How to create a Betta-friendly environment

[reefwalker]

What about tankmates? Can I add anything else in a 5-gallon?

Not much space in a 5-gallon. Maybe a few shrimp or snails, but bettas can be territorial. Test their temperament first.

[Aquaboss]

Yeah, some bettas will straight-up murder shrimp. Others ignore 'em. It's a gamble. Snails are safer, but they poop a lot, so keep up with those water changes.

[brighton]

If you're gonna try tankmates, add them first, then the betta. Less chance of them claiming the whole tank as theirs. Still, watch for aggression.