Looking for a good bottom feeder

[Xochi16]

Hello all! New to this forum. I am in need of some advice. I currently have a 10 gal tank, I've had it for almost a year. With filter, air pump etc. The only residents I currently have are a male Betta (Sobek) and two Ivory Apple Snails (Akuk and Hermes). I was wanting to add a fish or two to my aquarium, to help with the betta's scraps of food and a little algae. I like to feed him a variety of food including freeze dried and occasionally some live food (which he really enjoys ^_^ )

I have heard perhaps pygmy cories? or Corydoras catfish? Any other ideas? Thank you! =)

[rich311k]

The pygmy corys would work but they wont eat alage. You snails should take care of any left over food etc. I dont know the bio load of snails but assuming it is low, 3 little corys should do well.

[OscarFan]

Coryadoras catfishare a family and pygmy corys are a species of coryadorasthumbs2: I would go with 6 of a species of cories the smaller ones are better for that size of tank.

[smaug]

Get the smaller cory,either pygmy or hasbosus.There is a good thread about the hasbros at this very moment,it has some very nice pics of them and some good info.You could easily get 10 of them.

[gm72]

Agreed with corys, particularly the pygmy variety.

Love the name of the betta, Sobek the crocodile god. I used to have a green iguana of the same name.

[Xochi16]

Thanks for all of the quick replies! Could the Corydoras Habrosus possibly be called a "salt and pepper" catfish? I was at the pet store today restocking on some food and saw the little guys swimming around for 2$ each. So 10 of those or 6 pygmys? And yes, Sobek stays true to his name lol He's a fiesty little fish. Thanks again!

[toddnbecka]

Hasbrosus are usually called dwarf or pygmy cory's, "salt and pepper" are more likely a larger (growing) species. One thing to consider, dwarf cory's are all wild-caught. This means they're less adaptable/tolerant of different water conditions than tank-raised fish. If your water is suitable for them, you're good to go. If not, I'd recommend some Hara hara or a similar species for a 10 gallon tank. Another possible choice would be a bumblebee catfish. They only grow to 3".