Hello!
I rescaped my tank a few months ago, now it currently has 10 pygmy corydoras, 2 amano shrimp, blue dream neocaridina shrimp and snails. I want to have a centrepiece fish, and have always found bettas super fun and pretty. If i get a betta, im thinking i want a female one. I know every fish varies in personality, but i dont know if i want to risk all of my shrimp being eaten. There are a lot of plants in the background you can barely see at the moment that will grow in in a bit.
Should i
1. Get another centrepiece fish
2. Wait to get one until the plants are grown in a bit more so theres more cover
3. Get one now
(Also ignore the leaves on the large anubias, i just did a maintenance session and forgot to wipe off them)
https://i.redd.it/r1fv0uthuu5g1.jpeg
Posted by Over_Sherbet_4686
2 Comments
Well, if you do end up getting a betta, you’ve done it in the best order. Other fish and shrimp should always go in before a betta so they can figure out the hiding places etc first and get used to the tank. If your nitrogen cycle is working well, and you’re on a good water change routine for the current bio load then I would I’d say go for it!
If you can get some bigger floating plants like red rooters or frogbit or something for them to lounge near the top then this looks like a great set up for a betta to go into. The plants you already have will mature and provide more coverage for the shrimp but yes, you should at least be prepared that you may lose a couple and might need to restart your colony. What capacity is the tank? 😊
What size is the tank? Unfortunately it’s a risk no matter what. Of the four bettas I’ve had, half have been shrimp killers and one (the only female) is unable to have tankmates at all due to aggression. You *can* reduce the risk for your shrimp some by stuffing in way more plants but it’s not a guarantee: my female was in an overgrown jungle tank with tons of plants and hiding spots and she found all the shrimp regardless 🤷♀️