Water lilies and fish

Question
QUESTION: Hey! (^__^)
I've been keeping fish for like 4 years and I'm only 14 now...
I haven't kept any fish for months and since it's christmas vacation I want to restart again and do something new... I have a 5 gallon tank an air stone and air pump and lots of pebbles and marbles... I was wondering what to put in it with water lilies to add decoration and would it help clean the water? I want to make
a wonderful habitat (without buying too much) for the fish I was wondering if a betta is good but i don't think i want just one fish... can i add a ghost shrimp or two? what can it do? any precautions? I am so confused bec. there's alot of choices... I can buy pregnant mollies or something like that but can i raise them there? I am totally confused.

ANSWER: Laura,

 The first thing to do is figure out what type of fish you want. Once you do that then do as much research as you can about the fish you want to raise. A five gallon tank can hold 2 fish at the most. Plants do really clean the water but they do add oxygen. If you want a tropical tank don't forget a heater. After you have figured everything out and have any more questions just ask.

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QUESTION: Ok, I figured I want a betta but how many ghost shrimps can i put in it? actually, what can ghost shrimp do and what do they eat... i've been planning to add two lilies, but can i place an air stone connected to an air pump for a nice water effect? or an air pump is not necessary at all. would the plants and fish get affected by the current? and I live in the philippines and a heater is not necessary. :) tnx for answering the first one.

ANSWER: Laura,

   Putting ghost shrimp with a Betta might not be a good idea. As with all fish it depends on the fish. Some Betta's will do well with the shrimp where others will kill it and start nibbling on it. It is a give and take with Betta's. You can try putting the shrimp in first and then the Betta. Just make sure you watch him and if there are any problems remove the shrimp. Betta's do a lot better when they are left alone in their tank. Not sure what you mean by what do ghost shrimp do. As far as what do they eat, they are scavenger and will eat left over food and fish waste. If you put him with a Betta you will want to feed him algae wafers as well. Since it is a Betta a filter and air stone is not needed. Betta's do not like the filter currents. Even though you live in the Philippines, you will still want a heater. The water will need to be a constant 82 degrees. If the temp of the water goes up and down all the time it will not be good for the fish. Even though the heater is on all the time it won't kick on unless the water temp drops below 82 degrees.

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QUESTION: Thank you!
Well now i just bought a brilliant blue crown tail betta three days ago (hehe..i named him Violet) so i tried to buy the most healthy and active one then when i got home i didn't notice before but i definitely see there's something wrong with his mouth bec. it's kindda swollen like fungus but it's just the same color as his mouth is it doesn't have whitish stuff... i don't have medications much and i read in some articles that salt might help (???) salt? i don't get it. he wont eat the pellets i give him today but he looks more aggressive he keeps opening his gills and he's making a bubble nest... what do i do about his mouth?"

Answer
Laura,

Congratulations on your new Betta. Some Betta's have a large mouth. He might not be eating because he is in a new home. Continue to offer him food removing what he doesn't eat in 5 minutes. Make sure he has a heater. Betta's will not eat or swim if their water is too cold. Make sure it is set at 82 degrees. Some people say to put salt in their tank, I am one that does not agree. I use salt to treat my Betta's when they are ill or injured. There is whats called a salt water bath but I don't think you need to do that yet. He is just likely getting to know his new home and he should start eating soon. Betta's can go up to two weeks without eating. If after another day or two he is still not eating let me know. His making the bubble nest is a good sign that he is happy. Good luck on your new fish.