Ok, so I am starting to do some research on what to put in my son's 5 gallon tank once it is cycled, and I had originally wanted to get some glo-fish to put in there, but have finally accepted that it is just too small for them. I would still like to get some eventually, but am baffled on what size tank they would need. My LFS said a 5 gallon was fine, I have read here that it is not nearly long enough for them. I read here that a 10 would work, but then I just read that it is again not nearly long enough for them. What is the minimum size tank they need in order to be happy?
What size tank for danios?
- Thread starter PumpkinPie
- Start date
I was wondering if a 20 gallon would work. I may set up a tank upstairs in his bedroom, and a 20 long would fit just fabulously on his dresser. I bet he would LOVE the glo-fish!!
As for our 5 gallon that is in our kitchen, I am thinking a couple of male guppies with fancy tails and maybe a snail or a few cherry shrimp. Do you think that would work?
As for our 5 gallon that is in our kitchen, I am thinking a couple of male guppies with fancy tails and maybe a snail or a few cherry shrimp. Do you think that would work?
I keep reading on here that Bettas have personality and will be much more "swimmy" when taken care of well, but all of the ones that I have see just lie on the bottom and only slowly drift to the top at meal time. I would get a Betta if I could be sure it would swim around when my son wanted to look at it, but I really am afraid that it will just hide in the plants and he won't be able to check it out.
Maybe once we have this 5 gallon set up and running with some smaller, "swimmier" fish (is that even a term??), we will get a separate 5 gallon for a Betta. I was thinking the guppies would be a bit flashier for him to watch (he is not quite 2), but still be colorful.
Maybe once we have this 5 gallon set up and running with some smaller, "swimmier" fish (is that even a term??), we will get a separate 5 gallon for a Betta. I was thinking the guppies would be a bit flashier for him to watch (he is not quite 2), but still be colorful.
I guess all Bettas have their own personalities...mine is in a 10 gallon with a few small corys and snails and everytime I approach the tank he comes right up to the glass to greet me and stays there, doing a little dance, while I talk to him... (I think he loves me even tho my hubby thinks I'm nuts!) LOL
Guppies are pretty, just not my thing...
Another fish with lots of personality that is easy to keep is a Platy. Two females would fit in your 5 gallon. I would not get a male unless you have a place to keep the babies.
a 20 gallon is the minimum for danios, even zebra danios. they are hyperactive and never stop moving, so the bigger the tank the better.
most bettas seem inactive because they live in tiny, stagnant bowls or cups. put some water movement in there and more space, and the active side of a betta comes out.
most bettas seem inactive because they live in tiny, stagnant bowls or cups. put some water movement in there and more space, and the active side of a betta comes out.
Ok, I think maybe we will try a Betta. If he isn't very social, it will be a good excuse for me to set up another tank! So, are all of those poor little guys in the weird cups with the blue water generally healthy? I have always felt like there was just something wrong with seeing them all stacked on a shelf in their cups. How do you go about finding a healthy one who is not stressed to the max by life in a dixie cup?
Also, jm1212, I checked out your stocking page on 5 gallon tanks and see that you say that shrimp can be kept with the betta, but possibly will be eaten. Is there any way to prevent them being eaten? Can I put a snail in there with a Betta too? I just love the way that snails glide around the glass. My water pH is a 7 out of the tap, and I know snails prefer at least an 8 for their shell to be healthy. Is there a safe way to raise the pH with a Betta in there? Can they tolerate a pH of 8? Will the snails do ok in a 7?
I am definitely having fun researching and figuring out what is going to be in there. Now if only my tank would hurry up and produce some Nitrates!!
Also, jm1212, I checked out your stocking page on 5 gallon tanks and see that you say that shrimp can be kept with the betta, but possibly will be eaten. Is there any way to prevent them being eaten? Can I put a snail in there with a Betta too? I just love the way that snails glide around the glass. My water pH is a 7 out of the tap, and I know snails prefer at least an 8 for their shell to be healthy. Is there a safe way to raise the pH with a Betta in there? Can they tolerate a pH of 8? Will the snails do ok in a 7?
I am definitely having fun researching and figuring out what is going to be in there. Now if only my tank would hurry up and produce some Nitrates!!
Bettas are usually pretty tough little fish. Once they get out of those cups they are way more active 
I use to keep a betta in a 5 gallon with some snails with no problem, it depends on the individual. It could also help if the snails are already there when the betta is added
I use to keep a betta in a 5 gallon with some snails with no problem, it depends on the individual. It could also help if the snails are already there when the betta is added