Can You Put Algae Eaters with Bettas?

Putting live plants in your tank is a great idea when it comes to making your tank look elegant and lively.

However, it also comes with disadvantages.

The more plants you keep, the more algae grows.

To tackle this problem, an algae-eating species is kept to help clean the tank, as algae would be its primary source of food.

“Can you put Algae Eaters with Bettas?” you ask.

Fortunately for you, there are several species of algae-consuming fish to choose from.

In this article, we will look into the potential companions that can be paired with your Bettas fish.

So, let’s jump right into the ideal partner for your betta and algae-ridden environment.

Understanding Algae Eaters

Algae Eaters are the most referred to when we’re talking about bottom-dwelling pets that consume algae and act like a water filter for the tank.

There are several types of Algae Eaters, but the main species are helpful to the tank environment by cleaning it up and eating algae growth.

Some common types are the Siamese algae consumer as well as its Chinese counterpart.

Cyprinids and shrimp also come under this category.

They all prefer a tank that big, about 5 gallons.

However, Siamese algae cannot thrive if the water is not huge and has about 20 gallons in the tank.

Depending on which species you take, the temperature levels can range from 72 to 80°F, with a water alkalinity level of 6.

5 to 7.

5.

Algae eaters are all herbivores creatures, so keeping vegetation inside the tank can serve as decor and food, so be sure to replace eaten ones.

Understanding Bettas

The Betta Fish are brightly-hued fish and diminutive creatures that can be found in Southeast Asian freshwaters.

They get their name ‘Siamese fighting fish’ as they originally were sparring fishes in rice paddies in the then Siam (now Thailand).

Standing out due to their ornate fin structure and vibrant appearance, they are also known to fall into conflict situations.

Males are more aggressive than females, known for their fin nipping and gill flaring.

If these situations are kept away, they can live up to 3 years and thrive.

A well-balanced mixed diet with meat and vegetables is excellent for Bettas.

They also require a tank with 2 gallons of 75-86°F temperature water and a filtration system to keep the water pure, and an alkalinity range of 6.

8-7.

4.

They also cannot be stored in overcrowded spaces without vegetation environments.

It is crucial to understand that it is hard to cohabitate another species with a male Betta.

Can Algae Eaters Live with Bettas

Algae Eaters and Bettas have always been a likely pair, but it depends on which species you choose to raise.

When it comes to temperature compatibility, all Algae Eaters and Bettas can agree to the same conditions.

This allows them to be good tank mates whose requirements will not hinder either species’ growth.

Tank size, as well as vegetation, is always a common factor that plays a massive role in determining whether two species can survive with each other.

Knowing how Bettas tend to be aggressive, they can potentially see Algae Eaters as food and hunt them down.

However, if the tank is big enough and there are ample hiding spaces for the Algae Eaters, everything will be fine.

Since Algae Eaters dwell at the bottom of the tank, and Bettas swim in the top levels, this can lead to a harmonious balance of community.

There is ample swimming area, so this will successfully capture the companionship and pleasant personalities of both species.

Aquarists who have tried to put the Algae Eaters and Bettas in the same space have been successful in doing so.

They have researched and studied the two individual species and observed them well enough while introducing them to each other.

They’ve concluded that Nerite Snails, Amano Shrimp, as well as Siamese algae consumers, are the best options for Betta tank mates.

So, before you go ahead with your plan, be sure to prioritize these two species’ health and make sure neither of them has to compensate for their health.

To do this, you should carefully examine their behavior and make backup plans if it does not work well.

Compatibility Considerations

When choosing an Algae Eater, it’s always good to lay out your options and research which would be a good choice.

Algae-consuming species, such as Siamese species that consume algae better known as Plecostomus, are not considered great companions for Bettas because they provoke them.

Betta fish’s aggression is triggered by their feeding behaviors and even their simple existence.

Since Bettas are pretty territorial creatures, they have the tendency to attack other species when they come into their space.

This is because Bettas sees them as threats and will lead to damaging conflict.

However, there are many reasons why you should consider cohabiting them.

Some benefit that will make the pairing efficient is the Algae Eaters’ ability to control the algae in the tank and help with excessively growing gunk.

Furthermore, they add to the aesthetic quality of the tank while also purifying the water without the need for a filter.

Additionally, the diversity of the tank will be enhanced, contributing to it’s visual appeal.

To make them more compatible with each other, you must guarantee the tank size is correct for both species to fit and reduce territorial issues.

To further protect both species, no male fish should be kept in the tank to promote a harmonious environment.

Considering all these, Bettas and Algae Eaters can only cohabitate if you closely observe their behavior and monitor their relationship.

Conclusion

Keeping algae away from your Betta tank is a priority enough to get an Algae Eater for a companion.

Having this duo will not exactly make the algae disappear, but it can definitely have an impact on its reduction.

You have a vast option of algae lovers from shrimps, snails, and many other bottom-dwelling species.

By introducing a range of Algae Eaters, you will significantly reduce the tank’s algae growth as well as give your Betta a friend to share its space with.

However, this does not mean you can completely neglect the tank and its cleanliness; you must still ensure weekly cleaning and filter regulations.