Gravel Troubles

[kpop2010]

Hello! My name is Kelly and I'm a beginner when it comes to tanks.

I'm so happy to find a good aquarium community...hopefully ya'll can help me!

I rescued my current betta about a year ago, and he's been going on strong. Unfortunately for me, he is one stuck up fish. After his food sinks to the bottom, he will not even consider eating it. I took the gravel out of his 10g tank to make it easier for me to clean, but he really doesn't like the slick bottom. (Plus it makes it easier for my cat to pick on him)

At his request, I put the gravel back in. Yesterday I went to the pet store to find some tank mates, and it was recommended I pick up some emerald green catfish to eat his leftovers. I thought they were gorgeous, so I took 3 home, without researching! Whoops.

Online I read that emerald green catfish like to burrow, which is impossible with the large, rough gravel in the tank now. Would they be better off with sand? Black tahitian moon sand is what I've been considering.

Thanks for any help!

 

[buddha_red]

burrowers need sand to do their thing in. I've used the Tahitian moon sand and really enjoyed the look. What size tank do you have?

 

[kpop2010]

It's only a 10 gallon.

 

[buddha_red]

the sand will work just fine, one bag should be plenty. make sure to rinse really well before you add it to the tank.

 

[kpop2010]

Thank you so much!

 

[buddha_red]

your very welcome, now make sure you share some pictures once you get done!

 

[Bender]

Bettas seem to me at least, to have so much character! love em. fun to have.

 

[An t-iasg]

Bettas are a surface-eating fish. Your betta isn't being stuck up Mouth shape determines whether the fish eats at the surface, in the mid-levels, or at the bottom. It's difficult for bettas to eat food as it falls due to their mouth shape. My bettas love peas, and they do try to go after the pea if it sinks, but ususally they give up because they can't catch food in the mid-layers or the bottom very well.

Here's a link (read under "Head") that explains the differences in fishes' mouth shapes:

Fish Anatomy

 

[Hairy_Harold]

Just buy floating pellets or flakes then you could net out the left over food out.