Got a 5 Hex...

[Vincenia]

I just got another 5 hex.. my co-worker threw it into the dumpster(it was a return, person claimed the filter didn't work and the supplier wouldn't take it back, so it was thrown out.) I asked my manager if I can take it from the dumpster, she said I could.. Once I took it home, I cleaned it up. I tested the light which is bright and works also tested the filter, to my surprise, it works just fine. I have the tank full of water with old carbon in it from another 5 hex I have. Easy way to cycle a tank, without killing fish. I'm going to pick up some tan or black sand for the tank, I think 5 pounds will be enough for it. I'm also moving some decor and plants from other tanks into the 5 so I don't have to buy plants for it or decor. I'm thinking of a shrimp tank..

 

[Fishfriend1]

I agree with a shrimp tank, though you could add a sparkling gourami to the tank for a bit of fish

 

[Vincenia]

I have black sand, some driftwood wih moss stuck to it, a crypt, anubias and an amazon sword in the tank. Going to add some java fern and another tall plant in the back and maybe some moss balls. Still cycling the tank, I ended up putting my one male betta into the tank, only temp, till I clean out his tank.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Some CPDs would be nice in there, or scarlet badis?

 

[Vincenia]

Could the Scarlet Badis be fine with shrimps?

 

[FreshyFresh]

Could the Scarlet Badis be fine with shrimps?

That's how my LFS had them in their sale tank. With some shrimp and crayfish. The badis were SOOO tiny, but colorful.

 

[Vincenia]

I guess I can do that. I want something that colorful yet small enough not to eat my shrimps. I keep seeing people keeping crayfish with shrimp, never thought crays were shrimp safe. How many shrimps can I do in a 5 gallon? I was looking at Caridina babault sp. Rainbow, Rainbow Shrimp. They are a mix of different colors.

 

[Vincenia]

I may just get cherry shrimps to start off with. Easy to care for and easy to breed.

I just tested the tank, it's been running for 8 days now, removed the betta from the tank.
Here's the test results:
PH: 7.6
Ammonia: .50 PPM
Nitrite: 0 PPM
Nitrate: 10 PPM

It cycled quickly. I put an old corbon filter into it along with driftwood, plants and rocks from my other tanks. Going to do a water change in the morning to lower the ammonia since my manager ordered me some Cherry Shrimp and I pick them up later.