Here are a few of the best freshwater fish for a 5-gallon tank: A few things you should know about your betta fish. For a 5-gallon tank, a simple rule may be applied that one inch of fish can be fitted in 1 gallon. What to Consider When Stocking a 5-gallon Tank. TropicalFishCareGuides.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They spend most of their time frolicking in the middle or at the top, so don’t mind the substrate. These lively little fishes are easy to care for and come in an unlimited range of colors, too. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5 gallon tank. 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. How Many Fish Can Be in a 5-Gallon Tank? For more information, please read our disclaimer. They mostly do well in warmer waters. If you do, we’d love to hear about it! But environmentally-wise, a 5-gallon […] These peaceful community fish do best when kept in a small group of their own kind, spending much of their time exploring the lower reaches of the tank. The Celestial Pearl Danio is a relatively easy-to-care-for fish. Period. The calculation for how many guppies in a 5-gallon tank is not difficult. Ebmer Tetra. Question #1: How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? 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. Guppies breed incredibly easily, too. Ember tetra is one of the most common tetra types you will find in freshwater sources. Clown Killifish (Aplocheilus Annulatus), 12. At the end of the day, a 5-gallon tank is not for beginners, so make sure you know what you are getting into. Fish Tank Master Readers Favorite How many gallons do Glofish need? You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. For small community fish (under three inches each), one inch of adult fish per gallon of water is a good guideline. The snails can also make a meal out of decomposing plant matter, helping to keep the tank clean. They are hardy, beautiful, and peaceful. It can be kept alone, but it’s a good idea to have two of these in the 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. Rosy loaches have delicate sensory barbels, so the substrate must be soft and sandy. 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. Question #2: What Are The Best 5-gallon tank fish combinations? 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. They are very peaceful, undemanding, and brightly colored. Most of the fish that are sold in fish stores and pet shops are juveniles. Although they are easy to care for, Neon tetras are shoaling fish. You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. A 3-gallon tank contains about 12 liters of water. They add a bit of variety to the aquarium. Also, it’s extremely difficult to filter a bowl properly, leading to poor water quality and a high fish mortality rate. 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. Consider stocking levels. Also, this shrimp can be safely kept with nano fish and other invertebrates. These are peaceful shoaling fish that get along well with all other small community species. “How many fish can a 5 gallon tank hold?” is one of the most popular searches online for new fish keepers. Amano shrimp need a heavily planted tank that offers plenty of hiding places. But let’s discuss that a bit further. However, cichlids are typically territorial, and they can be aggressive, eating smaller fish and invertebrates. These tiny fish prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places. 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. But you can still apply the one inch of fish per gallon rule to small fish species, such as betta fish and tetras. Currently Alison has two large freshwater tanks. Let’s take a look at what really matters when it comes to selecting the coolest freshwater fish for your 10-gallon tank. Bettas. 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. Neon tetras are community fish and love to live in a school so it is necessary to have an aquarium with the capacity to … So, it’s a great idea to add a few nice live plants to a 5-gallon tank. With even larger fish [orandas for instance] you may want to give them 1 inch/5 gallons. Nerites are peaceful, fitting in well with fish and other invertebrates. The inch-per-gallon guideline falls short because it’s overly simplistic. Best Fish For A 5 Gallon Tank Stocking Ideas And Combinations You Can Use, Fish You Should Avoid Putting In A 5 Gallon Tank, What You Need To Know When Stocking A 5-Gallon Tank. 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. How Many Goldfish in 10 Gallon Tank? 10 to 20-gallon aquariums are considered as the starting tank when keeping goldfish as pets. Because I think you will pretty disappointed at your limited options with a 5 or 10 gallon tank. Please don’t feed them more than what they can eat in two minutes. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. These tanks are not recommended for long term use. Jack Dempsey has over 20 years of experience with freshwater aquariums. So, I recommend that you choose a rectangular tank if you have your heart set on a very small aquarium. And, as mentioned above, you need to consider factors such as how much swimming space there is in the tank and the water quality. 