Otocinclus catfish with betta?

Question

i've read that an oto can be put with a betta even in a 2 gallon tank. i think that might be pushing it, even with the small size of them... thats past the 1 inch of fish per gallon rule... what do you think?

Answer 1

I wouldn't put the catfish in a 2 gallon tank if it contains other fish, only because of the size limit. They do great with beta fish plus help maintain a clean tank as betas are top feeders and catfish are bottom.  I once had a two gallon tank and was able to keep a beta and two tetras but I wouldn't push it any further than that, even that was a crowd.

Answer 2

....the Octocinclus 'arnoldi' grows to 1.75", and is an excellent option for smaller tanks (grooming the bottom very well)

....the 1-inch rule is very relative to tank maintenance, as well, as filtration processes, and whether live plants are present

....a well established bacteria in filtration of (~3 times per hour) of tank volume, is bolstered by live plants which also absorb ammonia and nitrates

....live plants also release CO2 which nourishes the bacteria

....the symbiosis of any tank is important in deciding 'how many fish' the tank could sustain in good health

Answer 3

The inch of fish per gallon 'rule' is total c**p.  According to it, you could keep a single Oto in  2 gallon tank without a problem, but it fails to consider that Otos are very sensitive to fluctuations, and such a small tank will not be able to hold a stable temperature.  As the room temperature changes with the day-night cycle, the fish will be constantly stressed.  If you want an Oto, get a 10 gallon tank, put the Betta in there with a school of 5-6 Tetras and 3-5 Otos.