bringitdown

Hi all

Complete newbie so am doing my research. I'd love to go 10gal but for space reasons a 5 gal is about tops. I'd like advice on stocking am determined to do this right but so many 'internets' contradict each other.

Right now am thinking a Betta as its about all anyone can agree a 5gal is suitable for. Is there any other stock I can add to the setup? Oto / Cory?

I would like to add some simple live plants to it also, and have a rock hide for the Betta.

Have read the setup guide and will begin the cycling process this weekend before I add any fish.

Any advice thereafter appreciated.

Red1313

I like the sounds of it so far. What kind of plants were you thinking of?

Lucy

A 5g set up would be great for a betta! I agree Red, everything sounds good so far.

As far as the corys/otts, Some betta will accept them as tank mates, some won't so if you decide to add them, have an alternate plan in case there's any signs of aggression.

From what I've read here on the forum, corys and ottos like to have more of their own kind to feel comfortable and a 5g may not support this.
That being said, there's exceptions to everything.

Good luck.

Edit: This is a terrific thread to read about betta care.

Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

bringitdown

Thanks for the guide, great stuff in this forum, am jealous of all the big tanks out there .... and I haven't even started!!!

Java Ferns was what I was thinking plant wise, again most people are in agreement they suit small tanks with a Betta.

Instead of adding catfish, perhaps an apple snail might work?
I could try ghost shrimp and see how it does with one or two of those.

Lucy

Oh, sorry, I didn't welcome you to the forum, we're glad to have you!

I don't know much about snails, other than most can multiply without the opposite sex and some have a large bio-load.
I'm sure someone will read this thread and be able to advise you on the snail.

Becareful with the ghost shrimp, they could become a snack for your betta.

Some of the members do have big beautiful tanks, don't they? I always enjoy looking at them.

Blub

A nerite snails would be a better addition than an apple snail - apple snails can get very big... Too big for a 5gal usually. Nerites are really elite algae eaters! Or 3 Dwarf corys. Add the tankmates before the Betta -so he does not feel his territory is being invaded.

Red1313

Java Fern is nice (My boys going to be getting some soon.) If you want something with a different look Anubias Nana might be something that a betta will enjoy. Or another type of plant with a large leaf for him to lay on.

Blub

Hornwort, Anacharis (Elodea), Crypts, Java moss and Amazon sword would all be fun for Bettas.

bringitdown

Hi

A little follow up, my betta and tank are doing quite nicely with one exception.

Brown algae, from what I understand this is a good sign that the tank has cycled correctly, but from my POV its darn ugly.

I have done 20% changes each week and cleaned and scrubbed with my poor betta in a a small holding container whilst I try and clean his home but it keeps coming back.

Any advice on how to get rid of it. The tank is not exposed to sunlight in any great way and the lid light on / off makes little difference.

Alessa

What are the water readings? ammonia, nitrite, nitrate? Brown algae is usually a sign of a "new" tank.

What kind of plants do you have? as long as the tank is cycled and there are plants the algae should go away in a couple weeks.

jgon_

5g would be too cramped for a school of cories or otos. I have ghost shrimp in a 5g with my betta and they're really fun (almost creepy-like tiny little robots) to watch.

SkyCrystal

Someone suggested an Amazon Sword... that would get way to big for a 5g.

Looks like you're pretty much taken care of from what I see. Welcome to Fishlore, and good luck with your Beta!

-SkyCrystal