Fluval Spec 5 Litre

[Joelewis28]

Hi

New to the tropical fish experience

I have a fluval spec 5 litre and ready to put fish in. Will be going tomorrow so I wondered if there are any recommendations for the first couple of fish to put in my tank?

Much appreciated

Joe

 

[fm1978]

I'm quite new too, but, I'm led to believe 5L is very small - your choices might be very limited. Maybe a couple of neon tetras or maybe a couple of endler guppies? I've heard the general rule of thumb, although not a perfect theory, is 1cm of fish per litre using the adult size of the fish as your guide. How about some shrimp?

 

[Shelster]

Hmmm, is this really a five litre? Or a five gallon?

Have you a filter and heater? Have you cycled the tank? http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/421488-cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first/

If its five gallon as in 23 litres ish, check out these possibilities http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/418749-nano-fish/

If five litres not much at all, even a bit tight for a few shrimp.

 

[SmokedPaprika]

Hi and 

 
Re: the tank, do you mean the 5 gallon?  I wasn't aware there was a 5 litre Spec.  If there were, I'd say it's too small to put fish in.  If you have the 5 gallon/19 litre...betta splendens?  Endlers?  Check out the nano tank section for more ideas just be wary of the gap in the top as some fish may be able to jump through.

Also, have you cycled the tank?  If not, please don't put fish in it yet - have a look at the 'Cycle your Tank' section, which will talk you through what to do.  I know it sounds like a total pain, and the guy in your fish store will probably tell you the fish will do fine without it, but honestly it is so important for the welfare of the fish and the longterm success of the tank!  

 

[Shelster]

Welcome to the forum

 

[fm1978]

Oh and you should definitely read up on cycling your tank before you add fish!

 

[Joelewis28]

Oh Jesus yeah I meant 5 gallon! Can tell I'm a new starter ay? Haha

Yeah it's all ready for fish my brother in law has help me set it up and done the cycle. He's had fish most his life so knows what's going on.

Wanted to get other people's views on what fish to add first. Also isit worth getting shrimp aswellmas fish? Do they help clean the tank?

Thanks for all your replies!

 

[ech0o]

Yea i'd say some different possibilities are endlers or another fancy guppy type,  dwarf loaches, pygmy cory's.  There are some pretty shrimp that would go great in the spec, they clean extra food off the bottom, but stick to the general rule of 1 inch of fish per gallon of tank.  With shrimp you can cheat but it is a good standard.

 

[Joelewis28]

Think I will start with a couple of guppys! Would I be able to put in a betta and some neons? Are they compatible? Also shall I get the shrimp along with my first fish or add later?

Thanks again

 

[Shelster]

A betta wouldn't be compatible with guppies or neons IMO.

I do have a betta in my 54 litre with 6 black neons however - it does depend on the betta. Guppies are a bit too in your face for a betta.

I also have a betta in a 22 litre on his own, they are great characters, may be worth giving one a chance and getting a fish with character?

You could just add a betta and some shrimp? Although they do like to eat the odd shrimp, but the larger quicker ones would be ok but I can't remember their name now

 

[Blondielovesfish]

Neons need a tank of around 15 gallons as they are very active fish. I would not recommend putting some in a 5 gallon.
Also, most Bettas aren't compatible with guppies. I would recommend having one or the other, not both.

 

[ncguppy830]

 a single betta or some endlers 5 gallon is small

 

[SmokedPaprika]

If you want a betta plus something else, maybe look at amano shrimp - I have no personal experience with them but they're larger than most shrimp varieties and quite a few members seem to keep them with their bettas.  Just bear in mind that you *might* get one of those very feisty bettas that will go for anything and everything...

 

[Joelewis28]

Got a couple of Guppys will probs add a shrimp or 2

When cleaning do I add more tap safe when I put more water in? Also what's best to clean gravel. I'm from London and nearest pet shop is pets at home

Thanks

 

[fm1978]

Good luck with your guppies and shrimp, they should be totally fine together!

Yes, you definitely should add tap safe, or whatever type of dechlorinator you have, following the directions very closely, each and every time you do a water change and add more water.

As for the gravel cleaning, pets at home have fairly cheap gravel cleaners, about £5-£6 for the small ones which should be more than ample for your tank.

Best of luck and enjoy your new tank!