5 Gallon Tank [Archive] - Aquaria Central

test4echo

06-26-2006, 2:28 PM

I have a five gallon tanks and am looking for ideas for fish to put in it. I have a Coralife Freshwater flourescent light for it that is good for live plants. I was thinking about a betta and maybe some anubias. I don't have a filter for it and am looking for ideas for a good power filter. Please respond to this thread if you have ideas for fish that would be ok in a 5 gallon and maybe some live plants too. Thanks in advance!

dorkfish

06-26-2006, 2:30 PM

neons? ottos?

DaisyTattoo

06-26-2006, 2:33 PM

Personally I would think that neons, although small, would need a little more room to swim. Maybe a pair of killifish? If it were me, I would go with a betta and maybe some ghost shrimp(betta may eat them) and a brig snail or 2.

jaymasta

06-26-2006, 2:34 PM

thats a pretty small tank, maybe some snails?

fishcatch22

06-26-2006, 2:34 PM

1 betta or dwarf gourami, maybe 1 otocinclus algae eater, maybe an apple snail?

test4echo

06-26-2006, 2:35 PM

How would a Paradise Gourami do in a 5g?

fishcatch22

06-26-2006, 2:39 PM

if its the only resident, fine.

test4echo

06-26-2006, 2:47 PM

I'm thinking about doing a Paradise Gourami and some anubias and an otto. Keep the suggestions coming!

madmatt7g

06-26-2006, 2:55 PM

I'm thinking about doing a Paradise Gourami and some anubias and an otto. Keep the suggestions coming!

That would probably be too many fish. You don't want to overstock your tank, or you will have enough problems to make you want to give up the hobby altogether. The rule of thumb for most fish is one gallon per inch of fish, not counting the tail.

fishcatch22

06-26-2006, 2:56 PM

yes, that would do fine, my friend. just make sure it's properly cycled afore the fishes go in.

madmatt7g

06-26-2006, 2:57 PM

yes, that would do fine, my friend. just make sure it's properly cycled afore the fishes go in.

You think so? I suppose it depends on how many anubias he's talking about. When he says some, I presume he's referring to 3 or more.

test4echo

06-26-2006, 2:57 PM

Anyone recommend a good filter for a 5g?

fishcatch22

06-26-2006, 2:58 PM

hmm. whisper canister filters work well.

tricksterpup

06-26-2006, 3:02 PM

There is only one fish that can fit in a small tank very well, the least killie/dwarf live bearer, Heterandria formosa, aka the least killie or dwarf live bearer. These guys are hard to come by, these are usually a special order from your pet shop but they are great fish.
The males reach about 1/4 of an inch long at full adult hood and the females are larger at an inch. They are very peaceful fish and thrive in tiny tanks. I own a small colony right now in my 5 gallon. I plan on getting more soon for an outdoor container. But they do well having plants like hornwort floating on the top of the tank and they eat crushed fish flakes.
http://www.akwarium.prx.pl/adv/drobniczka.jpg
http://www.aquaristsreunited.fslife.co.uk/images/Heterandria%20formosa.jpg
http://www.diewasserwelt.de/privat/heterandria.jpg

Best filter to use on these guys, either Undergravel or Sponge.

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

test4echo

06-26-2006, 3:02 PM

An LFS near me is selling these new mini canister filters for 5 gallons. They look kinda cheap, but I'm gonna check them out next time I'm there. Any other suggestions?

fishcatch22

06-26-2006, 3:04 PM

like he said, sponges an UGs are always good for it.

madmatt7g

06-26-2006, 3:07 PM

An LFS near me is selling these new mini canister filters for 5 gallons. They look kinda cheap, but I'm gonna check them out next time I'm there. Any other suggestions?

My advice: Get a bigger tank. I guarantee you will not be satisfied for long with five gallons. I know I wasn't.

fishcatch22

06-26-2006, 3:10 PM

My advice: Get a bigger tank. I guarantee you will not be satisfied for long with five gallons. I know I wasn't.a 5g still a good jumping off point.

Ms.Bubbles

06-26-2006, 3:10 PM

Fish: I would recommend 1 laid-back betta, or a small group of male endlers (3 or 4 would be fine).

Plants: you don't say the specific wattage of the coralife bulb, but some good low-light plants that wouldn't get too big for a 5 gallon are narrow leaf java fern, cryptocoryn wendtii, anubias nana or anubias nana 'petite' (tiny).

madmatt7g

06-26-2006, 3:17 PM

a 5g still a good jumping off point.

Indeed. It will get him hooked, but I'll just bet he ends up buying a bigger one soon. The only problem with starting out small is that any mistakes you make are magnified quite a bit. The larger the tank, the less succeptible it is to fluctuations.

test4echo

06-26-2006, 3:27 PM

Indeed. It will get him hooked, but I'll just bet he ends up buying a bigger one soon. The only problem with starting out small is that any mistakes you make are magnified quite a bit. The larger the tank, the less succeptible it is to fluctuations.

