5 gallon tank - African Dwarf Frog, Betta, and... ?

Question

I will be getting a 5 gallon tank as soon as I can decide what I want to put in it. At this time, I have a 2 gallon with a betta that has all the bells and whistles (heater, filter... etc). He is happy there, but I want him to have a bit more space. I want to give him more than his plants and rock to hide in. Anyway, therefore, I'd like to move him to a five gallon and give him at least 2 "buddies" (non betta buddies of course). Buddy number one will definitely be an African Dwarf Frog, but first, I have a few questions about them. First of all, I read that some water creatures get sick when exposed to fish medicine. Do frogs? And, if the frog gets sick, would my fishy tollerate frog medicine? I also read that the frogs cannot have gravel nor marbles. What pretty (hopefully green, pink, or black) bottom tank covering can I put in that would suit the betta and the frog? My next question is how do frogs react to aquarium salt? I am so scared of my fish getting... (to be continued)

(continued) ... sick, so I use it as a preventative tonic along with Aquarisol preventative fish medicine.

My next set of questions has to do with the third and final member of the 5 gallon trio. I don't want more than one frog and of course I can't get another betta, so I was wondering if someone could give me some recommendations. I looked at cory cats, but I don't want a fish that attaches itself to the glass. I also looked at Glass Shrimp, which seems like a possibility. If I went with glass shrimp, would they be lonely alone? Would I have to get two of them? Are they difficult to find and if so, how would I be able to clean the tank with them there? Also, would they be affected by frog or fish medicine?

I also looked at Mystery Snails, but I like to keep my fish tank at 80 degrees and I read that the snails prefer lower temperatures to thrive.

I researched tetras and decided I'd like to use my other tank for a small school of them, so I'd like something... (to be continued)

... that does not require a school or at least no more than two of them and would not make the ammonia level of my tank skyrocket.

Lastly, I was thinking of getting a 5 gallon because I was not able to find a tank that came in teal/turquoise that was larger than 5 gallons. If you would happen to know of one, would you post a link?

Thanks in advance for any answers!!!

Answer 1

You'd do better to worry more about the wastes your frog contibutes than the betta. Frogs can be messy (but they are cute!).

The main reason not to use gravel with frogs is that they sometimes swallow it by mistake in their excitement to get food. This can cause a blockage int heir intestines, which if they can't pass will kill them. You could use larger gravel or sand (and this comes in different colors) made for aquarium use which they would be able to pass more easily, or not fit into their mouths. I personally would use sand, since food may build up if it falls between gaps in larger stones.

There isn't any "frog" medication per se, but most medicines that can be used with fish are safe with them. The only exceptions I'd make are for copper-based medication and formalin. If you just need to use antibiotics or such, I've used the Jungle line of fish products with them without any harm. The main ingredient in the Jungle products is salt, and dwarf frogs can tolerate the amount used in most aquaria (I've had them up to around a tablespoon a gallon, but 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons is better).

As far as buddies, you might try a nerite snail - these can take warmer temperatures like bettas prefer, but they need to have salt in their water (brackish) to reproduce. Bettas often nip at snails antennae, though. You might also try a larger shrimp like the wood shrimp: http://www.freshwaterinverts.com/5011.html a platy, or an otocinclus catfish. Corydoras catfish and kuhlii loaches are also interesting and would like the sand substrate, but these should be kept in groups of at least three. Most smaller tropicals (barbs, tetras, rasboras, danios, white clouds) are schooling, and should be kept in a group of 5+, so this would be too many for your tank.

Answer 2

Frogs are very sensitive to water quality so it might be better to not put them in with your betta. They would get sick if you have to add medicine for your betta. I have two african dwarfs in a 5 gallon and they do just fine. They can have gravel, I just would be careful not to use something small enough to swallow. Since frogs only eat every other day and bettas eat every day it can be a little difficult to keep them together. If your betta is happy in his 2 gallon then it might be better to just leave him in there.

By the way, the previous answer is wrong. Male bettas only attack other bettas. They can live with any other peaceful fish that does not have long fins.

Answer 3

My african dwarf frog has live with pink gravel for 5+ years. I wouldn't put aquarium salt in with your frog or betta. A ghost shrimp might be an ideal companinon?

Answer 4

Is it male or female Betta? If it's a male Betta, then he's better off living alone because he'll kill anything in his tank. With a female, you can put any community freshwater fish in with her. I' not sure about the medicine and salt thing, but if you have to use medicine, put the frog in a separate tank, take out the carbon (in the filter), and use the medication. When you're done with the medication, place the carbon back in and make sure it absorbs all the medicine before you place the frog back in. The bottom substrate doesn't matter, as long as it's not toxic. Have fun with your new ADF (if the Betta if female)!

EDIT: Cory cats get a little too big for a 5 gallon tank, so glass shrimp would be better. They won't get lonely alone, but I'd suggest 3 or more for the bottom of the tank.

~ZTM

Answer 5

Check the link below

Answer 6

Maybe shrimp or snails.