Betta Fish not staying in house now that ghost shrimp are added

Hello,

I have a 5 gallon tank filtered and heated for 1 crowntail betta. I also have a little barrel decoration hollow on the inside where he usually will go in to sleep. Recently Ive added 5 ghost shrimp to help out with food debris and my betta has been very chill with them not attacking or disturbing them. The only change in behavior I noticed is that he won't go in the barrel on the floor of the aquarium anymore to sleep. He will hang out near the top of the aquarium or on his betta leaf. My question is will he not go in there anymore because of the shrimp on the floor? I feel bad cause he seemed to like hiding in the barrel but now he doesn't do it anymore.

 

Similar to what's happening to mine. I have a 20 gallon long with one betta in it and a piece of wood on the left half of the tank that provides a shallow area closer to the surface but also has room underneath to take cover from the light. I added 4 Amano shrimp last weekend and since then he has been hanging out more in the middle of the tank or over on the right side.

My theory is that the shrimp are taking cover from the betta while they familiarize with their new surroundings possibly exploring at night under the cover of dark. Seeing as how there were intentional hides in the tank for the betta it would stand to reason the shrimp may take advantage of them as well. Perhaps that particular spot seems a bit too crowded for the bettas liking now.

 

My betta in 5.5 has three ghost shrimp they get along great have couple neon tetras also.

 

My betta in 5.5 has three ghost shrimp they get along great have couple neon tetras also.

Yeah I have a 5 gallon with 1 betta and 3 Amano shrimp and 2 nerites and everyones happy. But there's still an adjustment period for everyone with new tankmates. They're probably getting along just fine but still getting used to each other and getting comfortable enough to explore. Might even just be sulking having to share his room now.

 

Lol yea they are more sulky then mean. They like sad puppy..