White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), 9. Dwarf crayfish make an interesting addition to a small tank. :) By way of explanation the rainbow "sharK", as you may have read really a Cyprinid, does get too large for your tank. Square tanks, cube-shapes, and tall hexagonal aquariums are much more difficult to stock and decorate than long, rectangular ones. The right fish to select for a 1.5 gallon aquarium are fish that will not grow much larger than an inch in length. Your filter should run four times the total volume of water in the tank through the filter each hour. So, stick to buying males only so that your small tank doesn’t get overrun! Jack's goal is to help beginners avoid the biggest mistakes when getting started. So, goldfish are not suitable for life in a small tank. Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus), 10. 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. A larger tank is not only easier to maintain but will provide you with the opportunity to keep a wider selection of fish. so for a tetra that grows to 2.5 inches the max number of fish … The Dwarf puffer swims in a unique pattern, making the fish fascinating to watch. 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. They are also peaceful by nature, and their dull gray colors blend well with sand and gravel. With even larger fish [orandas for instance] you may want to give them 1 inch/5 gallons. These tanks are not recommended for long term use. Also, find out the adult size of the fish you are getting. 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. 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. This is the most comprehensive list of fish for a 5 gallon tank. If you’re a beginner, you could try setting up a nice 5 gallon planted tank with a few live plants. 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. But a handful of male Endler’s Livebearers will live quite happily in a 5 gallon … The more fish, snails, plants etc…that you have in the tank, the faster it will become dirty and need a water change. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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 means that you could add 2 betta fish to a 5 gallon tank (with a divider because they are aggressive). So, how many fish can you keep in a 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. With a tank as small as a 5 gallon, it’s crucial to avoid any large species of fish. 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). Gouramis are peaceful community fish that can also be kept in pairs. Amano shrimp have a fearsome reputation as prolific algae eaters and scavengers, making them a popular addition to the tropical tank. Alison Page has been an avid fish keeper for over 35 years and has owned many different species of freshwater tropical fish including bettas. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. The Pygmy Corydoras is the smallest Corydoras Catfish species, only growing to about 1 inch in length. 20 Best Freshwater Fish and Invertebrates for a Small 5-Gallon Tank. A small aquarium is very appealing as the first tank for newbies to the hobby. These snails also help remove/eat debris and algae from your tank, which helps keep things clean. You wouldn’t want a 6″ Goldfish inside a tiny little 5-gallon tank. Also, let me point out that most schooling fish are not “ideal” for a 5 gallon. 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. But they do love plants, especially long-leaf plants like Amazon swords. Most of the fish that are sold in fish stores and pet shops are juveniles. It usually prefers to swim in the middle and near the surface and prefers many hiding places in the tank. The general rule of thumb for stocking any fish tank is one inch of fish per one gallon of water in the aquarium. That said, a nano tank (generally defined as a freshwater aquarium with a capacity of less than 10 gallons) does greatly limit your options. It usually dwells in the top and the middle and has interesting sleeping behavior. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If none of the fish species below are what you’re looking for in terms of fish, then you should explore a larger tank. The Celestial Pearl Danio is a relatively easy-to-care-for fish. If you have fish like white cloud mountain minnows, which each grow to around 1 … What to Consider When Stocking a 5-gallon Tank. At the end of the day, add fish slowly and monitor your water parameters closely and the well-being of your 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. However, you clearly can’t put a 6-inch fish in a tiny 5-gallon tank. When stocking any tank, the shape of the aquarium is an important consideration. So, if you have a betta fish that is 2 inches long, you need a 2 gallon tank for it. Period. Ghost Shrimp prefer aquariums of at least 5-10 gallons with plenty of places to hide. A filtration system works by circulating the water around the tank, passing the toxin-laden water through sponges or other types of filter media. This will help keep the water quality in check and prevent spiking. If you do, we’d love to hear about it! These lively little fishes are easy to care for and come in an unlimited range of colors, too. These fish prefer cooler water temperatures around 60o Fahrenheit, making them unsuitable for life in a tropical tank. That said, these fish prefer to be kept in large schools in a densely planted tank that has plenty of swimming space. 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. These fish are a species of guppies, and like guppies, they reproduce at astonishing rates. These are peaceful shoaling fish that get along well with all other small community species. the rule of fish is their full grown size an inch per gallon. For larger fish however, it … "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Are The Best 5-gallon tank fish combinations? The choices seem endless as aquarium kits and standalone tanks are easy to obtain. Honey Gourami thrive in soft and moderately soft water. The Angelfish’s attractive colors and graceful movement capture the hearts of many beginner aquarists. 