what are some good plants for a five gallon tank?

Answer 1

Well, most plants will take over a tank that small, but you can use them and just cut off the extras when it overgrows the tank, but the problem with overgrowing plants is that it cuts the light, and puts the lower leaves and stems in shade, killing them. So you have to keep replanting the top part of the plant, rather than the bottom part. Also, if you have a plant that takes up half your tank, it means you really only have 2-2.5 gallons of water for fish.

So, you'd be better off using slow growing, or single-bulb plants that will grow well rather than HUGE.
banana plant - http://www.tropical-aquarium-plants.co.uk/images/bannana%20plant.jpg (the leaves will get bigger)
Anubias - http://www.aqua-passion.com/fiches_plantes/images/Anubias_glai.2004316185215.jpg (don't burry this plant, attach it to a piece of drift wood or rock with string)
Moss ball - http://www.tropical-aquarium-plants.co.uk/images/moss%20ball.jpg
Java fern - http://www.neptuneaquatics.com/images/Java%20Fern.jpg (again, attach to driftwood)
Java moss - http://www.aquamoss.net/Java-Moss/images/Java-Moss-01.jpg (on the right)
Pennt wort- http://www.introduced-species.co.uk/Images/floating%20pennywort.jpg - this stuff grows like a weed, but because it's just one long strand, it's easy to cut back.

You do need a fluorescent light, of course.

Answer 2

Fake plants. I got a bambo tree for my crab, a grass tree also that he likes... a pretty orange flower that my crawfish and crab climb into and my bottom feeder suck on. ANY fake plants I have a 5 gal and 29 gal, I suggest Fake in 5 gal and Real plants in 30 +

Good Luck!!! =)