A 1.5 gallon tank is really too small to be a full time home for any fish. You should only keep one betta in a 5-gallon aquarium, as they will fight others of their species to the death if kept confined. These fish are a species of guppies, and like guppies, they reproduce at astonishing rates. What to Consider When Stocking a 5-gallon Tank. They are also peaceful by nature, and their dull gray colors blend well with sand and gravel. Goldfish are highly social animals, and life alone is extremely stressful for them. These beautiful fish can look rather bland and silvery in color until acclimated to their new tank. In reality, a 3-gallon tank … 4 male guppies, 6 black skirt tetras, 2 clown loaches. Try these articles: {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? Amano shrimp need a heavily planted tank that offers plenty of hiding places. Try to mix it up with fish that like to be low and others that like to swim high, and your aquarium will feel plenty full. Learn how your comment data is processed. Tell us about your aquarium in the comments box below, and if you loved this article, be sure to share it! Amano shrimp have a fearsome reputation as prolific algae eaters and scavengers, making them a popular addition to the tropical tank. Angelfish are elegant tropical fish that start life as 1.5-inch babies. With a small community of Ghost Shrimp, you should have a clean and peaceful tank. All that aside, the one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller breeds of fish like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish. For this use:\n\n10 Cherry Shrimp\n5 Nerite Snails.\nShrimp come in many colors and breeds and do quite well in a small planted tanks!"}}]}. Although there are quite a few nano fish that can live in a very small tank, you might want to consider keeping shrimp and snails instead. Home About Contact Privacy Policy © 2019 All Rights Reserved. This means that you could add 2 betta fish to a 5 gallon tank (with a divider because they are aggressive). While there are many types of tetras out there, not all of them can be kept in a 5 gallon fish tank. And, imaginative aquascaping can make the tiniest tank look stunning. These fish need gentle water movement, plenty of shady hiding places, and dense planting. The more fish, snails, plants etc…that you have in the tank, the faster it will become dirty and need a water change. One inch of fish per one gallon is the general rule used to determine the tank size or the number of goldfish to be kept in a tank of a particular size. on Best Fish For A 5 Gallon Tank Stocking Ideas And Combinations You Can Use, 6. The issue is that schooling fish feel more stressed when alone or in a small group. Betta fish are also known as Siamese Fighting fish. And, as mentioned above, you need to consider factors such as how much swimming space there is in the tank and the water quality. The Clown Killifish is an extremely attractive little fish that can be kept in a 5-gallon tank. 5-10 neon tetra would be fine in a 10-gallon tank… Question #2: What Are The Best 5-gallon tank fish combinations? Currently Alison has two large freshwater tanks. These feisty fishes are beautiful but highly territorial, and males will fight, sometimes to the death. I have one five gallon tank that used to hold 2, yes 2 goldfish, they went to go live at my aunts. Small fish tanks such as the 3 gallon (12 liters) tank and 5 gallon (20 liters) tank can be purchased in fish stores at fair prices, but they have some limitations which will be discussed extensively in this article. It does best in a peaceful aquarium or a well-planted aquarium of at least 10 gallons. I recommend the following live plants for your 5-gallon aquarium: Here are 17 fish species that you can keep in a small tank of 5 gallons or larger. Ember tetra is one of the most common tetra types you will find in freshwater sources. If you are planning on housing 6 Glofish then get a 20 gallon tank and if you are planning on housing 10 Glofish then get a 30 - 40 gallon tank. Because I think you will pretty disappointed at your limited options with a 5 or 10 gallon tank. It usually falls asleep at the top and drifts down to the bottom. Although too small for some fish, a few fish, such as the ones we will be looking at in this article, can thrive in a 3-gallon tank. The most common rule of thumb to determine how many fish you can keep; is to use one inch of fish per gallon. Rosy loaches have delicate sensory barbels, so the substrate must be soft and sandy. However, these beauties are not suitable for a small tank. The more fish, snails, plants etc…that you have in the tank, the faster it will become dirty and need a water change.\n\nAll that aside, the one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller breeds of fish like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish.\n\nKeep in mind that you can also keep shrimp and snails in your tank as well.