Am I being cruel??

M

mconrad

AC Members
May 7, 2007
8
0
0
Virginia
Okay....I'm a newbie....and let me preface this by saying that I'm (apparently) an idiot...I presently have a 5 gallon (don't cringe) tank... I am new to fishkeeping, and not realizing what a 5 gallon was good for (basically...nothing)....I stocked it with three delightful zebra danios.

I then learned the 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon rule, and being paranoid about overcrowding, I have not put anything else in my tank. I also (later) learned more about danios (for example, they are great for beginners, but they are schooling fish and its best to keep them in groups of not less than 5 or 6) AND that they really need a minimum 10 gallon tank, preferably bigger.

As soon as I get the okay from my "other half" to purchase a larger tank I will do so, transfer my three, and add another three, so they will shoal....then slowly stock with some cool fish. I'll probably use my 5 gallon as a hospital tank or something...or maybe I could put a siamese fighting fish and a ghost shrimp in there? I dunno...

So, here's my question for you experienced aquarists.....am I being cruel to my danios? And if so...is there anything I can do for them until I can get a bigger tank? :help:
 
well everyone was a idiot at one point. what matters is your doing something about it. your best idea is to keep doing a lot of water changes.

plus the inch per gal rule myth sucks dont follow it please. zebras are nice very active fish i feel they should be kept in a 20 gal tank. 20 long would be the best bet.
 
I think it sounds like you're on the right track. I know your danios would be happier in a bigger tank; that said, I wouldn't say you were being cruel. lol We all have to endure some hardships, at least there's a better future in store.

A betta and a few ghost shrimp sounds like a great plan for your 5- its possible you'll have to restock the shrimp every now and then. :o

I have zebras in my 55 and they really appreciate the space. They swim all over the tank.

Good luck! And make sure your larger tank is properly cycled before adding any fish. All the info is in the stickies. Welcome to AC.
 
You are doing good, by learning all you can, and asking questions in this forum. Once you get a bigger tank, your 5 gallon would be great for a Betta.
 
You sound like you're doing great danios are great cycling fish 3 in a 5g is ok for now but yes once you are cycled they do need a bigger tank. I have 4 in my 36g along with my other community fish....see my sig. I have my betta in my 5g and he loves it and another betta in a 3g. Believe me I made some big mistakes myself when I first started I put 2 goldfish in my 5g to cycle it to say the least it was a mess and I had a horrible time cycling the tank. Once I finally got the tank cleaned up and cycled I learned about other fish that were better for that tank and one 5g turned into another 3g and then my 36g and my 2.5g which I am going to use as my QT. To say the least I am hooked on this fish hobby but I am satisfied with what I have right now we all make mistakes but learn from them. So good luck and welcome to AC.
 
I would agree with Mgamer20o0, the 1" rule is usless. There are too many variables for it to work as anything other that a very crude guideline. I simply get the tank cycled, then try to balance out the fish and plants so that the nitrate doesn't build up too fast.

If you are keeping the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate down, and the fish arn't stressed out, then you are fine for now, until you can upgrade.
 
Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone. And...(lol)...yes, I have to "ask" for a bigger tank (we have space issues in our house), even though I'm a lawyer and the primary breadwinner. ;)

Meanwhile, my nitrates and nitrites are out of control. I've done 25% water changes once a week, but recently (with the increase in nitrites and nitrates) I did a 25% water change on 5/5....waited ....did another one on 5/7.... tested again this evening...no change whatsoever. How is that even possible?

The fish seem to be doing fine, though. Well, except I've seen them display at each other...don't know if that's normal for these fish.
 
Which reminds me....what are signs that the fish are stressed? (Particularly in danios, which are like "fish on crack" even when they are not stressed....)

Mine eat like pigs (I'm careful not to overfeed), and like to periodically chase each other around the tank....

Oh...and at least my 5g isn't a hex....its one of those Eclipse Corner deals, so there is at least *some* lateral swimming room..... (sheesh...I feel like a fish-abuser....) *rolls eyes*
 
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