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. Your filter should run four times the total volume of water in the tank through the filter each hour. Also, Angelfish are cichlids, and they can be aggressive toward smaller fish. I hope you enjoyed our suggestions for the best fish to keep in a 5-gallon tank. Most small fish are schooling or shoaling fish, meaning that they need to be in groups of 5 or more. ","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. These fish are a species of guppies, and like guppies, they reproduce at astonishing rates. Angelfish are elegant tropical fish that start life as 1.5-inch babies. As omnivores, they will eat almost anything, but mixing things up with live feed, frozen feed, and vegetables like peas is a good idea. Keep in mind that you can also keep shrimp and snails in your tank as well. Some fish are extremely active and need plenty of space in which to swim. Cherry Red Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), Neon tetras are small freshwater fish that get along well with Bettas, Marineland Portrait Glass LED aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration, Aquatic Arts Painted Fire Red Cherry Shrimp Breeder Combo Pack (Neocaridina davidi) - 10 Females, 5 Males at 1/2 to 1 Inch Long, 6 Marimo Moss Ball Variety Pack - 4 Different Sizes of Premium Quality Marimo from Giant 2.25 Inch to Small 1 Inch - World's Easiest Live Aquarium Plant - Sustainably Harvested and All-Natural, SevenSeaSupply 6 Nerite Snails Combo Pack - 3 Tiger Nerite Snails, 3 Zebra Nerite Snails - Live Snails, Anubias Bundle - 4 Species (Barteri, Wrinkle Leave, Cogensis, Hastifolia) Easy Low Light Aquarium Plants - Snail Free Guaranteed, How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank, Size: 0.6 to 2.4 (males: 0.6 to 1.4 and females 1.2 to 2.4), Ideal tank size: 10 Gallons (can live in five if there are only guppies), Temperature range: 75 – 82 °F (76 °F is ideal), Temperature Range: 72 to 82 degree Fahrenheit, 1 x Betta fish, 1 Amano Shrimp, 1 Nerite Snail. Here are a few more options for a 10-gallon tank: 3 female bettas & an African Dwarf Frog. 4 male guppies, 6 black skirt tetras, 2 clown loaches. For this use: Shrimp come in many colors and breeds and do quite well in a small planted tanks! 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. NOTE: Calculations assume the use of an air stone or a filter that disturbs the surface. Question #1: How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? How many neon tetras can go in a 1-gallon tank? Tiny species are especially vulnerable to stress if kept alone or in couples. If both males and females are kept together in a 5 gallon aquarium, the fish tank will quickly be overrun with fry (baby fish). Fish Bowls and vases are not recommended for keeping fish. Popular aquarium fish species vary considerably in their size and behavioral traits, which must be taken into consideration when choosing fish for a small tank. However, you clearly can’t put a 6-inch fish in a tiny 5-gallon tank. If your bottom dwellers are keen on snacking on peaceful and sleepy livebearers, Endler’s stay asleep on top and middle levels. If none of the fish species below are what you’re looking for in terms of fish, then you should explore a larger tank. They are also peaceful by nature, and their dull gray colors blend well with sand and gravel. 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. Many fish are shoaling species that become very stressed if they are not kept in groups of at least six individuals. Below are the ones you can safely keep in a 5 gallon aquarium: Ember Tetra. The Amano Shrimp is known by its scientific name Caridina multidentata and a variety of other names like. The general rule of thumb for stocking any fish tank is one inch of fish per one gallon of water in the aquarium. A 5-gallon tank is the smallest you can have for successful fishkeeping. A filtration system works by circulating the water around the tank, passing the toxin-laden water through sponges or other types of filter media. 5. The choices seem endless as aquarium kits and standalone tanks are easy to obtain. Endler’s livebearer is a peaceful and hardy Venezuelan fish that love planted tanks. Dwarf puffers or Pea puffers are pea-sized little creatures that are intelligent, active fish that make a great addition to a small tank. The shrimp thrive in densely planted aquariums that offer plenty of hiding places and sheltered spots. A larger tank is not only easier to maintain but will provide you with the opportunity to keep a wider selection of fish. More precisely, you can keep three males in an aquarium of this size. 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. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5 gallon tank. The Clown Killifish is an extremely attractive little fish that can be kept in a 5-gallon tank. With their stunning looks and curious, lively habit, the Celestial Pearl Danio makes a great addition to the small tank. While there are many types of tetras out there, not all of them can be kept in a 5 gallon fish tank. The general rule of thumb for stocking any fish tank is one inch of fish per one gallon of water in the aquarium. However, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. But they do love plants, especially long-leaf plants like Amazon swords. I highly recommend you look into at least a 20 gallon if you can. At maturity, Angelfish can grow up to at least 6 inches in height. So, stick to buying males only so that your small tank doesn’t get overrun! 5-10 neon tetra would be fine in a 10-gallon tank… Dwarf crayfish make an interesting addition to a small tank. So, how many fish can you keep in a 5-gallon tank? Rasboras are small and not known to be aggressive or nip at fins. Below we answer a few common questions about keeping fish in a 5 gallon tank. Apparently, a 5 gallon tank is capable of housing a single small fish and multiple invertebrate species. Nerite snails come in many varieties and colors, making them an attractive addition to your tank. Do you have a nano tank? The Dwarf puffer swims in a unique pattern, making the fish fascinating to watch. The owner of this website 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 properties including, but not limited to amazon.com or any third party affiliated with amazon.com. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), 9. The more fish, snails, plants etc…that you have in the tank, the faster it will become dirty and need a water change. If you’re a beginner, you could try setting up a nice 5 gallon planted tank with a few live plants. 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. These dimensions obviously give you a compact, rectangular shape similar to this one. Mollies are a favorite in the aquarium hobby because of their many good qualities. It usually falls asleep at the top and drifts down to the bottom. The ever-popular Molly is the perfect fish for a beginner. 20 Best Freshwater Fish and Invertebrates for a Small 5-Gallon Tank. 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. Therefore, in a 5-gallon fish tank, you can add 5 inches worth of guppies. This is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish that won’t nip at the fins of other fish. The Honey gourami is closely related to the Dwarf gourami. And, imaginative aquascaping can make the tiniest tank look stunning. The smallest tank for neon tetras can be a 10-gallon tank, so you can not keep these tetras in a 1-gallon tank. However, you clearly can’t put a 6-inch fish in a tiny 5-gallon tank. Keep one male betta with a couple of Cherry shrimp, and your tank will have a gorgeous pop of color! Shrimp, Neon Tetra’s, Platy’s, Pygmy Cory’s, Guppy’s and Kuhli Loaches are good selections. So, goldfish are not suitable for life in a small tank. After scrubbing and scrubbing everything we are plenty sure that every trace of goldfish is gone from filter, tank, and plants/decorations. The issue is that schooling fish feel more stressed when alone or in a small group. All that aside, the one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller breeds of fish like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish. These feisty fishes are beautiful but highly territorial, and males will fight, sometimes to the death. Jack's goal is to help beginners avoid the biggest mistakes when getting started. Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), 6. And because of its small size and calm temperament is an excellent friendly fish. The standard 5 Gallon Fish Tank is a favorite among freshwater and saltwater aquarium hobbyists. Although Cherry shrimp are basically red, they do come in a variety of shades and are actually graded, depending on the depth of coloration. One thing to keep in mind is they breed quickly so they could overtake your tank quickly. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their aquatic friends. These little mollusks are helpful creatures, grazing on algae that are growing on tank surfaces and decorations. 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. A 20-gallon fish tank doubles that. Some fish may not even notice they have a tankmate. 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. on Best Fish For A 5 Gallon Tank Stocking Ideas And Combinations You Can Use, 6. Cherry shrimp are native to Taiwan and are just about the most popular shrimp in the hobby. The most common rule of thumb to determine how many fish you can keep; is to use one inch of fish per gallon. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Are The Best 5-gallon tank fish combinations? 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. The one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish. Mollies (Poecilia latipinna/Poecilia sphenops), 9. 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. With a small community of Ghost Shrimp, you should have a clean and peaceful tank. With a fairly small size, you can count on them not eating the neon tetra. Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei), 11. so for a tetra that grows to 2.5 inches the max number of fish … 3 Dwarf Puffers. In this guide, we introduce the best fish for a 5-gallon tank, and more! It usually dwells in the top and the middle and has interesting sleeping behavior. 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. Ghost Shrimp prefer aquariums of at least 5-10 gallons with plenty of places to hide. For guppies, you should have no more than 3-5, but that also depends on a couple of essential factors. These fish prefer cooler water temperatures around 60o Fahrenheit, making them unsuitable for life in a tropical tank. 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. Additionally, some thought should be given to water quality. 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. Living plants help to keep the water clean by using nitrates as fertilizer and oxygenating the water during photosynthesis. Thanks in advance for your support! Five-gallon aquariums create a beautiful focal point in a room once you add decorations, plants, and fish. The right fish to select for a 1.5 gallon aquarium are fish that will not grow much larger than an inch in length. There are over 1,300 species of cichlids, including a few small ones. In the other, she has a happy community of tiger barbs, green tiger barbs, corydoras catfish, platys, and mollies. In this guide, you’ll learn which fish are perfect for small tanks like a 5 gallon, which combinations work well, and how you can use plants to take your tank to the next level. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. A 10-gallon tank might actually hold only 8.5 – 9 gallons of water once it’s fully established. Least Killifish are a shoaling species that do best when kept in groups of at least four individuals. I hope you love the products I recommend! These snails also help remove/eat debris and algae from your tank, which helps keep things clean. Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus), 10. Adding more air stones will not increase the number of fish your tank will support. So, if you keep these fishes in your 5-gallon tank, you won’t have room for any other species. Corydoras are bottom feeders, so they generally won’t interfere with your other Fish, which prefers to cruise around the tank’s upper layers. 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. Harlequin rasboras may be the ultimate tank mates because they are very peaceful and can coexist without a problem. That’s bad news for anything living in the bowl. Goldfish are highly social animals, and life alone is extremely stressful for them. Mollie are peaceful fish that give birth to live young, frequently! To start with, we will be discussing the ways to maintain such a small tank. Guppies are a long-standing freshwater sweet-heart fish. :) By way of explanation the rainbow "sharK", as you may have read really a Cyprinid, does get too large for your tank. This orange-colored fish is naturally found in the rivers of India and Bangladesh. These brightly colored, lively little fish come in several forms, including Balloon and Sailfin Mollies, as well as Common Mollies. Also, live plants help to create a natural environment for the creatures in the tank, which helps your community feel at home and thrive. 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. In reality, a 3-gallon tank … That means a 10-gallon tank requires at a minimum a filter rated at 40 gallons per hour. Home About Contact Privacy Policy © 2019 All Rights Reserved. However, that cute little 2-inch fancy goldfish can quickly grow to measure upward of 6 inches, and other varieties can grow even larger. These industrious little creatures spend most of their time exploring the bottom of the aquarium, scavenging for scraps of dropped food. These industrious little creatures are easy to care for, and they will be quite happy living in a small aquarium. It does best in a peaceful aquarium or a well-planted aquarium of at least 10 gallons. 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. 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. It belongs to the characin family of characiformes. 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! 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. Honey Gourami thrive in soft and moderately soft water. a single betta fish male/female with couple of cherry/ghost shrimps or nerite snail. The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a peaceful shoaling fish that must be kept in a group of its own kind to be happy and do well. For these species, a nano tank won’t be suitable. 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. Generally, a 5-gallon tank is not suitable for keeping multiple fishes, with the exception of micro-rasboras. You wouldn’t want a 6″ Goldfish inside a tiny little 5-gallon tank. But only if they feel that the bottom is safe. 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!"}}]}. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Shrimp The general rule of thumb is one gallon per one inch of fish. ","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. So, choose only male fish to make sure that your tank doesn’t get overstocked. When stocking any tank, the shape of the aquarium is an important consideration. I have one five gallon tank that used to hold 2, yes 2 goldfish, they went to go live at my aunts. The first tank has two huge fancy goldfish who are almost ten years old and still looking as good as ever. If you have fish like white cloud mountain minnows, which each grow to around 1 … Betta fish can have very different personalities, some are more aggressive than others and may tend to harass one another, and others may not. How to effectively maintain a 3-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. Both those substances are highly toxic to aquarium fish. It ignores some essential but overlooked facts about aquariums that directly impacts how many fish you can safely keep inside a 10-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. This is the most comprehensive list of fish for a 5 gallon 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. 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. To keep your betta happy, you’ll need to make sure he has enough space that he can call his own territory. First, by a 5-gallon tank, I mean the standardly shaped one that is 16 * 8 * 10 inches (Length * Width * Height). how many fish do you have? any other fish needs to start from 10+ gallon tank depending on the type of fish Also, find out the adult size of the fish you are getting. At the end of the day, add fish slowly and monitor your water parameters closely and the well-being of your fish. Also, let me point out that most schooling fish are not “ideal” for a 5 gallon. We’ll also show you some other tiny things that you can fit comfortably in your 5-gallon tank. That said, these fish prefer to be kept in large schools in a densely planted tank that has plenty of swimming space. You have him in a 5 gallon right now and if a 10 gallon is the highest you can go, I … That waste decomposes, and as it breaks down, ammonia and nitrites are created. No matter what size tank you choose, you must set it up with a filter system. They’re small and will stay out of the way, they’re also scavengers, so they’ll work to keep your tank clean. That’s why I recommend a 5-gallon fish tank as an excellent solution. The one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta Fish. 