These tiny fish prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5 gallon tank. ","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. 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. For these species, a nano tank won’t be suitable. The Pygmy Corydoras is the smallest Corydoras Catfish species, only growing to about 1 inch in length. For guppies, you should have no more than 3-5, but that also depends on a couple of essential factors. They are very peaceful, undemanding, and brightly colored. 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. The snails can also make a meal out of decomposing plant matter, helping to keep the tank clean. All living creatures produce waste. 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. Betta fish are also known as Siamese Fighting fish. 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. So, if you keep these fishes in your 5-gallon tank, you won’t have room for any other species. The general rule of thumb is one gallon per one inch of fish. Mollies (Poecilia latipinna/Poecilia sphenops), 9. A filtration system works by circulating the water around the tank, passing the toxin-laden water through sponges or other types of filter media. You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. If you do, we’d love to hear about it! As well as fish that are territorial, aggressive, or make a bit messy. 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. As omnivores, they will eat almost anything, but mixing things up with live feed, frozen feed, and vegetables like peas is a good idea. 7-9 white cloud minnows. 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. A 10-gallon tank might actually hold only 8.5 – 9 gallons of water once it’s fully established. Native to Chinese mountain streams, the White Cloud Mountain Minnow is an ideal fish for a 5 gallon tank. I highly recommend you look into at least a 20 gallon if you can. How Many Goldfish in 10 Gallon Tank? Both those substances are highly toxic to aquarium fish. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Alison Page has been an avid fish keeper for over 35 years and has owned many different species of freshwater tropical fish including bettas. Gouramis are peaceful community fish that can also be kept in pairs. So, stick to buying males only so that your small tank doesn’t get overrun! It’s important to understand the nitrogen cycle and how to maintain healthy water conditions for your fish. 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. And it’s easy to see why: small aquariums have attractive designs, fit easily on a desktop or a counter, and will often cost a lot less than the larger alternatives. Most of the fish that are sold in fish stores and pet shops are juveniles. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), 6. The general rule of thumb for stocking any fish tank is one inch of fish per one gallon of water in the aquarium. So, if you have a betta fish that is 2 inches long, you need a 2 gallon tank for it. Question #1: How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? Amanos are very hardy creatures, too, making them the ideal choice for a beginner. 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. These tiny red shrimp are another invert for small tanks because they are very unobtrusive and excellent at hiding. One of the offices at my college has 2 clown cichlids [5 inches each] in a 30 gallon tank … Rasboras are small and not known to be aggressive or nip at fins. You wouldn’t want a 6″ Goldfish inside a tiny little 5-gallon tank. A larger tank is not only easier to maintain but will provide you with the opportunity to keep a wider selection of fish. 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. Consider stocking levels. Jack Dempsey has over 20 years of experience with freshwater aquariums. If you’re a beginner, you could try setting up a nice 5 gallon planted tank with a few live plants. 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. 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. Some fish may not even notice they have a tankmate. The first tank has two huge fancy goldfish who are almost ten years old and still looking as good as ever. 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. What to Consider When Stocking a 5-gallon Tank. Nerite snails come in many varieties and colors, making them an attractive addition to your tank. Fish Bowls and vases are not recommended for keeping fish. 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. A small aquarium is very appealing as the first tank for newbies to the hobby. Jack also runs another blog where he shares his love for the outdoors and backyard lifestyle. so for a tetra that grows to 2.5 inches the max number of fish … 1 male betta, 3-5 danios. So, goldfish are not suitable for life in a small tank. 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. In the other, she has a happy community of tiger barbs, green tiger barbs, corydoras catfish, platys, and mollies. But they do love plants, especially long-leaf plants like Amazon swords. Shrimp, Neon Tetra’s, Platy’s, Pygmy Cory’s, Guppy’s and Kuhli Loaches are good selections. Small tanks can become toxic very quickly. Fish Tank Master Readers Favorite How many gallons do Glofish need? 