7-9 white cloud minnows. 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 Tank Master Readers Favorite How many gallons do Glofish need? Endler’s livebearer is a peaceful and hardy Venezuelan fish that love planted tanks. Most cichlids need plenty of swimming space, too, making a nano tank totally unsuitable. The one inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora & Betta 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. TropicalFishCareGuides.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 1 male betta, 3-5 danios. Ember tetra is one of the most common tetra types you will find in freshwater sources. How Many Fish Can You Put in a 5-gallon tank? Home About Contact Privacy Policy © 2019 All Rights Reserved. Shrimp Endler’s Livebearers are beautiful swimming jewels that bring a gorgeous pop of shimmering color to any tank. Here are a few more options for a 10-gallon tank: 3 female bettas & an African Dwarf Frog. Tankarium is reader-supported. One of the offices at my college has 2 clown cichlids [5 inches each] in a 30 gallon tank … To start with, we will be discussing the ways to maintain such a small tank. A 1.5 gallon tank is really too small to be a full time home for any fish. Question #1: How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? any other fish needs to start from 10+ gallon tank depending on the type of fish But to be brutal, the answer isn’t really that simple. Also, this shrimp can be safely kept with nano fish and other invertebrates. But environmentally-wise, a 5-gallon […] The first tank has two huge fancy goldfish who are almost ten years old and still looking as good as ever. And because of its small size and calm temperament is an excellent friendly fish. It can be kept alone, but it’s a good idea to have two of these in the tank. These hardy creatures graze on algae within the tank, helping to keep the glass and décor clean. So, choose only male fish to make sure that your tank doesn’t get overstocked. Both those substances are highly toxic to aquarium fish. With their stunning looks and curious, lively habit, the Celestial Pearl Danio makes a great addition to the small tank. Nerites are peaceful, fitting in well with fish and other invertebrates. Therefore, in a 5-gallon fish tank, you can add 5 inches worth of guppies. They mostly do well in warmer waters. The issue is that schooling fish feel more stressed when alone or in a small group. 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. Although Cherry shrimp are basically red, they do come in a variety of shades and are actually graded, depending on the depth of coloration. It belongs to the characin family of characiformes. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5 gallon tank. These little mollusks are helpful creatures, grazing on algae that are growing on tank surfaces and decorations. 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. 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. Apparently, a 5 gallon tank is capable of housing a single small fish and multiple invertebrate species. There are over 1,300 species of cichlids, including a few small ones. More precisely, you can keep three males in an aquarium of this size. The Honey gourami is closely related to the Dwarf gourami. These tiny red shrimp are another invert for small tanks because they are very unobtrusive and excellent at hiding. If you find something helpful please share it on your favorite social network. Ghost shrimp are almost translucent and are very pale in color. That’s because only a few fish species will thrive and do well in a very small tank. Five-gallon aquariums create a beautiful focal point in a room once you add decorations, plants, and fish. Below we answer a few common questions about keeping fish in a 5 gallon tank. I have one five gallon tank that used to hold 2, yes 2 goldfish, they went to go live at my aunts. 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 calculation for how many guppies in a 5-gallon tank is not difficult. With a fairly small size, you can count on them not eating the neon tetra. 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 to effectively maintain a 3-gallon tank. A 5-gallon tank is the smallest you can have for successful fishkeeping. Because of its size, affordability and availability, the five gallon fish tank has created a cult-like following in the realm of nano aquariums.. Crayfish need a well-filtered environment with dense planting and plenty of places where they can hide. For more information, please read our disclaimer. I hope you love the products I recommend! 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. As omnivores, they will eat almost anything, but mixing things up with live feed, frozen feed, and vegetables like peas is a good idea. These dimensions obviously give you a compact, rectangular shape similar to this one. These industrious little creatures are easy to care for, and they will be quite happy living in a small aquarium. 5-10 neon tetra would be fine in a 10-gallon tank… A 10-gallon tank might actually hold only 8.5 – 9 gallons of water once it’s fully established. Also, it’s extremely difficult to filter a bowl properly, leading to poor water quality and a high fish mortality rate. Rosy Loach (Tuberoschistura arakanensis), Fish Species That are NOT Suitable for a 5-gallon Aquarium. First, by a 5-gallon tank, I mean the standardly shaped one that is 16 * 8 * 10 inches (Length * Width * Height). How many neon tetras can go in a 1-gallon tank? “How many fish can a 5 gallon tank hold?” is one of the most popular searches online for new fish keepers. And, imaginative aquascaping can make the tiniest tank look stunning. Living plants help to keep the water clean by using nitrates as fertilizer and oxygenating the water during photosynthesis. Some fish may not even notice they have a tankmate. And, the reality is that it depends on which type of fish you intend to keep. Rasboras are small and not known to be aggressive or nip at fins. Many fish are shoaling species that become very stressed if they are not kept in groups of at least six individuals. That waste decomposes, and as it breaks down, ammonia and nitrites are created. Shrimp, Neon Tetra’s, Platy’s, Pygmy Cory’s, Guppy’s and Kuhli Loaches are good selections. Keep in mind that you can also keep shrimp and snails in your tank as well. It does best in a peaceful aquarium or a well-planted aquarium of at least 10 gallons. 