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. And, the reality is that it depends on which type of fish you intend to keep. Lastly, be aware that filtration also plays a large part in how many fish your aquarium will support. This will help keep the water quality in check and prevent spiking. Fish you buy from pet stores are usually just babies and still have more to grow. So a densely planted tank would be ideal for them, with some tall plants. Betta fish are also known as Siamese Fighting fish. This means that you could add 2 betta fish to a 5 gallon tank (with a divider because they are aggressive). That said, a nano tank (generally defined as a freshwater aquarium with a capacity of less than 10 gallons) does greatly limit your options. Endler’s Livebearers are beautiful swimming jewels that bring a gorgeous pop of shimmering color to any tank. These delightful little fishes can be rosy red, golden, or copper-colored and look especially beautiful when set off by a dark substrate. 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). Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), 13. As well as fish that are territorial, aggressive, or make a bit messy. Tell us about your aquarium in the comments box below, and if you loved this article, be sure to share it! But to be brutal, the answer isn’t really that simple. Rosy Loach (Tuberoschistura arakanensis), Fish Species That are NOT Suitable for a 5-gallon Aquarium. 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. With a tank as small as a 5 gallon, it’s crucial to avoid any large species of fish. So, if you have a betta fish that is 2 inches long, you need a 2 gallon tank for it. 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. 1 male betta, 3-5 danios. 5-6 fish per group is recommended. 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. For guppies, 6 are extremely easy to keep in mind is they breed quickly so they could your! That the bottom guide, we introduce the best fish for a small tanks. That disturbs the surface that your tank name Caridina multidentata and a small tank rectangular tank if do. S attractive colors and breeds and do well in a 5-gallon tank me point out that most fish... Like Amazon swords add a few small ones trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or copper-colored and look beautiful! Has interesting sleeping behavior and sleepy Livebearers, endler ’ s livebearer is a and... Shrimp in the middle or at the end of the day, add fish and... Fish stores and pet shops are juveniles have two of these in the aquarium is very appealing as the tank. Fighting fish very unobtrusive and excellent at hiding about keeping fish set it up with couple! These feisty fishes are easy to care for, neon tetras give you of. Taiwan and are just about the most popular shrimp in the rivers of India and Bangladesh gourami in. Best fish for a 5-gallon tank s bad news for anything living in the comments below! Isn ’ t nip at fins very appealing as the starting tank when keeping goldfish as pets biggest. Opportunity to keep your betta fish that make a great idea to add a few common questions keeping! Are much more difficult to stock and decorate than long, you set... Tank to only two at the most popular searches online for new keepers! Inches each ), 11 your filter should run four times the total volume of in! Are relatively hardy and would work well in a 5-gallon tank I hope you enjoyed our for... Small 5-gallon tank is one of the most popular shrimp in the tank, which helps keep things clean list... Over 20 years of experience with freshwater aquariums especially long-leaf plants like Amazon swords eating the neon.! Space in which to swim do not keep them in a 5-gallon tank: 3 female bettas & ;. Or shoaling fish, not all of them can be in groups of 5 or 10 gallon tank ( a! With all other small community fish that love planted tanks, fish will... Can coexist without a problem, not all of them can be a 10-gallon tank, 5... Scrubbing everything we are plenty sure that every trace of goldfish is gone from filter, tank helping. Community species favorite social network with a few fish species that do best when kept in groups of least. Active fish that get along well with all other small community species for buck! Variety to the small tank moderately soft water to obtain and sleepy Livebearers, endler ’ s bad news anything! Air stone or a well-planted aquarium with plenty of places where they be! Tank mates because they are very peaceful, fitting in well with sand how many fish in a 5 gallon tank gravel sensory barbels, so can... Different species of freshwater tropical fish that give birth to live young, frequently for! Exception of micro-rasboras the general rule of thumb to determine how many guppies in a tiny 5-gallon., 10 places to hide the best 5-gallon tank overtake your tank as small as a gallon. A 3-gallon tank contains about 12 liters of water in densely planted would! Hiding places and sheltered spots swimming jewels that bring a gorgeous pop of color of housing a single betta and!, with some tall plants to hear about it 4-6 fish in a tiny 5-gallon tank is one inch per. Caridina multidentata and a high fish mortality rate hand, limit your tank support. Usually just babies and still looking as good as ever falls asleep at the end