5 Great Fish to Keep in a 5-Gallon Tank

For various reasons, small tanks tend to attract many newcomers to the aquarium hobby even though they would actually be better off with larger tanks. What many beginners don’t realize is that tanks that hold less than 10 gallons, which are often called “nanotanks,” require more frequent water changes, cleaning, and maintenance. Purchasing a 10 to 20-gallon rectangular tank (which you can buy from a reliable aquarium supplier such as Aquatic Warehouse) is the best scenario if you’re getting started in the hobby. However, this may not always be possible because of space constraints. Once you set up a 5-gallon tank with plants, substrate, and a couple of rocks for decoration, you won’t have much room left to stock with fish, which is why you need to be careful with the species you choose. Here are some recommendations.

1. Neon Tetras

If you don’t mind stocking your tank with just one species, consider a school of four or five Paracheirodon innesi, more commonly known as neon tetras. These highly colorful fish are native to the Amazon, which means you’ll have to keep them in a planted tank. Many aquarists who start out with a small school of tetras end up getting larger tanks for breeding because some of the color combinations are striking.

2. Danios

You’ll have no problem finding many different types of danios that not only have the benefit of active movements and nice colors, but are also very hardy. Some even have markings similar to trout. Just stay away from the giant danio species that grow to 3 inches long.

3. Guppies

Male Poecilia reticulata are small, attractive, and very energetic. They spend all day swimming, playing, and waiting for feeding time. Although they’re not technically schooling fish, they appreciate company and will get along with other species. A five-gallon tank can accommodate no more than five guppies. The reason you only want males is because this species is extremely prolific in terms of breeding.

4. Pygmy Cory Catfish

Corydoras pygmaeus are tiny versions of cory catfish that will grow less than an inch. The advantage of small cory catfish is that they enjoy feeding on algae, thus helping you keep the tank clean. You should have at least three pygmy cory fish so they can school together, and you can mix them up with a couple of guppies or three neon tetras.

5. Betta Fish

You can only keep a single betta in a tank because of its fighting instinct. This majestic fish thrives in a solitary environment and will grow larger and more colorful if you take good care of its ecosystem. Male betta fish are far more attractive than females, and they won’t mind sharing the aquarium with ghost shrimp or crayfish. They sometimes get along with Ottocinclus catfish as well.

No matter the size of aquarium you have, you need to have several essential supplies on hand to properly maintain the tank. Whether you need a dosing pump, LED lighting, a protein skimmer, testing kits, or any other aquarium supplies, you can find what you need at Aquatic Warehouse. Check out our website to see our vast selection of products, or stop by our store located in Kearny Mesa. If you have any questions for our friendly and knowledgeable staff, please give us a call at 858-467-9297.