Brother wants a 5 gallon

Liz

Liz

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Mar 25, 2005
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My brother wants to start a 5 gallon tank for his birthday; he is looking at the Minibow 5 gallon kit... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20755&item=4383404896&rd=1

He has a spare 10 gallon tank but he wants the 5 gallon for space. I've told him he doesn't have that many options with a 5 gallon, I think he sort of likes guppies but he would like something a little different. What options other than guppies and bettas could be in a 5 gallon? I've said that he can probably only keep two or three small fish in there, and maybe some scavengers like snails or ghost shrimp. I don't think he wants a DP because I have a few DP's. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for your time.
 
Pretty limited. Endler's are popular if they can be found. Dwarf frogs might be a good choice. The betta is the best choice.
 
My little boy has a 5 gallon tank in his bedroom, it has a little trickle filter and tiny light, and I've given him my smallest heater/stat. He keeps a Betta, 5 white clouds and an Amano shrimp in it. It is planted with Java Fern, Cryptocoryn and there is a little Egeria floating on the surface. The fish are fed lightly and the shrimp keeps the tank clean and is fed bits of algae wafer once/twice a week. I have to say I am impressed with the way the tank is looking and the water quality (regular water changes take forever when done by a seven year old :) ) Its been running 6 months now and seems very successful :D

http://www.aa-aquarium.com/NewProduct2.php?id=8&line_id=&level=3
 
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White clouds really need a biiger tank, a 10 min, to show their true colours and attitude. Also they do best in lower temp waters and bettas like warmer water.
 
A betta with two adf's and a snail or two would be nice.

Whiteclouds are true coldwater fish whereas bettas are tripocal. Keeping them together would be tough.

Also look at danios, they're lively, hardy, some are very ornate, and cheap!
 
Still, danios are a little hyper for a 5 gallon. Even a 10 gallon is on the small side for a school of danios.
 
Many killifish will be happy in a 5g tank, such as the Cape Lyretails. Least killies would also be rather comfortable, as well as a m/f pair of N. brevis (shelldwelling cichlids from Lake Tanganyika).

If he would like something a little rarer in the hobby, he could try a pair of Days Paradise Fish; IMHO, they are awesome little fish with awesome personality and quite beautiful. I don't think they are given enough credit in the hobby.
 
PumaWard said:
Many killifish will be happy in a 5g tank, such as the Cape Lyretails. Least killies would also be rather comfortable, as well as a m/f pair of N. brevis (shelldwelling cichlids from Lake Tanganyika).

If he would like something a little rarer in the hobby, he could try a pair of Days Paradise Fish; IMHO, they are awesome little fish with awesome personality and quite beautiful. I don't think they are given enough credit in the hobby.
Click to expand...

Ah someone has been listening to my preachings here. :)
But yes, not much can be kept in a small tank like this, I only keep my least killies in them, or either bettas or a paradise fish.
 
im goin with trickster on this if he dosent want a betta he should go with a paradise fish othere wise any thing else beside frogs and shrimp wont be happy in there. the only time they will move is when there fed and thats not very exciting
 
I don't recommend buying a complete kit already assembled. It's much cheaper to buy your own stuff.

Try to get a 10 gallon if you can. It's not much more expensive and it will give more options.
 
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