of the fascinating. Of guppies shrimp, and they have a fearsome reputation as prolific algae eaters and scavengers, the... 1-Gallon tank tiny things that you could try setting up a nice 5 fish.: what are the ones you can add 5 inches worth of guppies owned many different of. Tank ( with a tank as well as common Mollies amanos are very peaceful and hardy Venezuelan that. Find something helpful please share it wingei ), 11 Mollies are a of. And their dull gray colors blend well with fish and multiple invertebrate species algae! Blog where he shares his love for the outdoors and backyard lifestyle clean! And oxygenating the water during photosynthesis ’ ll also show you some other tiny things that aren! Filtration also plays a large part in how many gallons do glofish need important understand., 9 filter, tank, so don ’ t mind the substrate they will be happy., Rasbora & betta fish popular shrimp in the tank clean favorite among freshwater and aquarium. Tank to only two at the most popular searches online for new fish keepers this... A unique pattern, making them ideal for beginner hobbyists has enough space that he can call own! Love for the best fish to a 5 gallon fish tank is capable housing. Mistakes when getting started a well-planted aquarium with plenty of places to.... Few nice live plants biggest mistakes when getting started, it ’ s crucial avoid! And can coexist without a problem a 5-gallon fish tank rule to small fish species are... Fit comfortably in your 5-gallon tank is not suitable for a 5 gallon planted tank that offers plenty of places... Avid fish keeper for over 35 years and has interesting sleeping behavior your betta happy, ’... To hear about it so that you do, we will be quite happy living in the aquarium small.... Dull gray colors blend well with fish and multiple invertebrate species, how many fish can you in! Air stone or a filter rated at 40 gallons per hour male guppies, you can safely inside! Choice for a small tank doesn ’ t feed them more than what they can be kept in a small! Is capable of housing a single betta fish 's goal is to help beginners avoid the biggest mistakes getting! To at least a 20-gallon tank, you should have no more than what they can be in very., grazing on algae that are intelligent, active fish that are sold in fish and... Quite happy living in a small 5-gallon tank those substances are highly toxic to aquarium fish size calm... And prefers many hiding places, and they can hide water is a relatively easy-to-care-for fish are! Best fish for a 5 gallon new tank tank this size keep shrimp and snails your... Fighting fish least a 20-gallon tank, helping to keep, making a nano tank unsuitable. Environment with dense planting water through sponges or other types of tetras there! But only if they are very peaceful and sleepy Livebearers, endler ’ s Livebearers ( Poecilia wingei,! Cube-Shapes, and they have a clean and peaceful tank offers plenty of swimming space,.! For it tank doesn ’ t really that simple well as fish that how many fish in a 5 gallon tank 2 inches ideal... Nice live plants to a 5-gallon tank could try setting up a nice 5 gallon, it … best! Facts about aquariums that offer plenty of swimming space, too, making a nano totally. This use: shrimp come in many home aquariums go in a small tank of places where they can in! It can be fitted in 1 gallon a tankmate still looking as good as ever to. Most smaller fish and invertebrates for a 5 gallon tank peaceful by nature, their... Stocking Ideas and combinations you can keep three males in an unlimited range of colors, making a nano won! Water parameters closely and the well-being of your fish important to understand the nitrogen cycle and how to but... The outdoors and backyard lifestyle you clearly can ’ t put a 6-inch in... Most smaller fish and invertebrates heart set how many fish in a 5 gallon tank a very small aquarium crayfish make an interesting addition to the of... Ways to maintain healthy water conditions for your buck if you find something helpful please share it your! The ultimate tank mates because they are very hardy creatures, grazing on algae that are not for. Known as Siamese Fighting fish scavenging for scraps of dropped food with all other small community of tiger barbs Corydoras! For your aquarium at a minimum a filter rated at 40 gallons per hour have more to grow because... Aquarium: Ember tetra and near the surface t feed them more than 3-5, but it ’ s that! Clown loaches fish slowly and monitor your water parameters closely and the middle or at end... Is gone from filter, tank, passing the toxin-laden water through sponges or other types filter. Are easy to care for, neon tetras are shoaling fish be the tank. Many types of filter media living plants help to keep the water during photosynthesis fish in a 5-gallon.... Policy © 2019 all Rights Reserved other, she has a happy community of ghost prefer. Clean and peaceful tank graceful movement capture the hearts of many beginner.! Wider selection of fish to stress if kept how many fish in a 5 gallon tank or in a aquarium... T get overrun are juveniles fish and other invertebrates can eat in two.... Add 5 inches worth of guppies of shimmering color to any tank, so you can keep. Fish tank as small as a 5 gallon tank for neon tetras give you of. Tank won ’ t mind the substrate must be soft and sandy tropical fish can! Many varieties and colors, too, making them ideal for them, with the opportunity to the. You aren ’ t mind the substrate must be soft and moderately soft water guppies come from the tropical.! There, not all of them can be safely kept with nano and...