Algae-Eater with Aggressive Betta?

[JessicaK]

I have a wonderful betta that does not get along with our mystery snail.  Is there any kind of algae-eater that I could keep with him in a five-gallon aquarium?  Obviously, I don't want any other critter to get picked on by our betta.  I'm just wondering if there is something else that might work? TIA!

[anitstuk]

If there was a fish that would stay away from the Betta and still do its job, it would be some Kuhli Loaches.

[JessicaK]

Thank you!  

 

On 9/26/2022 at 12:33 AM, anitstuk said:

If there was a fish that would stay away from the Betta and still do its job, it would be some Kuhli Loaches.

Would I purchase just one Kuhli Loach?

[Scapexghost]

On 9/26/2022 at 1:05 AM, JessicaK said:

I have a wonderful betta that does not get along with our mystery snail.  Is there any kind of algae-eater that I could keep with him in a five-gallon aquarium?  Obviously, I don't want any other critter to get picked on by our betta.  I'm just wondering if there is something else that might work? TIA!

I would try one of the small snail species, like ramshorns or trumpets

[CJs Aquatics]

Perhaps what was said like a smaller snail or something however you could also possibly try introducing whatever you wanted in the tank such as the algae eater using a similar method to how bettas are bred and place him in in a clear glass of some kind so he is protected from the betta and the betta gets used to him before you remove the container, this will show you how the betta reacts to company. Another strategy might be to remove all inhabitants, change the tank around, then reintroduce them at the same time to make sure it’s not territorial 

[AnimalNerd98]

I second the suggestion of Malaysian trumpet snails because they are mostly nocturnal and will come out to eat leftovers and algae when the lights are out (and the betta is sleeping). 

[_Eric_]

Nerite snail is better fit for a betta.  I’ve done a couple of otos with a betta in a similar sized tank but some would say that is two few and a 5 gal is too small.  

[Colu]

On 9/26/2022 at 7:37 AM, JessicaK said:

Would I purchase just one Kuhli Loach?

Kuhli loach don't eat algae and like to be kept in groups ramshorn snails are good algae eater 

[Katherine]

Maybe a nerite? They stay quite a bit smaller than the mysteries, and there's much less flesh out of the shell for the betta to be interested in. Might seem more like a little moving rock.

[anitstuk]

On 9/26/2022 at 8:51 PM, Colu said:

Kuhli loach don't eat algae and like to be kept in groups ramshorn snails are good algae eater 

I thought that Kuhlis ate algae.😕

 

[Nyssa]

Joining the chorus on the nerites!

My betta likes to flare at the two that I have in my 5 gallon tank, and sometimes he'll get a bit huffy with them, but they're big enough that they're totally unfazed. They keep the tank spotless... until they lay eggs everywhere and add the spots back in. But they're really easy to remove so I think it's a fair trade off.

[dangerflower]

Another vote for nerites! They are great algae eaters and hard for bettas to mess with. There is some algae they don't touch though, like hair algae.

I've also had luck with extra large amano shrimp, but depending on how aggressive your betta is that might not work out.

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

On 9/26/2022 at 9:36 AM, Nyssa said:

They keep the tank spotless... until they lay eggs everywhere and add the spots back in. But they're really easy to remove so I think it's a fair trade off.

Yeah @nabokovfan87.

And they have cute shells!

[Colu]

On 9/26/2022 at 2:13 PM, anitstuk said:

I thought that Kuhlis ate algae.😕

 

That will only eat a tiny amount of algae that grows on the gravel snails would be a better option in a 5 gallon tank such as nerite snails or ramshorn snails 

[JessicaK]

Thank you all for your help!  From where could order a couple of nerite snails?  Aquarium Coop doesn't mail out snails, do they?

[Chick-In-Of-TheSea]

On 9/26/2022 at 2:08 PM, JessicaK said:

Thank you all for your help!  From where could order a couple of nerite snails?  Aquarium Coop doesn't mail out snails, do they?

Aquarium Co Op is partnered with Aqua Huna. Aqua Huna mails out snails.

[Nyssa]

I personally got my nerites from one of the big box stores, snails are pretty indestructible so I confidently get them from there.