While algae have no side effects and do no harm to your betta fish, some betta owners prefer a clean tank, and the growth of too many algae is not a pleasant sight. Thus, there comes a need to add an algae eater with betta fish in the tank.
If we talk about compatibility, then algae eaters and betta fish can be good tank mates. There are certain groups of aquatic animals that can be a perfect fit for your betta tank. This includes snails, shrimps, and other bottom-dwelling fishes. As long as the water parameters and the tank size are optimum, there should be no problem.
What is Algae?
Before discussing the addition of an algae eater with betta fish, first, let us understand what algae are and how it affects your tank. Algae are nothing but small aquatic plants that grow in your tank if they are rich in nitrates and light.
There are no side effects as such of algae growth in your tank. But over time, they might start growing on the viewing glass, which may cause certain issues. Thus, too many algae are not helpful. Therefore, sometimes algae eaters are added with the bettas to remove such excess algae growth.
Best Algae Eater With Betta Fish
There are various kinds of algae eaters available for your betta tank. Animals like snails, shrimps, and other bottom-dwelling fishes can prove to be the best ones for the job. They require similar living conditions as that of the betta fish, are effective algae eaters, and get the job done.
Saying that shrimps and snails are excellent algae eaters for your betta tank is too vague a statement. There are only certain kinds of snails and shrimps suitable to be a tank mate of your betta fish. Thus, adding the right kind of algae eater with betta fish is of utmost importance.
Let us start with our list of best algae eaters for your betta tank.
Snails
If you have a tank that is less than 10 gallons, then a snail is the way to go. Snails are excellent algae eaters and will get along well with your betta. Snails can be great algae eaters with a betta in a 5-gallon tank. They are slow-moving creatures and can prove to be a peaceful tank mate for your betta fish.
These snails will be a good fit for your betta tank.
Nerite Snails
- They can grow upto 2.5 cms in length
- Amazing algae eaters
- Make sure to cover your tank as they can easily come out
- Water temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 7 and 8.5
Ramshorn Snails
- They can grow upto 2 cms in length
- Life span is about 1 year
- Good algae eaters
- Usually refrains from feeding on live plants
- Add them in groups of 3 to 5
- They can reproduce quickly
- Water temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 7.5
Malaysian Trumpet Snails
- They can grow upto 2 cms in length
- Good algae eaters
- Rarely feeds on live plants
- Looks attractive and comes in different colours
- Breeds quickly
- Water temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 8
Rabbit Snails
- They can grow upto 12 cms in length
- Effective algae eaters
- Breeds slowly as compared to other snails
- Slow growing
- Water temperature should be between 68 and 86 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 7.3 and 8.5
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Shrimps
Similar to snails, shrimps do not require large tanks. Thus, shrimps can be good algae eaters for your betta tank if you have a small tank. They also get along well with your betta fish. These shrimps will be a good fit for your betta tank.
Cherry Shrimp
- They can grow upto 5 cms in length
- Life span ranges from 1 to 2 years
- Good algae eaters
- Sheds its exoskeleton from time to time which it eats afterwards
- Keep upto 5 per gallon of water
- Water temperature should be between 57 and 84 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 8
Ghost Shrimp
- They can grow upto 4 cms in length
- They can live upto 1 year
- Fine algae eaters especially hair algae
- Add it in groups of 3 to 4
- Water temperature should be between 72 and 82 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 8
Amano Shrimp
- Then can grow upto 5 cms in length
- They can live for 2 to 3 years
- Good algae eaters
- Perfer hiding places
- Water temperature should be between 68 and 86 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 7.5
Bottom-Dwelling Fishes
If your tank is more than 10 gallons, then it is recommended that you get some bottom-dwelling fishes that eat the algae and keep their distance from your betta fish. These fish might be a good fit for your betta tank.
Whiptail Catfish
- They can grow upto 10 cms in length
- Life span of about 15 years
- Good algae eaters
- Add them in pairs
- Add them if your tank is more than 20 gallons
- Vulnerable to attacking fishes
- Water temperature should be between 75 and 81 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6 and 8
Corydoras Catfish
- They can grow upto 6 cms in length
- They can live for 5 years
- They should be added in groups of 4 to 6
- Great algae eaters
- Boney exterior and hardy fish
- Water temperature should be between 70 and 78 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 7 and 7.8
Bristlenose Plecos
- They can grow upto 12 cms in length
- They can live for about 5 years
- Great algae eaters
- Peaceful bottom dwellers
- Water temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 7.5
Siamese Algae Eater
- They can grow upyo 15 cms in length
- Life span of about 10 years
- Requires a big tank (atleast 35 gallons)
- Great algae eaters
- Keep them in groups of 5
- Water temperature should be between 75 and 79 degrees F
- Water pH level should be ranging between 6.5 and 7
FAQs Related to Algae Eater With Betta
What bottom feeder can live with a betta fish?
Bottom feeders like whiptail catfish, bristlenose plecos, and corydoras catfish are great algae eaters for you to keep with your betta fish. Just keep in mind that you must have a big tank of at least 25 gallons to keep these fish.
Can algae kill a betta fish?
NO. Algae cannot kill a betta fish. It does not even harm the betta fish. Removing algae from your tank is nothing more than an aesthetic exercise.
How to prevent algae growth in the tank?
If you want to prevent algae growth in your tank, you should turn off your tank lights for a considerable amount of time during the day or add an algae eater with betta fish.
Can algae eaters eat betta’s food?
NO. The diet of an algae eater is majorly herbivores, and that of a betta fish is carnivores. Therefore, an algae eater cannot eat your betta fish’s food.
Can Chinese algae eaters live with bettas?
A Chinses algae eater like the Siamese Algae eater can live with your betta fish if your tank is large enough. As long as they are kept in groups of at least 5 and all the water conditions are right, these algae eaters can live peacefully with your betta fish.
Will betta fish attack algae eaters?
MAYBE. There is only a slight chance that your betta fish will attack the algae eaters, but it is possible. It all depends upon the temperament of your betta fish. But as long as you provide both of them with sufficient space, the chances of an attack are quite low.
Final Thoughts On Algae Eater With Betta
There is absolutely no problem in adding an algae eater with betta fish in your tank. As long as the water parameters like temperature and pH are right, algae eaters can be good tank mates with your betta fish and help remove excess algae from the tank.
