Loaches with Bettas

[QueenDustBunny]

You are absolutely right, Martin. That tank is way too small for any loach. I decided to make it just a Betta tank for my little guy, it's what he wants in his room. I honestly didn't want too big of a tank in his room for all practical purposes (he's 4). After reading the other posts and articles, I realized that this was not going to work at all. I may force an otocinclus in there to clear out algae but that'll be it. Thanks for the tip about the plastic plants, I was going to put in real ones because I think they're better for the fish environment. I had no idea that spawning them would shorten their life span.

One more question - does the size gravel matter? I like the sand in the other tank, but in this one I'll let him pick the color gravel I'm sure the decorations will be a far cry from the ones I would pick but we'll see.

[AneesasMuse]

With Bettas, the size of the gravel isn't a big deal... it's more the smoothness. I use glass blobs, marbles and river stones in my tanks... or the smooth pebbles.
I have been considering sand in a couple of my tanks, especially those with 'barbelled' kids