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In one 5 gallon tank I have my beloved "Arnold", a number of plastic foliage and thats about it.

I haven't got filtration or airation in the tank and Arnold appears to be just peachy with his environment. He has been quite happy for about 6 months to date.

I am a little concerned at the Algae level in the tank. I have done 2 100% water changes to the tank and even rinsed the substrate down to try and remove it, but unfortunately it keeps coming back.

Is there any chance that a common pleco would be fine with a Betta in a 5 gallon tank? In my experience, Pleco's are fairly docile when by themselves. Is there any type of Algae eating fish that would get along with Arnold?

A common pleco would not do well in there at all. It would get along just fine with the betta, but would outgrow that five gallon quickly. Common plecos reach over fifteen inches in length, so you'll have to look elsewhere for algae eating help.

However, Otocinclus catfish would work great in there. They only reach two inches, are very peaceful, and are great algae eaters. Five or six would be a good number for your tank, or maybe even more. The only problem with this fish is that they are very tough to acclimatize. They often die while getting used to a new tank. If you want to go with ottos, be prepared to do some extra work to keep them alive.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

But there's no filtration in the tank... ottos need filtration! For that tank, with no filtration, I'd say snails (apple?) or maybe algae eating shrimp? Do shrimp need filtration? o.O

I don't know a whole lot about snails or shrimp, but I do know they'd probably be a better choice than ottos, unless you intend to put filtration in that tank! Shrimp MAY be eaten by bettas, but he should be okay with a snail or two?

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

I would be willing to add a touch of filtration if it would help my cause. Are there any bottled remedies for algae that can be purchased as an alternative?

That's right, I forgot about filtration. Ottos need a filter, or they will be much more likely to die.

There are chemicals and tablets sold to eliminate algae, but I've never heard of one that works. Either way, getting rid of algae naturally is better for your tank than adding junk to your water.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

6 ottos? People get mad at me when I tell them I have 1 otto in my 5.5 gallon. "You need a bigger tank, 20 gallons would do it". I've heard that many times but he has been fine in there for over 8 months. People have also told me that ottos need to be in groups, or else they will get stressed out and die. Mine actually swims with the other fish, eats good, and has never gotten sick. I guess I've proved everybody wrong again. I could see putting 2 ottos in there, but I wouldn't risk 6. But without filteration...theres not much you can put in there, except snails.

Why not six? A betta, and six very small fish? I know that ottos produce a lot of waste, but these tiny little guys should be okay in a five gallon.

They should be kept in groups though, as they seem to be shoaling fish. That's one reason why I suggest so many.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

ok.. so somewhat against everyone's suggestions, I did a bit of upgrading. I changed over to a Marineland 5 gal unit which I just purchased with a wonderful biowheel filter etc. Arnold could not be more pleased!! I have also introduced a 1" common pleco to the mix and everyone has met, and is getting along great at this point! No fighting, and they have noticed each other for at least a couple hours at this point.

I realize that Mr. Pleco will grow in size, I already have a larger tank with a 4" or so pleco that started off about 1". I do have other tanks that I plan on moving this guy to if he gets too big. I will monitor their relationship, and see how it goes, but so far so good! I guess, like everyone in the Labrynth Lounge has stated, that every Betta is different!

how big is the other tank

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''All the clown fish and yellow tangs in the world cant save you now!''

As books said common plecs grow up to 15inches. At least a 75g is going to be needed for it later on.

Update on the Betta + Pleco scenario:

3 weeks and counting now for my unlikely duo. Everyone is happy at this point, and getting along quite well. The Pleco has made short work of the algae issue in the tank! I want to make sure no one worries about where this little pleco is headed. I have numerous options for him including the tank at my place of work that is over 150 Gal. that he can be relocated to as he gets to big.

He is just about 1" at this point, and has plenty of room to move around.

P.S. Fantastic car in your avatar PJ!

Ahhh, good thing that he'll get moved, I was about ready to get on my soapbox just know that plecos make LOTS of waste (as in, loooong poops), so keep up with water changes for sure.