Would this set up work?

**matthew.shelly** · 06-26-2010, 06:48 PM

I'm thinking about changing the residents in my 5.5 gallon. I want to put a betta in it and was wondering if a couple otos would be able to live in there with him. I know otos do better in groups (like a minimum of 3). I was thinking that since bettas are predominately top of the tank swimmers and otos stat more towards the bottom, it would allow them to be in the same tank without it feeling overstocked or crowded.
Let me know what you think.

**chrisfraser05** · 06-26-2010, 06:57 PM

I'm not sure wether the Betta would be ok with the otto, really depends on the Betta. They don't spend alot of time at the top though. Infact the spend most of it chilling at the bottom!

**little hawaii** · 06-26-2010, 06:59 PM

That would be fine , the ottos are peaceable fish and you are not over stocking either.

**EmmanuelJB** · 06-26-2010, 07:15 PM

You could probably have 3 ottos with the betta. Keep in mind that ottos are small and starve very easy, especially in small tanks, so you will probably have to end up adding veggies or growing additional algae to feed your ottos once the algae in the tank runs out.

Make sure you keep the water quality very good, and acclimate the ottos very well (do drip aclimation if possible), as ottos are VERY sensitive.

Also only add ottos to a very established and mature tank, so you may have to wait on the ottos until the tank has been set up and cycled for several months.

**Excellence** · 06-27-2010, 09:13 AM

Otos reach barely 5cm and don't just freely swin around. They're more settlers and occasional explorers; more so for a small tank like that.

Aren't bettas supposed to be very territorial? In a lareg tank, I've been told, they like to stay in one spot. So long as the otos get their blanched zuccini and the betta gets its food, shouldn't be a problem.