3 gal hex

[Monika]

maybe a trio of neon tetras?

[wendyjo]

If the betta is happy and healthy then I'd just leave him be.  5g is not "huge" for a betta.  Plants, some driftwood and/or rocks, and a cave of some sort and it will be a great home for him.

I would still suggest a nerite tho for algae control - one in a 5g would do a great job.

[Sandypup]

I'll have to see if I can even find a nerite. Not really willing to drive an hour away for a snail, but I need to go to a fish store that sells java moss anyway (because java moss is pretty much nonexistent around here).

I went to Wal*Mart and jotted prices down of some decor items, general care items, etc., and she said she'll give me some money to go and get things for her when she gets her tax return.

[*vegan*]

how about 3-4 pygmy cories

[Cholly]

If  you can find them, half banded loaches might work, they're kind of like half size kuhli loaches, more out going, and they're lower bioload than cories. I really like mine.

[Sandypup]

Hmm, not quite sure I could find those! Next time I go to a fish store I'll have to ask the owner if they carry them or could find them for me.

[Cholly]

The place I got them from called them Bicolor botias. They said they'd stay small, I've had them a year and none are over 2". Teeny little guys, cute as can be.

[Nic W]

If  you can find them, half banded loaches might work, they're kind of like half size kuhli loaches, more out going, and they're lower bioload than cories. I really like mine.

I know this is an old post, but, Cholly, when you say the half banded loaches/bicolor botia, do you mean Pangio semicinctus or Schistura savona ??  both go by those common names...