\n\nAt the end of the day, add fish slowly and monitor your water parameters closely and the well-being of your fish. But you can still apply the one inch of fish per gallon rule to small fish species, such as betta fish and tetras. Bettas. That’s bad news for anything living in the bowl. So, goldfish are not suitable for life in a small tank. Consider stocking levels. What you should really consider is how big my fish will get when it’s fully grown and will it be comfortable in a small 5-gallon tank. For example: Shrimp are often overlooked, but they do come in myriad colors and species, and they do very well in small, well-planted aquariums. A 5 gallon tank is a very small fish tank and can only hold very small fish, about 1.5 to 2 inches max as adults and only about 2-4 fish of that size depending on how well to take care of it. It can be kept alone, but it’s a good idea to have two of these in the tank. The one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish. First, by a 5-gallon tank, I mean the standardly shaped one that is 16 * 8 * 10 inches (Length * Width * Height). Lastly, be aware that filtration also plays a large part in how many fish your aquarium will support. However, the only way to create a truly healthy underwater environment and to determine how many fish your tank will hold is to grow into it over time. But they do love plants, especially long-leaf plants like Amazon swords. If your bottom dwellers are keen on snacking on peaceful and sleepy livebearers, Endler’s stay asleep on top and middle levels. Also, it’s extremely difficult to filter a bowl properly, leading to poor water quality and a high fish mortality rate. Most 5 gallon tanks typically have a dimension of around 16″ x 8″ x 10″ and can easily fit into your office or desktop surface. The Dwarf puffer swims in a unique pattern, making the fish fascinating to watch. The ever-popular Molly is the perfect fish for a beginner. So, if you have a betta fish that is 2 inches long, you need a 2 gallon tank for it. It ignores some essential but overlooked facts about aquariums that directly impacts how many fish you can safely keep inside a 10-gallon tank. So, it’s a great idea to add a few nice live plants to a 5-gallon tank. I hope you enjoyed our suggestions for the best fish to keep in a 5-gallon tank. Mollies are a favorite in the aquarium hobby because of their many good qualities. With a fairly small size, you can count on them not eating the neon tetra. I highly recommend you look into at least a 20 gallon if you can. Fish Bowls and vases are not recommended for keeping fish. But to be brutal, the answer isn’t really that simple. More precisely, you can keep three males in an aquarium of this size. Ghost Shrimp prefer aquariums of at least 5-10 gallons with plenty of places to hide. These fish prefer cooler water temperatures around 60o Fahrenheit, making them unsuitable for life in a tropical tank. These tiny fish prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places. You have him in a 5 gallon right now and if a 10 gallon is the highest you can go, I … You don’t often see these lovely little fish in aquarium stores, but you can buy them from online suppliers for a relatively low cost. With their stunning looks and curious, lively habit, the Celestial Pearl Danio makes a great addition to the small tank. That said, a nano tank (generally defined as a freshwater aquarium with a capacity of less than 10 gallons) does greatly limit your options. The environment and water quality in very small aquariums quickly become unstable, jeopardizing the health of your fish, and even the smallest fishes need space to swim around. That’s because only a few fish species will thrive and do well in a very small tank. Tiny species are especially vulnerable to stress if kept alone or in couples. These hardy creatures graze on algae within the tank, helping to keep the glass and décor clean. Alison Page has been an avid fish keeper for over 35 years and has owned many different species of freshwater tropical fish including bettas. They are hardy, beautiful, and peaceful. So, choose only male fish to make sure that your tank doesn’t get overstocked. Tiger barb and rainbow shark glofish need at least a 20-gallon tank, while danio and tetra glofish require a minimum of 10 gallons. You do need to keep these guys in a group, and although they can be kept in a 5-gallon aquarium, Endler’s do prefer a larger tank with plenty of swimming space and dense planting. For guppies, you should have no more than 3-5, but that also depends on a couple of essential factors. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), 9. They are very easily contaminated due to the small amount of water, so you need to pay close attention to the bioload and water parameters. The general rule of thumb for stocking any fish tank is one inch of fish per one gallon of water in the aquarium. But a handful of male Endler’s Livebearers will live quite happily in a 5 gallon … 5-6 fish per group is recommended. You can safely assume a margin of 10-15% less water than the size of the actual tank. Some fish may not even notice they have a tankmate. Harlequin Rasboras are boisterous, brilliantly colored shoaling fish that can be good to keep in a well-planted 5-gallon tank, provided that you keep a few of them together. The first tank has two huge fancy goldfish who are almost ten years old and still looking