5 Gal suggestions for college student!

KerrieBerrie

KerrieBerrie

AC Members
Aug 10, 2006
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I just got a 5 gallon tank and am trying to do some research so I know what to get when the school year starts. I've been looking at fiddler crabs and african dwarf frogs as alternatives to fish, because I know 5 gallons is tough for most schooling fish. The tank does have a filter, but not a heater (I could always buy one though)

If anyone could give me both breed suggestions or ideas on combinations or the max number of fish I should keep, please let me know. Otherwise I could always go back to a beta fish like I had last year. Thanks a lot for any help!
 
Also, could I keep more than one female beta together? I've heard they're also somewhat aggressive.
 
Most fish do need larger tanks then a small 5 gallon. There though are a few types that can go into one though. I always like to suggest Cherry Barbs. They stay fairly small and do not need to be in a school. They do though pefer to have a few hiding spots, so a few plants and a small cave will be needed. You could go with say 1 male and 2 females in a tank like that and all should be fine.

A single betta would be fine but I would say no to having more then one in a 5 gallon tank.
 
you could get away with 6 or 8 white clouds...you don't need a heater for them and they are pretty and interesting fish to watch...have fun!
 
YoFishboy said:
you could get away with 6 or 8 white clouds...you don't need a heater for them and they are pretty and interesting fish to watch...have fun!
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This would end up overstocking the tank. Yes you would need at least 6 but they would have nowhere to swim in a tank that small. This in itself would be very stressful on the fish and end up causing problems for the tank.
 
So if I did femala betas and ghost shrimp, how many of each should I have? Sorry I'm new at this, and have learned that most pet store employees have no clue what they're talking about after one sold me a "tiny" little pleco when I was 12. He had to find another home very quickly.
 
You could also do dwarf frogs in there. Mine did okay w/o a heater, provided its kept at a reasonable temperature (avoid windows if you're in an area that gets cold at winter.)

Probably throw about 2-3 in there, they're fun to watch. Dumb as rocks though :hi:

I think a small number of platys/guppies would work too. I'd be sure to ask for females though, as males tend to be more likely to pick on other fish and can be a pain. If you're wondering the difference (platys)

The male fish possess a gonopodium, which is a modified anal fin used for copulation. The female fish’s anal fin is shaped like a triangle.
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You'll be able to tell when lookin' at them.
 
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CBTF said:
You could also do dwarf frogs in there. Mine did okay w/o a heater, provided its kept at a reasonable temperature (avoid windows if you're in an area that gets cold at winter.)

Probably throw about 2-3 in there, they're fun to watch. Dumb as rocks though :hi:
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Alright, someone warned me each adf should have 5-7 gals to itself.

I'm certainly not worried about them being dumb, my last beta pretty much takes the cake there!
 
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