View Full Version : Good invert(s) for a 20gal. Betta tank.
theFinn
04-15-2008, 3:38 PM
I have a 20 gallon tank that current houses some live plants and a nice little male Betta. This is my 4 year old son's tank and he's a big fan of the little snails and shrimp that he's seen at the fish store. He wanted to get a snail when we got the Betta but I wasn't sure what would go well with the Betta and plants.
I'd like something that would not only look good but would provide some 'clean up' duty and help pick up the uneaten food and whatnot that ends up lying around.
So, what would be a good invert addition to this tank?
crazycanuck
04-15-2008, 5:00 PM
mystery snails,cheap and redily availible.. cherry or ghost shrimp,also readily available :)
Just make sure there are lots of hiding places and cover because some Bettas enjoy eating inverts. My older boy doesn't even like snails.
msjinkzd
04-15-2008, 6:21 PM
Bettas can be hit or miss with inverts. They often will try to eat baby shrimp but with enough cover this is not a huge issue, especially in a 20g tank. They are good scavengers and quite fun to watch. Snails can be iffy as well with bettas as the bettas can often take a liking ot nipping their antennae. Again, it depends on the personality of the betta and I think in a 20g planted tank its most likely it would be fine. I would recommend a pomacea bridgesii ("mystery" snail or apple snail). They are not efficient algae eaters and do need a specific diet of calcium rich foods in order to remain healthy (veggies are easy).
irishspy
04-15-2008, 7:27 PM
My betta shares his tank with a pond snail (came in as a hitchhiker on some plants) and doesn't seem to bother him. I've wanted to try some ghost shrimp or pygmy cories, but you never know what will bring out his tiny inner predator. :eek:
Mgamer20o0
04-15-2008, 11:18 PM
be ready to move them or split the tank up.
thebullit
04-16-2008, 6:12 AM
bettas can be nippy towards snails, but that just depends on temprement. my betta hasnt ever tried to nipp and snails i have, but he is realy chilled out.
shrimp and snails would work good and very fasinating to watch. just make sure theres plenty of cover for the shrimps.