Save Female?

[Loko17]

Ok I have this extra 5 gallon tank and I was thinking of putting killifish in it when I remembered how every time i go to wal*mart they have female dwarf gouramis and was wondering if I can save one and then later on this year i would move her and my male and get another female to a new 10 gallon I'm getting. The 5 gallon will have a filter and everything and I'm going to let some hornwort float in there or something for her to hide in, It fits the inch per gallon rule since they only get to 2 inches and remember she would be going to a 10 gallon soon I just want to save one before its too late.

 

[sylvia]

With 5 gallon tanks, the inch per gallon guideline realy isn't much use - here you have to consider the small amount of physical space. Female dwarf gouramies, also, enjoy the company of other females - but a 5 gallon is far too small for two. Also, small volumes allow for more temperature fluctuations and make concentrations of ammonia/nitrite/nitrate build up quicker - dwarf gouramies are particularly easily stressed and their high susceptibility to disease means such fluctuations can easily, and unexpectedly, lead to death. Clearly, I don't think you should put a dwarf in there - you won't be 'saving' anyone - stick with the killi plan.

Also, I wouldn't particularly reccomend a trio of dwarfs for a 10 gallon - that's kind of pushing it. In a small volume like that, the male will easily chase the females around. If you want a trio, I'd get at least a 15 gallon or swap your dwarfs (Colisa lalia) for honeys (Colisa chuna/sota) instead.

edit: BTW, if it's the 10 gallon in your signature, you are actualy over-stocked already - don't add anything more.

 

[Loko17]

yea I would do killis but i'm short on cash right now and dont have the funds to pay to ship a killi in the mail as that is my only option. I guess I'll start looking into livebearers. "Sigh..."