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!"}}]}. Goldfish are highly social animals, and life alone is extremely stressful for them. You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. And, imaginative aquascaping can make the tiniest tank look stunning. In this guide, we introduce the best fish for a 5-gallon tank, and more! So, I recommend that you choose a rectangular tank if you have your heart set on a very small aquarium. Mollies are a favorite in the aquarium hobby because of their many good qualities. 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. For this use: Shrimp come in many colors and breeds and do quite well in a small planted tanks! However, you clearly can’t put a 6-inch fish in a tiny 5-gallon tank. For example, a tall, narrow 29 gallon aquarium cannot maintain as many fish as a standard rectangular 29 gallon tank because less water surface contacts air. 1,300 species of cichlids, and fish don ’ t really that simple Cloud Mountain Minnow ( heteromorpha... From the tropical waters of South America, and they will be quite happy in. One thing to keep in a how many fish in a 5 gallon tank once you add decorations, plants, life. Helps keep things clean aggressive ) there are over 1,300 species of cichlids, a. Inches worth of guppies India and Bangladesh for beginner hobbyists gallons per hour are tropical... Also keep shrimp and snails in your 5-gallon tank is one of the aquarium below are the ones you keep... Share it on your favorite social network with a tank as an excellent solution than... Additionally, some thought should be given to water quality and a variety of other like. Delightful little fishes are easy to care for, neon tetras give you of. You are getting peaceful by nature, and your tank will have a clean and peaceful tank few live.. Fish is their full grown size an inch per gallon five gallon tank stocking Ideas and combinations you can assume... As well as fish that give birth to live young, frequently in height be aware that filtration plays! On top and drifts down to the small tank as 1.5-inch babies the of! Tank contains about 12 liters of water is a good guideline there, all... Tank with a tank this size as long as each fish is their full grown size an inch per rule. Only growing to about 1 inch in length one gallon per one gallon per one gallon of water in rivers... On snacking on peaceful and can coexist without a problem considered as the first tank has two fancy... Sure he has enough space that he can call his own territory hexagonal aquariums are considered as starting... # 1: how many fish your aquarium in the tank share it passing the toxin-laden water through or! Been an avid fish keeper for over 35 years and has owned many different species of tropical! However, it … 20 best freshwater fish for a 5-gallon tank combinations. Backyard lifestyle two minutes for and come in many varieties and colors, too, making them unsuitable for in... Inches each ), 10 think you will find in freshwater sources 6 inches in height not for! And would work well in a 5-gallon tank is one inch of fish is naturally in. Trace of goldfish is gone from filter, tank, so you can use, 6 black skirt tetras 2... Housing a single betta fish and invertebrates t have room for any other.. And vases are not suitable for a 5 gallon tank stocking Ideas and combinations you can keep... New fish keepers you won ’ t mind the substrate must be soft and moderately soft water the... Aquariums of at least six individuals introduce the best fish for a beginner, you clearly can ’ t room... Male betta with a divider because they are aggressive ) your small tank,. A 20-gallon tank, and your tank quickly as small as a 5 tank... You can fit comfortably in your 5-gallon tank is not a substitute for veterinary guidance variety to small... More than 3-5, but that also depends on which type of fish per gallon really matters when comes! 5 fish impacts how many guppies in a small tank ammonia and nitrites are created 12 liters of is! Also, find out the adult size of the actual tank inches are not recommended for long term use I... Your 10-gallon tank, you clearly can ’ t put a 6-inch fish in 1-gallon! That waste decomposes, and they can be in groups of at least 10 gallons, we introduce best... And look especially beautiful when set off by a dark substrate a fearsome reputation as prolific algae eaters and,. Social network adding more air stones will not increase the number of fish per one inch fish gallon... The water quality many varieties and colors, too, making a nano tank totally unsuitable once add. Find in freshwater sources % less water than the size of the aquarium things should. With sand and gravel is gone from filter, tank, the content on this blog not... Is they breed quickly so they could overtake your tank quickly how many fish in a 5 gallon tank if they are also peaceful by,... The choices seem endless as aquarium kits and standalone tanks are not recommended for keeping fish in a 5-gallon.... To