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I have a 5 gallon minibow and I was wondering what kind of fish I should put in it. Is there any fish that can be in that small of an aquarium, like in a pair? I'd like to have more than one fish, but I know the space is limited. Anyone had a 5g before w/ just a couple interesting fish?

*Kristin*

Haha, you sort of remind me of myself.

I had a 5 gallon minibowl when I started the hobby. It had 2 opaline gouramis, a common pleco, a pair of white skirt tetras, an a black phantom tetra. Kiddies, don't try this at home.....

Anyway, the fish outgrew the tank and either died or were given away. Now the tank has been in storage for 2 years. However, I plan on bringing it back as a brevis breeding tank this summer.

Although your choices are limited, you could have some fish in there including:

1 male betta

several mild tempered female bettas.

about 5 African Dwarf Frogs However I would take the filter out because the whisper that comes with a minibowl is too powerful and will kill the frogs. I would also lower the water level considerably so the frogs could not escape from the opening on top of the tank. All in all, I would not suggest ADFs for your tank.

a pair of cherry barbs

a pair of n. Brevis (African shelldwelling chichlids)

a trio of male guppies

or a trio of dwarf puffers (1 m 2 fm)

you could also do fiddeler or red claw crabs

Kitten has a lovely thred on this under "small tank stocking, I'll see if I can link you. It is very informative, especially since I contributed a small part to it

Best of luck and welcome to our board
- DJ :88)

Thanks...I have a 10g now and I'm gonna add some fish to it soon, but my boyfriend is giving me his 5g since he moved his fish up. I decided to take the 5 and put a couple of fish in it. This hobby is very addicting. I wish I could get a huge aquarium..but I'm gonna stick to the small now..especially if they're free! Thanks for the suggestions..I was eyeing the dwarf puffers in the store last time I was there...I might get a few of them. Do you know anything about them?

*Kristin*

Unfortunately not, but if you ask a few questions in the puffer forum, you're bound to get some people who do. I wish they sold dwarf puffers by me but sadly I have never seen one in my life.

- DJ :88)

[link=Small Tank Stocking Article]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/General%20Freshwater/55574.html" style="COLOR: #9900FF[/link]

Since it was brought up...

Anyway, I'm going to argue with dj on the filter point. I have the same tank and the filter can be turned down (I believe there's four settings) to the point where it would be safe for ADF's. I have had a very long tailed betta in there, guppy fry, shrimp... none have had any problems.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

Lots of good suggestions here I have the same tank and have changed it around a number of times

Keeping female bettas together in a 5g depends on the individual personality of the girls.

I really like cherry barb pairs. The males have fantastic bright red coloring, the females aren't as bright but still pretty, and they're very peaceful.

A group of male Endler's would be colorful.

Sparkling gouramis are another choice.

I also have a 6g Eclipse set up as a paludarium with fiddler crabs; I may end up adding my bumblebee gobies to the tank. You can see pics of it here.

Dwarf puffers would work. One of the few fish that can be kept with them are otos. Here are a couple dwarf puffer links you can check out:

http://www.rr.iij4u.or.jp/~kohda/en/en-dwarfpuffer.htm

http://puffernet.tripod.com/travancoricus.html

Good luck and keep us posted

Edit: Regarding ADFs, I've never had a problem with them and filters. Another common stocking option is a male betta with an ADF or two.

Last edited by Theresa_M at 01-Apr-2005 09:50

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm really leaning toward the dwarf puffers..I have to get all the info I can though since they aren't really for beginners. I have to see if I can locate a fish store that sells snails, since the puffers need them to eat. I will update ya'll when I finally make a decision and buy something for the tank. I have 2 danios in a 10g now and I'm going to buy them some new friends first. Thanks for the info!

*Kristin*