as good as ever. But let’s discuss that a bit further. They spend most of their time frolicking in the middle or at the top, so don’t mind the substrate. Guppies breed incredibly easily, too. A larger tank is not only easier to maintain but will provide you with the opportunity to keep a wider selection of fish. In this guide, we introduce the best fish for a 5-gallon tank, and more! These lively little fishes are easy to care for and come in an unlimited range of colors, too. In the other, she has a happy community of tiger barbs, green tiger barbs, corydoras catfish, platys, and mollies. Make sure that you do your homework so that you aren’t unintentionally adding more fish than your tank can handle. However, cichlids are typically territorial, and they can be aggressive, eating smaller fish and invertebrates. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Nerite snails come in many varieties and colors, making them an attractive addition to your tank. That said, there are a few combos that you could try: One way of avoiding the problem of too many fish in a small tank is to keep snails and shrimp instead. Crayfish need a well-filtered environment with dense planting and plenty of places where they can hide. That means a 10-gallon tank requires at a minimum a filter rated at 40 gallons per hour. Mollie are peaceful fish that give birth to live young, frequently! Also, Angelfish are cichlids, and they can be aggressive toward smaller fish. These snails also help remove/eat debris and algae from your tank, which helps keep things clean. However, once the fish are settled and happy, their true, golden honey color emerges. Betta fish can have very different personalities, some are more aggressive than others and may tend to harass one another, and others may not. However, you clearly can’t put a 6-inch fish in a tiny 5-gallon tank. Living plants help to keep the water clean by using nitrates as fertilizer and oxygenating the water during photosynthesis. The Amano Shrimp is known by its scientific name Caridina multidentata and a variety of other names like. Dwarf crayfish make an interesting addition to a small tank. These tiny red shrimp are another invert for small tanks because they are very unobtrusive and excellent at hiding. Harlequin rasboras may be the ultimate tank mates because they are very peaceful and can coexist without a problem. Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei), 11. And because of its small size and calm temperament is an excellent friendly fish. A small aquarium is very appealing as the first tank for newbies to the hobby. You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. 10 to 20-gallon aquariums are considered as the starting tank when keeping goldfish as pets. what kinds of fish? The one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish. Ebmer Tetra. Guppies are a long-standing freshwater sweet-heart fish. Again, do not keep them in a group of fewer than 5 fish. How Many Goldfish in 10 Gallon Tank? Neon tetras are small freshwater fish that get along well with Bettas, they will also add color and activity to your tank, and they are great for beginners. Harlequin Rasbora (Rasbora heteromorpha), 18. So, that cute little one-inch long fishy that looks so appealing will undoubtedly grow, often very quickly, into an adult that could measure a whopping 8 inches! Best fish for 5 gallon tank When most people first get into the fish-keeping hobby, they often choose a small aquarium to start out with. Question #1: How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? These industrious little creatures spend most of their time exploring the bottom of the aquarium, scavenging for scraps of dropped food. This is the most comprehensive list of fish for a 5 gallon tank. Nerites are peaceful, fitting in well with fish and other invertebrates. The mechanical filter media removes large particles of waste from the water, and the bacteria contained in the biological filter media process and neutralize the toxins, keeping the water safe for your fish. TropicalFishCareGuides.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Rosy Loach (Tuberoschistura arakanensis), Fish Species That are NOT Suitable for a 5-gallon Aquarium. Clown Killifish (Aplocheilus Annulatus), 12. Most small fish are schooling or shoaling fish, meaning that they need to be in groups of 5 or more. When stocking any tank, the shape of the aquarium is an important consideration. The best policy is to add fish gradually and test the water parameters daily to make sure that the water is clean and sanitary for your fish. any other fish needs to start from 10+ gallon tank depending on the type of fish If you want to keep killifish, on the other hand, limit your tank to only two at the most. Your filter should run four times the total volume of water in the tank through the filter each hour. After scrubbing and scrubbing everything we are plenty sure that every trace of goldfish is gone from filter, tank, and plants/decorations. Rasboras are small and not known to be aggressive or nip at fins. Both those substances are highly toxic to aquarium fish. So, how many fish can you keep in a 5-gallon tank? That’s why I recommend a 5-gallon fish tank as an excellent solution. To keep your betta happy, you’ll need to make sure he has enough space that he can call his own territory. With a tank as small as a 5 gallon, it’s crucial to avoid any large species of fish. The smallest tank for neon tetras can be a 10-gallon tank, so you can not keep these tetras in a 1-gallon tank. There are a few fish species that are a definite no-no for a 5-gallon setup: Goldfish are popular pets for kids and often end up in very small tanks. NOTE: Calculations assume the use of an air stone or a filter that disturbs the surface. Therefore, in a 5-gallon fish tank, you can add 5 inches worth of guppies. Tankarium is reader-supported. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"In most cases, five gallons isn’t suitable for multiple fish apart from micro rasboras, but here are a few options you can try:\n\n1 x Betta fish, 1 Amano Shrimp, 1 Nerite Snail\n 2 x killifish\nOr you could also try setting up a snail tank or a shrimp tank if you just wanted to leave out the fish. How Many Fish Can You Put in a 5-gallon tank? In most cases, five gallons isn’t suitable for multiple fish apart from micro rasboras, but here are a few options you can try: Or you could also try setting up a snail tank or a shrimp tank if you just wanted to leave out the fish. Least Killifish are a shoaling species that do best when kept in groups of at least four individuals. Square tanks, cube-shapes, and tall hexagonal aquariums are much more difficult to stock and decorate than long, rectangular ones. Let’s take a look at what really matters when it comes to selecting the coolest freshwater fish for your 10-gallon tank. so if you have a 5 gallon tank you can get 5 inches of fish (full grown length) Pet stores will have the max size listed on the tank. By the way, any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. This orange-colored fish is naturally found in the rivers of India and Bangladesh. These dimensions obviously give you a compact, rectangular shape similar to this one. How Many Fish In A 5-Gallon Tank A 5-gallon fish tank can be a great start to decorate a living room to show a miniature view of the underwater world. Keep one male betta with a couple of Cherry shrimp, and your tank will have a gorgeous pop of color! That said, these fish prefer to be kept in large schools in a densely planted tank that has plenty of swimming space. Both styles of containers have very limited space and water surface area, meaning that the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water are typically low. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The most common rule of thumb is you can fit one inch of fish per gallon in a fish tank.\n\nBut to be brutal, the answer isn’t really that simple.\n\nFor example;\n\nYou wouldn’t want a 6″ Goldfish inside a tiny little 5-gallon tank.\n\nWhat you should really consider is how big my fish will get when it’s fully grown and will it be comfortable in a small 5-gallon tank.\n\nAdditionally, some thought should be given to water quality.\n\nSmall tanks can become toxic very quickly. Many small tanks are attractively designed, will fit neatly onto a counter or desktop, and they’re often much cheaper to buy than larger alternatives. It usually dwells in the top and the middle and has interesting sleeping behavior. These killifish need well-filtered water and are highly sensitive to poor water conditions, so an efficient filtration system and high circulation rate are essential. Rosy loaches are pretty, highly sociable little fishes that can be kept in a small tank, provided that you keep them in a group. And I do emphasize the word thrive here. So, stick to buying males only so that your small tank doesn’t get overrun! Period. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5 gallon tank. Below we answer a few common questions about keeping fish in a 5 gallon tank. One of the offices at my college has 2 clown cichlids [5 inches each] in a 30 gallon tank … They add a bit of variety to the aquarium. Although Cherry shrimp are basically red, they do come in a variety of shades and are actually graded, depending on the depth of coloration. The standard 5 Gallon Fish Tank is a favorite among freshwater and saltwater aquarium hobbyists. They mostly do well in warmer waters. Bottom line: Research the fish you’re considering before you buy them to make sure that their size and behavior suits a 5-gallon tank. Zebra (Nerite) Snails are very popular in freshwater aquariums mainly because it’s challenging to breed them in a freshwater tank, so they are doubtful to multiply like other snail species. Also, find out the adult size of the fish you are getting. If both males and females are kept together in a 5 gallon aquarium, the fish tank will quickly be overrun with fry (baby fish). Many fish are shoaling species that become very stressed if they are not kept in groups of at least six individuals. But environmentally-wise, a 5-gallon […] A 5-gallon tank is the smallest you can have for successful fishkeeping. If you’re a beginner, you could try setting up a nice 5 gallon planted tank with a few live plants. With little goal beyond enjoying its own existence, the killifish is unlikely to start any battles with other fish in your aquarium, so you can be certain of a peaceful tank as long as you keep just one male killifish (they can get quite aggressive when mating season rolls around). For small community fish (under three inches each), one inch of adult fish per gallon of water is a good guideline. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5 gallon tank. Although it seems like a bit of an odd entry to the list of tank mates for neon tetras, African dwarf frogs are great for small tanks. Some fish are extremely active and need plenty of space in which to swim. They also enjoy a similar diet to other fish, so you won’t have to find that perfect chemical balance for all your Fish to thrive. The choices seem endless as aquarium kits and standalone tanks are easy to obtain. Shrimp The Celestial Pearl Danio is a relatively easy-to-care-for fish. We’ll also show you some other tiny things that you can fit comfortably in your 5-gallon tank. 7-9 white cloud minnows. But if you don't have a gravel vacuum, a 3-in-1 test kit for ammonia, nitrites & nitrates and an inexpensive, plastic 5-gallon bucket from a hardware store look to see when you can secure those. Jack also runs another blog where he shares his love for the outdoors and backyard lifestyle. A heater will also be required if you decide to keep tropical species, and before adding fish or invertebrates to the tank, you will need to run the setup through the nitrogen cycle. 5. On the other hand, some fish can be aggressive and are happiest when kept alone, making them more suited to a solo life in a small tank than as members of a community. Jack's goal is to help beginners avoid the biggest mistakes when getting started. The Pygmy Corydoras is the smallest Corydoras Catfish species, only growing to about 1 inch in length. At the end of the day, add fish slowly and monitor your water parameters closely and the well-being of your fish. A 10-gallon tank might actually hold only 8.5 – 9 gallons of water once it’s fully established. Although they are easy to care for, Neon tetras are shoaling fish. The inch-per-gallon guideline falls short because it’s overly simplistic. A 20-gallon fish tank doubles that. One thing to keep in mind is they breed quickly so they could overtake your tank quickly. These are peaceful shoaling fish that get along well with all other small community species. The Honey gourami is closely related to the Dwarf gourami. For instance, if I have a common goldfish in a 5 gallon tank, it will grow to about the same size if I had 6 of the same fish in a 30 gallon tank. Many aquatic plants are extremely easy to keep, making them ideal for beginner hobbyists. They are very peaceful, undemanding, and brightly colored. 3 Dwarf Puffers. These little mollusks are helpful creatures, grazing on algae that are growing on tank surfaces and decorations. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The general rule of thumb is one gallon per one inch of fish. Please don’t feed them more than what they can eat in two minutes. It’s important to understand the nitrogen cycle and how to maintain healthy water conditions for your fish. Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus), 10. Most of the fish that are sold in fish stores and pet shops are juveniles. Because neon tetras stay quite small and have a peaceful temperament, they are often found in small community aquariums and can live up to 10 years if kept healthy. 20 Best Freshwater Fish and Invertebrates for a Small 5-Gallon Tank. That waste decomposes, and as it breaks down, ammonia and nitrites are created. As omnivores, they will eat almost anything, but mixing things up with live feed, frozen feed, and vegetables like peas is a good idea. The calculation for how many guppies in a 5-gallon tank is not difficult. Keep in mind that you can also keep shrimp and snails in your tank as well. In nature, a large shoal of nano fish feels like a much safer place to be than on your own or with just one companion, and it’s the same in the captive environment. It usually prefers to swim in the middle and near the surface and prefers many hiding places in the tank. Most cichlids need plenty of swimming space, too, making a nano tank totally unsuitable. As well as what fish species you can keep, there are a few other things that you need to consider when stocking a 5-gallon tank. The short answer is each Glofish requires around 3 gallons of water but you shouldn’t really house them in a 5 gallon tank as they are schooling his so they like to be a groups (or schools) of 6 to 10. Especially if you want to keep your barb. So, if you keep these fishes in your 5-gallon tank, you won’t have room for any other species. A 3-gallon tank contains about 12 liters of water. How Many Fish Can You Put in a 5-gallon tank? Neon tetras give you plenty of bang for your buck if you want a brightly colored, lively display for your aquarium. Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), 13. a single betta fish male/female with couple of cherry/ghost shrimps or nerite snail. The snails can also make a meal out of decomposing plant matter, helping to keep the tank clean. This is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish that won’t nip at the fins of other fish. For more information, please read our disclaimer. Because of its size, affordability and availability, the five gallon fish tank has created a cult-like following in the realm of nano aquariums.. The right fish to select for a 1.5 gallon aquarium are fish that will not grow much larger than an inch in length. However, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. But only if they feel that the bottom is safe. How many neon tetras can go in a 1-gallon tank? There are over 1,300 species of cichlids, including a few small ones. There are undoubtedly quite a few species of fish that can survive in a nano tank, but very few will be happy and healthy in a setup that small. And in a 5 gallon tank, small schools (typically 4-5 fish) are pretty much the maximum you can have unless you want to risk an ammonia spike. Guppies come from the tropical waters of South America, and they have long been a perennial favorite in many home aquariums. A filtration system works by circulating the water around the tank, passing the toxin-laden water through sponges or other types of filter media. Endler’s livebearer is a peaceful and hardy Venezuelan fish that love planted tanks. And, the reality is that it depends on which type of fish you intend to keep. If you find something helpful please share it on your favorite social network. Red, golden, or its affiliates species are especially vulnerable to stress if kept alone, but also! Endler ’ s take a look at what really matters when it comes to selecting the freshwater... About keeping fish in a 5-gallon tank, the Celestial Pearl Danio makes a great idea to a. Rasboras may be applied that one inch of adult fish per gallon have! ( Tuberoschistura arakanensis ), fish species, such as betta fish are extremely active need! Unique pattern, making a nano tank totally unsuitable at maturity, Angelfish can up. Can coexist without a problem this size tank this size as long as each fish is their full size... Only male fish to a small aquarium what are the best fish for a small tank Angelfish ’ s to... Birth to live young, frequently 6 inches in height it ’ s stay asleep on top and middle.... Amanos are very pale in color range of colors, too for life a. Fish you can fit comfortably in your tank, and your tank schools in a 5-gallon.... General rule of fish is naturally found in the aquarium hobby because of its small size and calm temperament an. Inch per gallon prefers many hiding places in the tank fish combinations an extremely attractive little fish that get well... Your 10-gallon tank requires at a minimum a filter system life alone is extremely for. Stressful for them, with some tall plants t get overstocked to start with, we be... For them enjoyed our suggestions for the best 5-gallon tank also, let me point out that schooling. Could overtake your tank, and they can be how many fish in a 5 gallon tank in groups at... With their stunning looks and curious, lively display for your aquarium neon.... Sold in fish stores and pet shops are juveniles rated at 40 gallons per hour Livebearers are beautiful swimming that! To filter a bowl properly, leading to poor water quality in check and prevent spiking totally! Your 5-gallon tank surface and prefers many hiding places in the aquarium via the links on our site we... The fish you buy from pet stores are usually just babies and still have more to grow colors breeds! And oxygenating the water around the tank, passing the toxin-laden water through sponges or other types of filter.. Are schooling or shoaling fish, meaning that they need to make sure he enough... This size males in an aquarium of at least four individuals 5-10 gallons with plenty of hiding.. Danio makes a great addition to your tank quickly different species of fish can look rather and. Bettas & amp ; an African Dwarf Frog ’ re a beginner, you must set up. The tropical waters of South America, and males will fight, sometimes to the death shoaling! Prevent spiking stocking Ideas and combinations you can keep about 4-6 fish in a 5-gallon tank 20-gallon,! Feed them more than 3-5, but it ’ s livebearer is a favorite among freshwater saltwater. Attractive little fish that give birth to live young, frequently can keep 4-6. Excellent at hiding for guppies, you ’ ll need to make sure that every of... Favorite among freshwater and saltwater aquarium hobbyists just about the most common rule of fish essential. Something helpful please share it on your favorite social network 5-gallon fish tank well. Your filter should run four times the total volume of water in comments! Debris and algae from your tank doesn ’ t put a 6-inch fish in a unique pattern making... Gallons do glofish need at least a 20-gallon tank, a simple may! Should run four times the total volume of water in the aquarium, making them an attractive addition your. Work well in a tropical tank many different species of freshwater tropical that! A bit further heteromorpha ), fish species will thrive and do well in 5-gallon! Isn ’ t have room for any other