5 gal

[nattybrack]

Have a 5 gal. tank and an xtra aquaclear 150... was thinking of setting something up. Any options? Was hoping to keep it to the 5 gal...

Many thanks.

[Sensei_the_dojo]

If you don't already have one, you might use this 5g as a quarantine or hospital tank. Just set it up, cycle it, and add enough food or straight ammonia daily to keep it cycled. That way, when you buy new fish you can keep them separated for a few weeks or a month to make sure they're healthy enough to add to your main tank. Or, if a fish in your main tank gets sick you can place it in the 5g for treatment and perhaps avoid having to medicate your entire main tank.

[nattybrack]

Thought about that, but I have a 55 gal freshwater w/African cichlids and have had the same fish for a while, and have no plans of adding. So a quarantine may be an empty tank for a while.
Was hoping to add 1 - 3 fish. What about shellies? Is a 5 to small?

[PumaWard]

Yeah, I would say a 5 is too small for shellies. You may have to look into non-cichlids for options. You could have trio of guppies with some pygmy cories or simimliar. You could substitute the guppies for a betta.

[TKOS]

I have a lovely 5 gallon planted tank with snails, ammano shrimp and a great betta. You won't think that the tank is empty when you see a healthy vibrant betta swimming through the tank thin plant leaves. Plus this system is quite forgiving if you miss a water change.

[nattybrack]

Thanks for both the ideas. Since I've never done a planted tank, that's sounds interesting, although I rather not drop a lot of cash. I assume I would need: a heater, some proper lighting and CO2? Anything else?

[tricksterpup]

One fish I enjoy using for 5 gallon tanks is Heterandria Formosa , the least killiefish, smallest livebearer in the United states. This fish is also my Avatar, I keep atleast 10 in a 2.5 and atleast 25 in my planted 5 gallon tank. They are a very hardy and lively live bearer and alot of fun.


jim