Pygmy Cories. I have both and enjoy them equally.

 

[taquitos]

Actually the only ones in stock are Corydoras Hastatus or Corydoras Pygmaeus.

Which one should I get? I prefer the look of the Hastatus but it seems they are more timid than the Pygmaeus?

 

[RussellTheShihTzu]

You could get some of each and they'd do fine. Mine don't really shoal that much as they are too busy picking at the plants and substrate for goodies. I have 12 Pygmies and 7 Hasbrosus; Hastatus are smaller than the Hasbrosus and more the size of the Pygmy.

 

[taquitos]

Thanks for the advice. Always so helpful, RussellTheShihTzu!

Well I will probably stop by my LFS this weekend See if they have any dwarf cories in stock.

I have a nice sandy area on one side of my tank so I am sure they'll love picking through the substrate!