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, I'm not starting out. I've been in this hobby for a few years now. I'm not a newb, but if I was I would be posting this in the Freshwater Newbie Section. Just wanted to clear things up.

test4echo

06-26-2006, 3:44 PM

Does anyone think that this mini 5g canister filter will be suitable? Or should I go with something else?

tricksterpup

06-26-2006, 3:47 PM

Need a make and model so I can look at it.

test4echo

06-26-2006, 3:53 PM

Hmmm.... I can't seem to find this filter online. I'll ask them about it at the LFS near me that carries them. I'll post any info on it I find out there.

tricksterpup

06-26-2006, 3:59 PM

Thanks, another power filter that is like this is
Zoomeds 501
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/healthypetscom_1899_42856143

test4echo

06-26-2006, 4:02 PM

OK, The filter is made by a company called "Tom Aquatics" and it is known as "Rapids Mini Canister Filter." Has anyone heard of it or have one? It does look kinda cheap like I said earlier so if anyone else has anymore suggestions on filters for a 5g please keep 'em coming!

tricksterpup

06-26-2006, 4:06 PM

http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD%5C150%5COE1300.jpg

The Rapids Mini Canister is a compact and efficient canister filter. Providing 3-stage filtration, mechanical, chemical and biological, aerating and filtering the water every hour. The Rapids Canister Filter has a self priming, top mounted sealed motor with a flow rate of 80gph. For aquariums up to 20 gallons, the canister is lightweight enough to hang directly on the back of the aquarium.

Mechanical filtration is provided by the replaceable floss roll impregnated with highly activated carbon. The floss roll is a dense, highly absorbent material that traps particulate material and debris. Chemical filtration is supplied by the exceptionally adsorbing activated carbon which removes dissolved organic impurities. Biological Filtration is provided by the Super Porous Ceramic Cylinders where beneficial bacteria work to remove toxic ammonia and nitrite.

Ideal filter for Nano tanks and other mini-reef applications.

The filter includes floss roll with activated carbon and super porous ceramic cylinders, high-efficiency intake strainer, spray bar and canister hanger.

Dimensions: 3-1/2" L x 5-11/16" W x 7" H

test4echo

06-26-2006, 4:12 PM

I am also looking at the Fluval 1 Plus. The GPH is 50. Would this be suitable for the 5?

tricksterpup

06-26-2006, 4:16 PM

tricksterpup

06-26-2006, 4:19 PM

I am also looking at the Fluval 1 Plus. The GPH is 50. Would this be suitable for the 5?
Yes it would but still not for the type of fish we talked about.

This is an interesting filter.. For under $18.

Tom Aquatics Dive Clean Mini Internal Filter
Mini Dive Clean Internal Filter

Submersible Internal Filter. Compact and Powerful. Ideal for NANO Tanks and other small reef tanks. Freshwater and Marine application.

http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD/oscar_enterprises_dive_clean_mini_internal_filter. jpg

test4echo

06-26-2006, 6:13 PM

I personally do not care for these smaller filters like this for a tank this size. If you go with the Hets, I would opt for UG or sponge. You can save some pennies this way. Maybe spend that saved money on a light setup and maybe good Flourite or something along those lines for this planted tank. What truely matters is just regular water changes and water movement. Both cheaper filters will give you this.
I know I should go with a UG or sponge, I am just worried about the noise. I need something quiet. So far I have the 5g tank, the light set-up and some Flourite left from a previous set-up (just enough substrate for a 5g). Now all I need is a quiet, safe, filter. Any recommendations?

Doctorblue

06-26-2006, 7:01 PM

http://www.aquaristsreunited.fslife.co.uk/images/Heterandria%20formosa.jpg
Thank you! I've been trying to figure out the mystery fish in my 5 gallon. Now I think I have an answer! The original fish was thrown in as a freebie, because I asked the fish dude what it was and he said he didn't know, but I could have it if I wanted it. She's since had babies. They are a cute little fish!

test4echo

06-26-2006, 7:01 PM

Thank you! I've been trying to figure out the mystery fish in my 5 gallon. Now I think I have an answer! The original fish was thrown in as a freebie, because I asked the fish dude what it was and he said he didn't know, but I could have it if I wanted it. She's since had babies. They are a cute little fish!
What filter do you have in the 5g?

dorkfish

06-26-2006, 8:32 PM

You think so? I suppose it depends on how many anubias he's talking about. When he says some, I presume he's referring to 3 or more.

Anubias is a plant, and if anything it will lighten the bioload, not increase it.

Emg

06-26-2006, 10:21 PM

Have you thought about maybe a brackish tank with bumblebee gobies ? Very cute little fish they are and you could have a nice group of 3 or 4 in a 5 gallon tank.

Here's a pic of one of mine. They're in freshwater for now, but I'm in process of getting a BW tank ready for them:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/morroman/emgfishpics/DSC05371.jpg

test4echo

06-27-2006, 7:49 PM

Okay, I have decided that I am going to put in about 15 Least Killifish, 1 otto, and some anubias nana. The gravel I'm using is a combination of Flourite and fine natural substrate. The light is a Coralife Mini-Freshwater light that includes two 9 watt, 6700°K full-spectrum bulbs. I guess I will go with a sponge filter or UG filter. I have no experience with these filters so any advice on them would be appreciated. Do these fish need a heater? I don't know of any heaters that will work well in a 5g. Any advice or tips on the things listed above would be great. Thanks.

test4echo

06-27-2006, 9:07 PM

tricksterpup

06-28-2006, 8:15 AM

Does anyone have any advice on UG or Sponge filter set-ups? Other suggestions for a filter on a 5g would be appreciated too.

