Making my 5G betta tank inviting for some new ghost shrimp

Hey, so I was recently looking into adding 2-3 new ghost shrimp to my 5G male betta tank, but I was wondering what would be necessary to make this work. I already have some java moss, but what would I need to get for the shrimp to eat, and how do I help them coexist comfortable? Any help would be wonderful. Thanks!

 

It all depends on the betta's attitude. Some bettas will kill anything it sees. On the other and some will be very peaceful.

As for feeding, you could drop in a shrimp pellet or algae wafer when you are feeding your betta. You can supplement there diet with fresh veggies and bloodworms.

 

I put 5 ghost shrimp in my 10G planted betta tank a little over a week ago to combat my major algae problem. My betta pays them no attention whatsoever. The shrimp have plenty of room to roam and graze, they have low, thick plant cover, and two flower pots to retreat into if need be. I would make sure your shrimp have hiding places, lots of plants to climb through and disappear into, and a backup plan in case your betta does attack. Also, I've read reports that some ghost shrimp actually go after the betta - I Haven't seen this behavior in my shrimp, but keep an eye out!

I feed them a 1/2 an algae wafer once a week (because it has proteins in it) but otherwise mine strictly have the algae in the tank to eat.

 

uprightandlocked: Unfortunately ghosts don't eat algae Amano shrimp are the only variety that do. I also was hoping the ghosts I got would make a dent in the algae in my tank...

xaethyx: In addition to the betta eating the ghosts, I would also be worried about the ghosts nipping at the betta's fins. Mine likes to sleep on the gravel, and ghosts can actually be pretty aggressive (I put a small snail in my shrimp tank and the shrimp ate it). I've thought about moving my ghosts in with my betta, but I don't think I want to risk it.

 

Thanks, guys! I'll keep my old 3G tank on hand just in case any problems arise. I've been trying to get more low-lying plants for the shrimp to hide in, so hopefully that will keep things as peaceful as possible. I don't know how my betta will react; he's been the only inhabitant. Hopefully it works, though. They look like they could liven up the tank a little.

 

My ghost shrimp do eat the algae throughout my tank - I have seen a difference and seen them physically eating it. I've read a lot of on the web about them eating algae, it does state they are not as voracious about it as Amano shrimp, but they do eat it.