5 gallon question?

Question

I have a 5 gallon tank and I'm wondering what I should put in it b/c I know my choices are limited. I may just keep a variety of plants in it w/ a few snails or I fish. What do you think?

Answer 1

There are many, many options open to you actually. In addtion tot he wide variety of small tetras commonly available such as neons, glowlights, black neons there are rasbora hets, checkerboard barbs, oto catfish, pygmy corys and of course guppies and endlers livebearers. All of those will do fine in a small group in a 5 gallon tank and are readily available at most pet stores. I would caution to keep only males of the guppies or endlers to prevent unwanted babies in the tank.

In addition to those if you are interested in mail order fish, you can check into killifish and Apistogramma species. There are several small species of apistos that will do well as a pair in a 5 gallon and literally hundreds of species of killifish that will do well as a pair or trio on a 5 gallon. In fact, there are many that will do well in a slightly larger group of 5-6.

A 5 gallon tank need not contain one fish or only very common fish, it can be home to a wonder micro tank of beautiful fish. I currently have a 5 gallon tank that is home to 3 pygmy cory cats, 2 oto cats and 2 pair of gold Aphyosemion australe. A small clump of java moss and a string of microswords for plants and it's very nice looking if I do say so myself.

Have fun with your small tank!

MM

Answer 2

A 5 gallon tank would be perfect as a planted tank. You are guaranteed to get some snails with the plants, so don't go out of your way to buy snails. In a planted tank, good fish options are Bettas or Neon Tetras. In 5 gallons, you could have one Betta and 5 Neons. Putting multiple Bettas together will lead to fighting and eventually death. If you want something interesting, you could also buy some Ghost Shrimp (they are only about 40 cents). Email me at [e-mail] if you have any questions. Have fun with the new tank!

As the other smart fish owners have pointed out, if you do research, you have more options for your tank, you will save money, and your fish will be happier.

Nosoop4u

Answer 3

Smart person. 5 gallon tank is not very big and so many time do you see people wanting to put fish in that should never be put in a five gallon. you may be able to get away with a few neons or guppies but to be under stocked is better than over stocked. a few small fish willl be ok and will at least make the tank more lively but keep the mentality you have as to not adding much in the tank. the plants will help keep down the nitrates so what you have in ming is a very good idea.

Answer 4

A planted and very lightly stocked 5 gallon tank can be extremely rewarding! However a tank that small can easily be an exercise in frustration. If you haven't done the research about keeping a planted tank, I'd suggest you do before you spend any money. Why waste it, right? Remember that the water quality is usually superior in a properly planted tank compared to non planted tanks, or poorly planted tanks for that matter. One caveat of having a small tank like a 5 gal is that when water temps and parameters change, they do so quickly in such a small tank. As for stock, I'd lean towards a couple African dwarf frogs and an amano shrimp. Good luck.

Here is a link to some other good tips:
http://www.aquariumhobbyist.com/discus/mytank/tips.html

Answer 5

Bigger is always better, so go for the 5 gallon tank! The whole concept of them liking smaller spaces is a harmful myth. You'll also need a filter and a heater, since bettas like water temps at around 78-80 degrees. And it's important that you read up on fish tank cycling, since 100% water changes on a 5 gallon is a bit impractical, and all fish fare better in cycled tanks.

Answer 6

Dwarf Puffers are very interesting, intelligent and active fish. They learn to recognize their owner and will come to the glass to see what you're up to whenever you're in the room. They also will beg for food (they even learn what the container looks like) or follow your finger around the glass. If you put your hand in the tank, they will have to be right by it at all times. It's as if they have to know exactly what you're doing! You also have to be careful when siphoning water from the tank, because their curiosity will sometimes lead them a little too close to the siphon tube! I've sucked one up a time or two and had to rescue them from the bucket! These little guys have tons of personality and are by far one of the most fun fish to own :) Their relatively low pricing ($2.00-$5.00 U.S.) and the fact that they can be kept in smaller aquariums have definitely helped as well. Dwarf Puffers now account for the majority of new pufferfish. For your 5gal I would get two.

Answer 7

A 5 gallon tank would make a great planted tank with a couple of shrimp and fish. Small tetras, rasboras, guppies, and maybe even a pair of rams would make great fish choices. Ghost Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp, and Cherry Red Shrimp make great scavengers and maybe even algae eaters.

~ZTM

Answer 8

you're not that limited in getting fish for your 5 gallon tank

I personally have a 5 gallon that is planted and i have
a betta male
2 zebra danios
1 sunburst platy
1 balloon mollie in there

They are happy and my betta gets along with every single one of them



Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 9

You are correct that your choices are limited. I like your idea of a few plants and some snails. You could also add a couple of fish, perhaps 2-3 neon tetras, or 2 rummy nose tetras.

Answer 10

you could put a bunch of plants and a betta. :) have fun!