(Sorry, I just don't want this thread to get lost because I plan on setting this tank up as soon as possible.)
Ok, basically the UG, toss gravel on it and that is it. it runs via air bubbles as the same with a sponge filter. These filters use bacteria for the filtration. If you go with a sponge, it sits in the corner and that is it.

As for heaters, these guys do not need any heaters and I recommend against it. The tank will get to warm for them since they are Native to the US and they tend to do better in 70-78 temps.

TheZoo

06-28-2006, 10:08 AM

Okay, I have decided that I am going to put in about 15 Least Killifish, 1 otto, and some anubias nana.

Are you going with all males? Or is it really ok to put this many fish into a 5 gallon? Really wondering, not flaming...

tricksterpup

06-28-2006, 2:26 PM

Are you going with all males? Or is it really ok to put this many fish into a 5 gallon? Really wondering, not flaming...
The males are about the size of guppy fry. This fish you can place that many in a tank with no problem. I kept about 30 in my 5 for the longest time with no problems. I would place a mixture of males and females in this tank. Just putting males in a tank like this is just to cruel.

TheZoo

06-28-2006, 2:57 PM

if the females are an inch or so long, what kind of ratio would be good? Most fish (i thought) do best with more females than males, so how would htat work with a small tank like this? What about fry? Everytime you recommend these fish I get more and more interested in finding some!

test4echo

06-28-2006, 8:34 PM

Ok, basically the UG, toss gravel on it and that is it. it runs via air bubbles as the same with a sponge filter. These filters use bacteria for the filtration. If you go with a sponge, it sits in the corner and that is it.

As for heaters, these guys do not need any heaters and I recommend against it. The tank will get to warm for them since they are Native to the US and they tend to do better in 70-78 temps.
Do I ever need to change and/or clean filter media in the sponge filter? Or do I just leave it be?

kyle12

06-28-2006, 8:50 PM

you chould have a chance with a sword tail, or guppy.

dorkfish

06-28-2006, 8:57 PM

you chould have a chance with a sword tail, or guppy.

Guppys would be OK, until they overpopulate the tank. Swordtails can grow to 5 inches, WAY to big for a 5g tank.

test4echo

06-28-2006, 9:04 PM

I think I'm sold on the 10-15 Least Killifish, but thanks anyway. So, for a Sponge filter, do I change/clean the filter media or just leave it be?

TheZoo

06-28-2006, 10:41 PM

Id rinse the sponge part out in a container of used tank water every so often. Replace when falling apart.

test4echo

06-28-2006, 10:49 PM

So, it's just a sponge? No chemical media, like carbon?

tricksterpup

06-29-2006, 12:00 AM

So, it's just a sponge? No chemical media, like carbon?
Nope its all biological.
http://www.equarium.com.au/files/store/images/spongefilter.jpg

betta_fantasy

07-18-2006, 12:52 PM

TheZoo

07-18-2006, 1:29 PM

Hey, I am planning on buying a five gallon hex as well, and I too have a few questions on stocking, I was thinking one of these combinations. Please don't flame me if it's too much, i'm sorta new, but I know a lot about fish. Would one of these work? (With an under ground filter)
~1 sparkling gourami
~3 long finned leopard danios
~Possibly one guppy

~1 male betta
~3 neon tetras/3 long finned leopard danios

~1 german blue ram

~1 german blue ram
~3 long finned leopard danios

~3-4 bumble bee gobys

~2-3 dwarf pufferfish

the gobies would need brackish water

you could fit one dwarf puffer in, but no others, theyre too territorial. Some people would say you could try 2 if you had LOTS of plants, but I wouldnt.

If you did a betta, you wouldnt want anything with long flowy fins, but may be able to have 2 or 3 small fish, like neons, ir maybe a cory or two.

Dont know enough about g. blue rams, but Im pretty sure someone else here who does will respond!

betta_fantasy

07-18-2006, 2:18 PM

um ok. . .if you were referring to the bumblebee gobys and the dwarf puffers together, the bumblebees are brackish and the dps are freshwater, and I don't know that they would get along too well. . .

so which of those, if any, would work?

Emg

07-18-2006, 4:22 PM

A 5 gallon isn't big enough for one german blue ram. They get 3 inches or more and would be very unhappy in a 5.

TheZoo

07-18-2006, 11:02 PM

I wasnt advising the gobies and the puffers together.

My advice is, again, :

you could fit one dwarf puffer in, but no others, theyre too territorial. Some people would say you could try 2 if you had LOTS of plants, but I wouldnt.

If you did a betta, you wouldnt want anything with long flowy fins, but may be able to have 2 or 3 small fish, like neons, ir maybe a cory or two.

But, how about those least killifish mentioned earlier on this thread?