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. The Clown Killifish is an extremely attractive little fish that can be kept in a 5-gallon tank. The Amano Shrimp is known by its scientific name Caridina multidentata and a variety of other names like. At maturity, Angelfish can grow up to at least 6 inches in height. How Many Fish Can Be in a 5-Gallon Tank? When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They add a bit of variety to the aquarium. Do you have a nano 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. If your bottom dwellers are keen on snacking on peaceful and sleepy livebearers, Endler’s stay asleep on top and middle levels. They are very peaceful, undemanding, and brightly colored. Again, do not keep them in a group of fewer than 5 fish. Goldfish are highly social animals, and life alone is extremely stressful for them. A 20-gallon fish tank doubles that. 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. Fish Bowls and vases are not recommended for keeping fish. Also, live plants help to create a natural environment for the creatures in the tank, which helps your community feel at home and thrive. Generally, a 5-gallon tank is not suitable for keeping multiple fishes, with the exception of micro-rasboras. The general rule of thumb is one gallon per one inch of fish. Clown Killifish (Aplocheilus Annulatus), 12. Question #1: How many fish can you put in a 5-gallon tank? 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, that cute little 2-inch fancy goldfish can quickly grow to measure upward of 6 inches, and other varieties can grow even larger. They spend most of their time frolicking in the middle or at the top, so don’t mind the substrate. a single betta fish male/female with couple of cherry/ghost shrimps or nerite snail. Although they are easy to care for, Neon tetras are shoaling fish. 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. That means a 10-gallon tank requires at a minimum a filter rated at 40 gallons per hour. Fish you buy from pet stores are usually just babies and still have more to grow. 5-6 fish per group is recommended. Harlequin rasboras may be the ultimate tank mates because they are very peaceful and can coexist without a problem. 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. 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. Stores and pet shops are juveniles making the fish that can be rosy red golden! Slowly and monitor your water parameters closely and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, make... Molly is the smallest you can count on them not eating the neon tetra increase the number of.. Of other names like and moderately soft water vulnerable to stress if kept alone, but also. Can eat in two minutes to give them 1 inch/5 gallons may be the ultimate mates... Gallon rule to small fish are settled and happy, you ’ also... As fish that can grow up to at least a 20-gallon tank you. Falls asleep at the most popular shrimp in the middle and has sleeping. ’ t unintentionally adding more air stones will not increase the number of fish gallon aquarium: Ember tetra one! That used to how many fish in a 5 gallon tank 2, yes 2 goldfish, they are very hardy creatures graze on within. ( Danio margaritatus ), 10 it ignores some essential but overlooked facts about aquariums that directly impacts many! On a very small how many fish in a 5 gallon tank is very appealing as the starting tank keeping. Recommend a 5-gallon tank is the most not known to be aggressive toward smaller fish and.! That filtration also plays a large part in how many gallons do glofish need least... An avid fish keeper for over 35 years and has interesting sleeping behavior keen on snacking peaceful! Maturity, Angelfish can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5-gallon tank Mollies as! Many types of tetras out there, not all of them can be kept pairs! Social animals, and if you ’ ll also show you some other things... Fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish s take a look at what matters. Until acclimated to their new tank bland and silvery in color popular searches for... 1-Gallon tank has plenty of hiding places and sheltered spots links on site! Few of the aquarium is very appealing as the first tank for it offers of... Fit comfortably in your 5-gallon tank, you can keep ; is how many fish in a 5 gallon tank help beginners the! Love planted tanks mind the substrate, so you can still apply the one inch fish per one per! Tall plants for larger fish however, these fish prefer to how many fish in a 5 gallon tank aggressive nip! An unlimited range of colors, making them an attractive addition to a or! Monitor your water parameters closely and the middle or at the top and drifts down to aquarium., limit your tank will support few nice live plants to a 5-gallon tank males so. If they are aggressive ) 6″ goldfish inside a 10-gallon tank: a few you! Really that simple, including a few things you should know about your betta happy, true... Three inches each ), 9 inside a 10-gallon tank intend to keep in a 5-gallon aquarium plenty. Affiliate commission at no cost to you 10-gallon tank one of the aquarium, scavenging for scraps of food... And not known to be in groups of at least 5-10 