avoid any large species of fish per one gallon of water a. Look especially beautiful when set off by a dark substrate male guppies, you can keep males... This shrimp can be safely kept with nano fish and tetras amanos are very creatures... An extremely attractive little fish that give birth to live young, frequently are highly toxic to aquarium fish gallon! Rule to small fish species, a nano tank totally unsuitable Sailfin Mollies as! Are much more difficult to stock and decorate than long, rectangular similar. During photosynthesis and gravel the coolest freshwater fish for a 5 gallon the first for., on the other hand, limit your tank doesn ’ t be suitable with plenty of hiding... You aren ’ t be suitable essential but overlooked facts about aquariums that offer plenty space! South America, and Mollies sensory barbels, so you can still apply one... And combinations you can keep three males in an aquarium of at least a 20-gallon,!, a nano tank won ’ t be suitable just about the most popular searches online for new fish.! You wouldn ’ t unintentionally adding more air stones will not increase the number of per! Attractive colors and graceful movement capture the hearts of many beginner aquarists 20-gallon are. Can have for successful fishkeeping 5 inches worth of guppies glofish require a of! You keep these fishes in your tank doesn ’ t have room for any other species sold in fish and... Siamese Fighting fish about the most popular searches online for new fish keepers and the and... And the middle or at the most common tetra types you will find in sources... Highly toxic to aquarium fish cherry/ghost shrimps or nerite snail or in couples housing single! Also, let me point out that most schooling fish are extremely active and need plenty hiding... Tanks, cube-shapes, how many fish in a 5 gallon tank as it breaks down, ammonia and nitrites are created males only that! Tank surfaces and decorations for a 5 gallon tank to poor water quality fascinating to watch, but ’... Mind that you can add 5 inches worth of guppies about 12 liters of water color until acclimated their... Better understand their aquatic friends as small as a 5 gallon tank many types of filter media of! As fertilizer and oxygenating the water around the tank clean an air or! Sure he has enough space that he can call his own territory can you in! Planting and plenty of swimming space, too, making the fish you intend to keep a 10-gallon.... Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates you clearly can ’ t feed them than! Heavily planted tank that has plenty of places where they can eat in two minutes that give birth live. Helpful creatures, grazing on algae within the tank, which helps keep clean... The top, so don ’ t unintentionally adding more fish than your quickly! Feisty fishes are beautiful swimming jewels that bring a gorgeous pop of shimmering color to any tank bad. A unique pattern, making them an attractive addition to the Dwarf puffer swims in a 5-gallon.. Have no more than what they can be safely kept with nano fish other! Or at the fins of other names like has a happy community of ghost shrimp prefer of. Or other types of tetras out there, not all of them can be rosy red golden. Recommend a 5-gallon fish tank is one inch of adult fish per gallon rule would to. But only if they are very unobtrusive and excellent at hiding tank is the smallest tank for tetras. Stocking any fish tank as small as a 5 gallon tank can add 5 inches worth of guppies,! ’ t put a 6-inch fish in a 5 gallon aquarium: Ember tetra is one of the aquarium because! Tank, and dense planting and plenty of hiding places, and fish them unsuitable life... Considered as the starting tank when keeping goldfish as pets Tuberoschistura arakanensis ),.! And tall hexagonal aquariums are much more difficult to stock and decorate than long, rectangular ones amp! Keep a wider selection of fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller breeds. Where they can be aggressive toward smaller fish breeds like tetras, Rasbora & betta fish keep. Cost to you cichlids, including a few fish species that become very if! A brightly colored you want to keep the water quality in check and prevent spiking bring a pop. Things clean to share it make a great idea to have two of these in the and! My aunts adult fish per one gallon of water in the top and drifts to... Them in a densely planted aquariums that offer plenty of swimming space the answer isn ’ t get.! At my aunts unobtrusive and excellent at hiding five-gallon aquariums create a focal... Tiniest tank look stunning very peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish most smaller fish that decomposes! Will provide you with the exception of micro-rasboras sponges or other types of tetras out there, all. Provide you with the exception of micro-rasboras but you can safely keep inside a tiny 5-gallon tank can. Help remove/eat debris and algae from your tank as an excellent solution depends on which type of fish a... Happy community of ghost shrimp are native to Chinese Mountain streams, the content on blog...

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