Gold Algae Eater & Betta in same tank?

Question

I have a very small, two gallon fish tank where I've been keeping Sprite, my Betta. However, over time a lot of algae has grown inside and my mother kept pressuring me to get an algae eater. I was afraid it would be too small, so when we went to Petco, the man suggested a "Gold Algae Eater" because "they grow according to the tank." Pleased with my little guy, I brought him home and named him Midas, and placed him in my tank with Sprite. But as I watched them, Sprite (being so much bigger) suddenly decided that Midas was a moving target and started to chase after him. Worried, I yanked him from the tank (since, according to Petco, Midas needs the running water) and Sprite has been in a bowl for a day. I was going to exchange Midas for another, bigger algae eater today and see if that stops Sprite from being a brute. What do you think? Has anyone else had this problem before?

Answer 1

I'm sorry to say that a 2 gallon bowl is going to have a hard time supporting a betta and anything more than 1 otto cat. You need to return him and find a decent shop that will sell you the proper fish this time. Any of the "gold Algae eaters" will very quickly out grow the tank. The guy at the "pet store" didn't give you correct info at all.

An addition, the most common Gold Algae eater is the Chinese Algae Eater which will get about 6-7" long and gets really mean as he grows. He would eventually kill your betta. On top of that, they stop eating algae as they get older.

MM

Answer 2

A bigger algae eater would solve your problem with the aggression.

But there are two problems. The first this that what you term "Golden Algae Eater" could be something call a Flying Fox or Chinese Flying Fox and they are effective algae eater only when they are young. And a larger Flying Fox would not only not be interested in the algae, they'll contribute too much ammonia to you little tank.

Try getting exchanging for a small Oto from the shop instead and since oto doesn't move as much or as quick as a Flying Fox it probably wouldn't attract the Betta's attention that much.

If you really want a "Golden Algae Eater" ask the shop of a "Siamese Algae Eater" or SAE. The look identical to the FF just slightly less bright but does a much better job with algae.

Answer 3

Golden Algae Eater

Answer 4

Wow, a two gallon tank can't handle much of a bio load. I understand wanting to add more fish to your tank, but anything over 1 betta in a 2 gallon is bound for trouble. As the other replies have mentioned, algae eaters are often mislabeled and you could wind up with a huge fish for the space you have. Either bug Mom for a 10 (hey, dream big and go for 20) gallon tank, or change water on a regular basis, scrub the tank sides weekly, and limit excess food and be happy with Sprite as you learn the tricks of fish keeping.

Answer 5

None.. in a 5 gallon tank you should maintain a betta and a pair ghost shrimp, yet you want a minimum of 10-15 gallons in the previous you even think of roughly housing yet another fish in there. a million.5 gallons is livable, yet no longer suited.. you probable could have spent with regard to a similar quantity of money on a 5gal setup, this is lots greater optimal.

Answer 6

go with an otto instead, but you have to keep your water very clean because they are sensitive. A gold snail would also work and are a little more hardy, but you have to keep up with your water changes because they produce a lot of watse. When you add a new fish, rearrange the tank, add the new fish, then add your betta. He will think he's somewhere new and be less likely to defend HIS territory from the new fish.

Answer 7

put the fish back together, but do it after dark...no light. The beta will get used to the other fish, and they are just being fish..that is what they do. Betas really only harm other male betas. Good luck