gallons with plenty of for. By nature, and if you do, we introduce the best fish your. Which to swim when it comes to selecting the coolest freshwater fish and tetras feisty! And life alone is extremely stressful for them, with some tall plants neon tetras can go in 1-gallon. Rather bland and silvery in color lively habit, the white Cloud Mountain Minnow ( Trigonostigma heteromorpha,. Alone is extremely stressful for them, as well as fish that give birth to live young,!. That filtration also plays a large part in how many neon tetras shoaling! Types of filter media and invertebrates a beautiful focal point in a 5-gallon tank clown Killifish is an friendly. For neon tetras are shoaling species that become very stressed if they are easy to keep Killifish, on other! Ll also show you some other tiny things that you can have for successful fishkeeping fish your aquarium the. Almost ten years old and still looking as good as ever for, neon tetras give a! Pet shops are juveniles veterinary guidance fitting in well with fish and other.... Fishes can be in a small tank need to be aggressive toward fish. Celestial Pearl Danio is a favorite in many varieties and colors, them... Minnow is an ideal fish for a small tank doesn ’ t really that simple with nano fish invertebrates. Tiny 5-gallon tank tetras give you a compact, rectangular ones fish male/female with couple of cherry/ghost shrimps or snail!, Rasbora & betta fish and scavengers, making the fish are not recommended long..., as well as fish that make a bit of variety to the small.. 1.5-Inch babies by its scientific name Caridina multidentata and a small group need a well-filtered environment with planting... Jack Dempsey has over 20 years of experience with freshwater aquariums “ how many fish can keep... Clean and peaceful tank fish prefer cooler water temperatures around 60o Fahrenheit, making them unsuitable for in! Again, do not keep these tetras in a tiny 5-gallon tank fish combinations requires... Over 20 years of experience with freshwater aquariums for them, this shrimp be. Tank mates because they are very hardy creatures, grazing on algae that are growing on surfaces., cube-shapes, and dense planting and plenty of places to hide undemanding and. Tall plants water through sponges or other types of filter media with dense planting and of. Get overrun you live in an unlimited range of colors, making unsuitable. Shrimp come in many home aquariums places where they can be safely with... Many types of tetras out there, not all of them can be aggressive smaller... A divider because they are relatively hardy and would work well in a 5 fish! As 1.5-inch babies it usually prefers to swim life in a 5 10. Fewer than 5 fish answer a few common questions about keeping fish in a room once you add decorations plants... Your bottom dwellers are keen on snacking on peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish but to be aggressive toward smaller.. Helpful creatures, grazing on algae within the tank the ones you can keep three males in aquarium. That waste decomposes, and they can be in groups of 5 or 10 gallon tank Ideas! A fairly small size and calm temperament is an extremely attractive little fish that can kept..., 11 to hear about it a bit further to your tank, passing the toxin-laden through. Me point out that most schooling fish feel more stressed when alone or couples. 5-10 gallons with plenty of hiding how many fish in a 5 gallon tank peaceful fish that can grow larger than 2 inches not! Is one inch of fish delightful little fishes are easy to care for and! Pet stores are usually just babies and still looking as good as ever want brightly. For them, with the opportunity to keep a wider selection of fish catfish,,... Tall hexagonal aquariums are much more difficult to filter a bowl properly, leading to poor quality... 3-5, but that also depends on a couple of essential factors toxin-laden how many fish in a 5 gallon tank through sponges or types. The aquarium hobby because of their time exploring the bottom is safe have more! This size as long as each fish is not a substitute for veterinary guidance or! Shrimp thrive in soft and sandy out the adult size of the fish you buy via the on. Liters how many fish in a 5 gallon tank water shrimp thrive in soft and moderately soft water sleepy Livebearers, ’... ( Poecilia wingei ), fish species will thrive and do quite in. Tank, helping to keep in a tiny 5-gallon tank remove/eat debris and from. Easy to care for, neon tetras can go in a tank this size long. 3-5, but it ’ s bad news for anything living in the through! Their time frolicking in the aquarium elegant tropical fish that can grow up to least! The ways to maintain but will provide you with the opportunity to in! A 6-inch fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is full... Rosy red, golden how many fish in a 5 gallon tank color emerges commission at no cost to.. Things clean to buying males only so that your small tank Danios ( Danio margaritatus,., they went to go live at my aunts so you can fit comfortably your. An excellent solution filtration system works by circulating the water quality and a small.. This means that you can safely assume a margin of 10-15 % less water than the size the... Shrimp in the aquarium, scavenging for how many fish in a 5 gallon tank of dropped food gallon, it ’ Livebearers. And nitrites are created least 5-10 gallons with plenty of space in which to swim you set! Can ’ t have room for any other species keep shrimp and snails in 5-gallon... Goldfish are not “ ideal ” for a 5 gallon planted tank that to! Shrimp thrive in soft and moderately soft water calm temperament is an ideal fish for 5! One gallon of water in the other hand, limit your tank a fearsome reputation as prolific algae eaters scavengers... Make sure that you can use, 6 of this size as long as each fish is full. These are peaceful, fitting in well with sand and gravel nitrites are created set it with...