What To Put With Betta Fish?

I have a cycled 5 gallon planted aquarium with a betta fish, I have had him in there for a while and I started to think about getting something to put in with him. I've read about ghost shrimp, corys, and some other companions, however I have found mixed opinions on if they work well, and how many. Do you guys have any past experiences with these, or any recommendations for companions? I know 5 gallons is small but I've seen ghost shrimp in one gallon tanks.

 

definetly not corys , they require 20 gallon minimum.

in a 5 gallon with Betta you could have 1 Nerite snail.

you could put a few shrimps but your Betta will most likely just end up killing them unless you have a lot of hiding spots for the shrimp.

 

Is the betta docile?

 

Hello!

You can keep ghost shrimps in there, but depending on how aggressive your betta is, they could turn into snacks. My friend had a Betta who could care less about shrimp and was very non-aggressive. When he died, she got a new one who constantly harasses her shrimp and they pretty much live in fear and hide all the time. It would be best to provide lots of cover for them where your Betta can't fit either through deco or plants like Java moss so they can hide and feed in peace.

You could also try snails like nerites (1) and mystery snails (1) without worry of reproduction, but still add interest to the the tank. But they do have quite the bioload, rather large for their size.

You can't really add any real fish tank mates or frogs as 5 gallon is small and you don't want to cramp. It's not enough space for corys either.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

Thanks for the help, I'll try a few ghost shrimp since they are so cheap, how many should I try?

 

I would start with a couple. See if he acts overly aggressive before getting too many.

 

Thanks for the help, I'll try a few ghost shrimp since they are so cheap, how many should I try?

You could have about 5 or so, but start out with about 2 or 3. You don't want to buy a bunch and have your Betta eat them, even if they are cheap. You can just watch his behavior and if he seems pretty chill with them, feel free to get the rest.

 

I would go with ember tetra or platys. They are easy to keep and are okay with bettas.

 

I would go with ember tetra or platys. They are easy to keep and are okay with bettas.

They may be fine with some bettas, but not in a five gallon. I agree with trying the shrimp and nerite snails.

 

I would go with ember tetra or platys. They are easy to keep and are okay with bettas.

Tank is much too small for either. Tetras need the school and platys do better in groups; plus you don't want breeding issue and keeping all males can get aggressive between themselves.

 

A few embers would be fine in a 5gallon. It's not ideal, but they will still have a great quality of life aslong as you keep on top of water changes.

 

I think that depends on the betta and size of the tank and how many hiding spots

 

A few embers would be fine in a 5gallon. It's not ideal, but they will still have a great quality of life aslong as you keep on top of water changes.

If it's not ideal and they aren't already owned, why do it? Embers would work in. 5 gallon as a species only tank, but with a betta it's to much. I always reccomend a 20 gallon log heavily planted/decorated for a betta community, in anything less there's not enough room IMO. As already reccomended, I'd go with some shrimp or snails.

 

IMO I would try out shrimp first, but not all bettas like shrimp mine ate them all after months of living with them.
But now his housed with 5 embers in a plant tank with lots of hiding places. Also have a snail.
They all all get along perfect I think it's all about the betta your housing them with.

 

Following, I'd like to know if anything can go with a betta in an 8 gallon too.

 

You could have a few Otocinclus (Otos, Dwarf Suckerfish). Few varieties available & keep your tank clean too.

 

Ottos need a 20 gallon minimum with s group of st least 5.

 

My Betta is very chill, and he lives with some ghost shrimp and trapdoor snails. Don't know if this is what's recommended but everyone gets along great. No fish-shrimp confrontations.

 

Ottos need a 20 gallon minimum with s group of st least 5.

Really? Thanks for that. Need to move mine!

 

I have had betta fish before and I know they don't like to be with fish with bigger fins as they feel intimidated and won't get along, but you could have Neon Tetras, Penguin tetras, or you could have Snails Aslong it's not bigger the fins arnt bigger then the betta.

 

Yep! For me it was a bit surprising because I at least, always thought of them as similar to plecos(before I came here). So when I found that out I was quite surprised!
The tetras mentioned above also need a 20.

 

The tetras need to be in school to prevent fin nipping so yeah much bigger tank will be needed

 

I have had betta fish before and I know they don't like to be with fish with bigger fins as they feel intimidated and won't get along, but you could have (edited) Penguin tetras,

Noo.
This is a five gallon tank, and penguin tetras reach 2.5 inches/8cm, and need a shoal. They are fast and active, and like water flow. It's essential to read the whole thread before you post, in case the tank size has been mentioned. You have great taste in tetras - Penguins are lovely in a decent sized tank - but never in a 5.
One Betta is full stocking.
The question with shrimp isn't so much Betta aggression as it is what happens when the shrimp molts, and goes for a couple of hours with a soft exoskeleton. It can be a fatal time if you have an alert Betta that notices the buffet has no armour. Shrimp will always be food to an intelligent Betta, and only their protective exoskeleton keeps them alive in there. They are too hard to crack open and eat, until they molt...