View Full Version : Which tropicals would be alright in..
I've got a pathetically small 3 gallon tank, sitting near my PC. It's a nice decoration for my desk and it's a decent little system, just it's tiny.
Which tropical fish would be alright in that size of tank? I don't want to stunt growth or reduce lifespans of anything, so that isn't an option.
I've heard Bettas are alright in small tanks.. but I love them to bits and I'd be absolutely heartbroken if I had one in my tank and it died because it didn't have enough space :sad:
Basically I stupidly bought goldfish.. and then having read up and posted on here, I've decided I'm gonna go out and buy them a huge tank and let them live properly! But I don't wanna throw this tank away, and it sits quite smartly on my desk, so what fish should I go for?
I work in a garden centre, and we have some lovely fish there - and I get a 25% discount. I particularly like the Bettas and Dwarf Gouramis.. I also love Red Tail Black Sharks, the Clown Loaches, the lush brightly coloured Guppies and the Glass Cat Fish. I know that most of them, if any, wouldn't survive in my pathetic tank, but thought that by letting you know what I like, you may be able to recommend some good fish that I'd like!
Also, bear in mind that I'm new to keeping fish.. so nothing particularly complex - some good hardy fish would be lovely.
I know I'd need a heater, btw!
:help:
Thanks loads for your time :)
Duncan.
Leopardess
05-12-2005, 6:55 PM
A betta would be right at home in that tank:) Seeing as though you like bettas, that seems like a great choice. A honey dwarf gourami may work (they tend to stay smaller than other dwarves) too.
Given the huge variety in colors and shapes of bettas, their availability, and their hardiness, they'd make a great choice for you IMO. You could even put in an african dwarf frog provided that you covered any and all gaps in the hood:)
Does the tank have a little filter?
Glad to see someone committed to making sure their fish are happy and healthy:)
rich311k
05-12-2005, 6:55 PM
I would get a heater and go with a betta. He will do fine. You could try shrimp if you are not completely hooked on the fish idea.
Yea the tank does have a fairly reasonable filter system, and new filter "cartridges/pads" are readily available at work for less than USD$5 (before discount, too :D).
OooOooh I'd love a Betta in my tank :D He'd be absolutely great, I'd be happy as Larry.. are you sure it's alright for him, though? We have a few in at work.. a gorgeous deep red one, a sky blue&dark blue mixed one and a nice deep blue/purple one.. though I think he may have been sold.
What sort of decor do the Bettas like? Would he be alright on his own or should I put maybe some Neons or something in with him too?
Would it be best to keep some of the current water in the tank and keep the current filter pads for a while? And just pop a heater in?
Thanks for your reply :thm:
Betta-Gurl
05-12-2005, 7:01 PM
well you actually dont need a heater with bettas i actually just bought my mom a 1G tank and put one of my most precious bettas in there and he loves it no heater, just an undergravel filter, and a light, he has never been more happy. :read:
rich311k
05-12-2005, 7:12 PM
He would be all right without a heater, but they do like it a little warmer than room temperature. The current won't hurt him and he does not need company. You could put a piece or two of a floating plant in with him.
Leopardess
05-12-2005, 8:49 PM
The issue of a heater vs. no heater is a matter of ambient temperature. If the room he is in stays stable and steady at a fairly warm temp 76F-80F, he doesn't need a heater. If the temperature gets cold at night or in winter, yes a heater is needed. Visatherme makes little 25watt heaters that are adjustable. I've used them on 2.5g tanks before and I had no issues.
No, neons definitely won't fit in the tank. Bettas are solitary creatures by nature and won't be at all bothered by being alone. As I said, though, an African dwarf frog would be an okay addition providing the conditions are met. Other than that, a mystery snail is really the only other option. Shrimp could work, but some bettas eat them. It would have to be trial and error (error = no more shrimp).
If you used the filter pads for the goldfish that were in there before, I would replace them with some new ones or wash them in very hot scalding water to kill off anything that may have been on them. Dump out the current water (again, assuming the goldfish were in there before) and give the tank a rinse in hot water. Then refill and let it come to room temperature. Add your dechlor too.
If your filter is adjustable in terms of flow, set it to low the first few days of having the betta in there. Their muscles are often atrophied from being contained in a putrid little cup that doesn't allow much movement.
As for décor, buy silk plants if you can. The plastic ones can tend to tear betta's beautiful flowing fins. Silk is much softer and more comfortable for the betta to sit on...and they will. Bettas are lazy little creatures:)
For food, I suggest getting a staple of something like micropellets and picking up a package of frozen bloodworms to feed as treats.
Oh, and if you can, take pics of the new little fella if you do get a new betta:)
rich311k
05-12-2005, 9:51 PM
Good luck can't wait to see your new friend.
The issue of a heater vs. no heater is a matter of ambient temperature. If the room he is in stays stable and steady at a fairly warm temp 76F-80F, he doesn't need a heater. If the temperature gets cold at night or in winter, yes a heater is needed. Visatherme makes little 25watt heaters that are adjustable. I've used them on 2.5g tanks before and I had no issues.
No, neons definitely won't fit in the tank. Bettas are solitary creatures by nature and won't be at all bothered by being alone. As I said, though, an African dwarf frog would be an okay addition providing the conditions are met. Other than that, a mystery snail is really the only other option. Shrimp could work, but some bettas eat them. It would have to be trial and error (error = no more shrimp).
If you used the filter pads for the goldfish that were in there before, I would replace them with some new ones or wash them in very hot scalding water to kill off anything that may have been on them. Dump out the current water (again, assuming the goldfish were in there before) and give the tank a rinse in hot water. Then refill and let it come to room temperature. Add your dechlor too.
If your filter is adjustable in terms of flow, set it to low the first few days of having the betta in there. Their muscles are often atrophied from being contained in a putrid little cup that doesn't allow much movement.
As for décor, buy silk plants if you can. The plastic ones can tend to tear betta's beautiful flowing fins. Silk is much softer and more comfortable for the betta to sit on...and they will. Bettas are lazy little creatures:)
For food, I suggest getting a staple of something like micropellets and picking up a package of frozen bloodworms to feed as treats.
Oh, and if you can, take pics of the new little fella if you do get a new betta:)
Thanks for all the help mate, muchos appreciated :clap:
It'll probably be a little time for now.. gonna have to cycle a new tank for the goldfish first, then I'll get the Betta. Can't wait :D :D