I had one betta and one Otto in a 2.5 gallon tank. Otto was in there to clean up, then I planned to move him into a larger tank. I had my 5 gallon tank set up and running for 1 month+, waiting for me to get my fishless cycling act together and add some ammonia. Otto didn't seem to be real happy in the 2.5 gallon, and I think he overdid the bioload. My 5 gallon was growing large amounts of algae due to it's position in my window (I was testing the amount and speed of algae growth, as well as the consistency of temperature), so I decided to go ahead and put him in, and just do water changes often to regulate the water parameters. I did finally get a test kit for Christmas, and have been using it (but not as often as I should). I plan to go for a week or two testing as often as the kit says to, to see how stable Otto's tank really is. I'm mildly confused, because the first time I tested ammonia was 0, and it was time to do my regular water change. Anyway... I've never seen a happier, more active fish since giving Otto his own tank, and he's never so much as lost color.
My question is... Provided his tank is cycled (it had a running filter the whole time it was set up before I added him, but no source of ammonia, to my knowledge), would I be able to add one more fish without throwing things out of whack? I was considering a betta...
Another thing is, Otto was previously chased around some by the betta. The betta's tank is bare bottom with several large river stones scattered around, but no real hiding places. I think he really loves his new tank because there's nothing chasing him whenever he appears, and he has 5 plants and a filter to hide on/behind. Is it likely that another betta will chase him or stress him- even with the hiding places?
Sorry for the long post. The tank is so boring with just him in it, but he's so happy, I'd hate to destroy his little paradise.
My question is... Provided his tank is cycled (it had a running filter the whole time it was set up before I added him, but no source of ammonia, to my knowledge), would I be able to add one more fish without throwing things out of whack? I was considering a betta...
Another thing is, Otto was previously chased around some by the betta. The betta's tank is bare bottom with several large river stones scattered around, but no real hiding places. I think he really loves his new tank because there's nothing chasing him whenever he appears, and he has 5 plants and a filter to hide on/behind. Is it likely that another betta will chase him or stress him- even with the hiding places?
Sorry for the long post. The tank is so boring with just him in it, but he's so happy, I'd hate to destroy his little paradise.
