Shrimp for the algae

[HeatherB]

So I was thinking of something other than a snail to add to my tank for the algae. Water parameters are good. I was thinking of adding some Ghost shrimp, I had some, but for different reasons they all died, and haven't been replaced yet. (one was eaten, a few more took a trip down the python...)

What would be better, mystery snail or ghost shimp?

It would either be 2 mystery snails or a handful of ghost shrimp

It is a divided Crowntail Tank, one crowntail betta on each side, gravel, driftwood, assorted plants....up and running for about 6 months.

[korith]

While shrimp and snails both make a great addition to the tank, neither will really make a huge dent in the amount of algae. Probably best to find an algae eater fish of some sort. Also depending on the temperament of the betta it may pick at the snail/shrimp and kill it.

[HorrorShowRot]

How large is the tank? If its tiny you will not be able to put a pleco in it.

[PUNISHER VETTE]

yeah. shrimp do eat algae but not enough to help i'm afraid.

[Wild Turkey]

While shrimp and snails both make a great addition to the tank, neither will really make a huge dent in the amount of algae. Probably best to find an algae eater fish of some sort. Also depending on the temperament of the betta it may pick at the snail/shrimp and kill it.

Agreed, well said.

Im not sure ghost shrimp will eat any algae at all. Other species will, but like mentioned not a considerable amount.

Please take a look at this short care article for mysteries, they are not a good "cleanup "crew" because they have some specific requirements.

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[Jaster]

I have a BN in with a Betta and they seem to get along pretty well. She does an awesome job keeping the tank clean.

[HeatherB]

Sorry! It is a 10 gallon, but divided so it is 5 gallons on each side. I am running two filters (one on each side).

I got two BN plecos, one for each side, (per stupid advice of Petco) and they did a great job of cleaning the tank, but both eventually died, they only lived about 2 weeks.

I made sure to feed algae wafers, after the lights had been off, and they were gone by morning, their tummys always looked good, but both within a week or so died. The got light colored spots on them, I thought it was ich, didn't treat them, but in hindsight it must not have been because neither of the bettas have ever had ich, got it or have it.

What would u guys suggest than? I entertain the idea of another pleco (perhaps I got a bad batch) but 5 gallons is really too small for them. Maybe corys?

[Wild Turkey]

If the tank is divided into 5 gallon sections I cant think of any cory species that would be very good, but a full ten is fine for pandas or any of the "dwarf cory" species which are even smaller

[HeatherB]

So how many should I get? I know they like groups of three or more. Do you think three for each side, so 6 total, along with the 2 bettas will be too much?

[Wild Turkey]

So how many should I get? I know they like groups of three or more. Do you think three for each side, so 6 total, along with the 2 bettas will be too much?

Well IMO

"if the tank is divided into 5 gallon sections I cant think of any cory species that would be very good"

For a full ten gallons, you can fit quite a few even with other fish as long as the are upper level swimmers. 6+ is recommended 3 is not a shoal IMO and generally 6 are much more active than 3.

I dont think its a good idea to put 6 dwarf corys in 5 gals of water with a betta, but it is your tank not mine.

[HeatherB]

Sorry! I missed the 'full 10' part...

What about Otos?

[Wild Turkey]

Sorry! I missed the 'full 10' part...

What about Otos?

Np ;)

Ottos will demolish some algae, but get even bigger than the dwarf corys.

Honestly in 5 gallons the easiet way to get a clean up crew is unleash your preferred species of pest snail into the tank imo. You just have to make sure you dont overfeed your fish or you will end up with more than you bargained for.

some common ones are

Pond Snails
Ramshorn snail
Malaysian trumpet snail

I prefer the MTS, since they make a good sifter and are hidden most of the time.