Bottom Feeders For Bettas

Question
Hello, I was wondering what type of bottom feeder would be ok to put in with my betta fish? I just want something small to clean up the bottom of the tank a litle better.  It's only a 2 gallon tank and we just upsized to that because the pet store sold him to us in a very small less than one gallon bowl. Our tank now does not have a filter, but does have an air pump for him.  Is this tank too small to put a small bottom feeder in?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Melanie,
Some of the top choices for betta tank bottom feeders are-
*Corydoras
*Ghost shrimp
*Mystery Snails

If you could find some of the dwarf cory species. This is what they look like-
http://www.animalnetwork.com/aquariumfish/thumb.aspx?width=0&mid=pygmycory.jpg

These are tiny enough for such a small tank and like most all cories, they are good scavengers.

Other cories probably wouldn't be very happy in a 2gallon tank. They enjoy having space to swim and to be in decent sized groups.

Ghost shrimp are perfect for small tanks. Usually most bettas will leave ghost shrimp alone but there are a few that might chase the ghost shrimp. The main requirements for ghost shrimp are a place to hide when they shed their exoskeleton.

Mystery snails are very good scavengers and can't be bothered by bettas. Most bettas will give a few curious pecks at first towards the snail but they should soon loose interest.

Whatever scavenger you decide on, keep in mind to tend to their needs and be sure not to expect them to live entirely on leftovers.

Actually with just one betta, there should be no problem of leftover food and bottom feeders aren't really needed but if you'd like a few more critters in addition to your betta, just be sure to keep up with twice weekly water changes... 30-50%.

I hope this helps!!
Karen~