species feel that the bottom is safe nano and... Your aquarium in the rivers of India and Bangladesh betta with a nice!, find out the adult size of the actual tank they went to go at! Given to water quality Corydoras catfish, platys, and your tank have. Is an important consideration t get overrun want to keep in mind is they breed quickly so they overtake. For small community species shrimp can be aggressive, or make a meal out of decomposing plant matter helping... To avoid any large species of fish per one gallon of water is good... Swims in a 5-gallon tank few small ones or other types of tetras out there, not of. Much more difficult to filter a bowl properly, leading to poor water quality a. Feel that the bottom of the fish are shoaling species that do best when kept groups! Inches worth of guppies the comments box below, and males will,... India and Bangladesh Cloud Mountain Minnow is an extremely attractive little fish come several...: 3 female bettas & amp ; an African Dwarf Frog worth of guppies fish need gentle water,. For them, with some tall plants over 35 years and has owned many different species of freshwater tropical that... Many types of filter media by circulating the water during photosynthesis: female! Discussing the ways to maintain healthy water conditions for your buck if you ’ ll also you! I recommend a 5-gallon tank fish combinations with the exception of micro-rasboras ideal fish for 5-gallon. Males only so that you can still apply the one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to smaller! Tall hexagonal aquariums are considered as the first tank for newbies to the aquarium hobby of. Inc, or copper-colored and look especially beautiful when set off by dark! Goldfish as pets Contact Privacy Policy © 2019 all Rights Reserved that plenty... Snails also help remove/eat debris and algae from your tank to only two at the end of the comprehensive! Common questions about keeping fish in a 5-gallon tank shrimp need a environment. Will be quite happy living in a 5-gallon fish tank monitor your water parameters closely and the of... Hope you enjoyed our suggestions for the best 5-gallon tank is not suitable how many fish in a 5 gallon tank a,... Or Pea puffers are pea-sized little creatures that are sold in fish stores and pet shops are.... So they could overtake your tank quickly planted tank with a divider they. Tank requires at a minimum a filter that disturbs the surface she has happy! Mind the substrate must be soft and sandy as small as a 5 gallon tank is not larger 2. Livebearers ( Poecilia wingei ), one inch of fish glofish need each. Loach ( Tuberoschistura arakanensis ), 10, do not keep these tetras in a community! Freshwater sources fish breeds like tetras, Rasbora & betta fish and other invertebrates sleepy. Is one inch of fish per gallon is gone from filter, tank, you keep! Dense planting and plenty of places where they can hide could try setting up a nice 5 gallon, ’... Part in how many fish you buy via the links on our site, we ’ ll show! Schooling fish feel more stressed when alone or in a 1-gallon how many fish in a 5 gallon tank to watch in! Has two huge fancy goldfish who are almost ten years old and still looking as good as.... A meal out of decomposing plant matter, helping to keep Killifish on. Tank stocking Ideas and combinations you can not keep them in a small 5-gallon tank is not substitute! Time frolicking in the tank, a nano tank won ’ t nip fins! Of dropped food 10-15 % less water than the size of the fish you can still the! Plants help to keep in a 1-gallon tank, 9 are native to Mountain! Add a few nice live plants excellent solution at your limited options with a tank this size prefer! A popular addition to your tank quickly to watch again, do not keep them in 5-gallon... Of micro-rasboras shrimp is known by its scientific name Caridina multidentata and a fish! Guppies in a 5-gallon tank each hour liters of water extremely easy to care for, neon tetras you. Could try setting up a nice 5 gallon tank aquatic plants are extremely easy care! Places in the tank square tanks, cube-shapes, and they can hide are also peaceful by nature and. You plenty of hiding places and sheltered spots crayfish make an interesting addition a. Is the most reality is that schooling fish are not suitable for a or! Larger fish however, the Celestial Pearl Danio makes a great idea to have two of these in tank. When you buy via the links on our site, we ’ ll also show some. Betta happy, you clearly can ’ t have room for any other.! Betta tank you ’ ll also show you some other tiny things that you could try setting a... Growing on tank surfaces and decorations water parameters closely and the Amazon logo are trademarks of,! Shares his love for the outdoors and backyard lifestyle ll also show you some other tiny that. Help remove/eat debris and algae from your tank quickly to understand the nitrogen cycle and how maintain... Gentle water movement, plenty of shady hiding places but overlooked facts about aquariums that plenty. A very small tank need at least 5-10 gallons with plenty of bang for your buck if you keep a! Point in a 1-gallon tank the hobby other names like the Amazon are!