New Tank

[Alex1110]

Hey everyone

Im thinking of setting up a small tank at work. Im thinking 5 gallons or something. Whats the deal with filtering and lighting? I know i dont need to filter with a beta, but what other fish could i keep, i was thinking neon or cardinal tetras...how many? Other suggestions?

And has anyone ever heard of an elephant nose fish?

Thanks!

 

[fishkers]

5 Gallon tanks are neat but small and tight for fish. You wanna keep fish that are going to stay small. Neon Tetra's stay small but are very sensitive fish. Personally I would look at Endler's, sometimes referred to as Endler Guppys. I know most people don't like guppys but the males are bright colored and they school really well and don't get much over an inch if that sometimes. With Endlers I would say you could probably get like 6 or 8 in that tank.

Tetra's Intank Filters are nice! I have a little 3i for in my 1.5 gallon but they make them for up to 30 gallon tanks. They are efficient and aren't much hassle. As for lighting well I would buy one of those nice little systems that comes with a light and everything already at my local fish store but if you wanna set it up yourself i would stick with flourescent lighting.

 

[Will91]

Hi:

I researched these small tanks pretty extensively when I was considering a small tank for one betta fish. You should take a look at the MarineLand Eclipse tanks and the All Glass Mini-Bow tanks. Both of these are excellent systems and come with appropriate filters and light hoods. I particularly like the Eclipse system as it has the unique "bio-wheel" filtration system which serves as the media for the beneficial bacteria. You could pick up a 3, 5 or 7 gallon tank in one of these brands for less than $40-50 at Petco or Petsmart. One betta should do quite nicely in one of these tanks.

 

[thegnu]

yes i've heard of elephant nose fish. i know they need a big tank and can be very difficult to keep alive. to take proper care for them they must be kept in a specialist tank. they aren't a community fish

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yes i've heard of elephant nose fish. i know they need a big tank and can be very difficult to keep alive. to take proper care for them they must be kept in a specialist tank. they aren't a community fish

seconded

if this is going to be your first tank i'd advise you to go a little bigger than 5g.

a smaller tank can actually be a lot harder work than a bigger one, they are much less stable and unforgiving of beginner mistakes. you have to be extra vigilant and make sure you do all your maintenance on time etc. You also are very very limitied, there's not more than a handful do species suitable for that size tank.

I'd look at 15g minimum, bigger if you can afford it and have the room.