tetras and other little fish? single/school

[mynoven]

I know they are schooling fish...so how many does that mean, like 6? Can I put them in a 5 gallon?

Like I said...I have moms old 5 gallon tank, and wanted something besides another betta!

If not those...then anything? Any little fish that can stay alone or in pairs? :confused:

EDIT: I might not even get anything else because we are saving our money to get the 55 gallon off layaway, but was just curious!

Thanks!

[Catmakemebark]

Cant put anything in that 5 gallon unless its a betta...well, maybe a snail or some shrimp.
I would keep it as a quarentine tank if I where you!;)

[mynoven]

ya, that's what I thought....oh well! lol

[Catmakemebark]

It will come handy someday. :D

[Nell]

tetras and small schooling fish aren't really suited to anything less is a 10 gal, but 20 gal would be my reccommended minimum because it gives more swimming space and a chance for them to show off their behavior.

You are right that 5 or 6 is considered a small school.

If it were me, I'd use the 5g for a betta. You can't save them all from doom and death in a tiny bowl, but you can save one more! :D

[mynoven]

lol...ya, i figured that, but just in case....I guess we will just hold on to tank for now!

Don't think we should be getting any more pets for a couple of months....diapers are expensive...lol :p

[honeythorn]

I had 5 danios in my old ten gallon, but they're much happier as a group of ten in my 30 gal now. The females are nice and plump ( one in particular is rather dominant) and the males all show off to each other:D

You could have a fair few schooling fish in a 55 gal though, maybe 15 or so tetras, or danios would look really nice!:)

[LittleHippyGirl]

Hmm what about a single African Dwarf Frog? They aren't terribly active and don't produce that much waste. Or maybe your were just thinking of finned fishies.

[mynoven]

hmmm...a froggy!! I dunno....are they difficult?

[Catmakemebark]

Betta's have been known to tear frogs limb from limb from limb.

I've heard of some frogs eating other fish. I know african dwarfs eat the dead and clawed will kill fish.

[LittleHippyGirl]

catmakemebark, I did not mean to keep the frog with other fish. I meant to keep it alone in the 5 gallon :) ADFs are too small to harm most fish, but they will have a hard time competing for food with them.

The one difficult thing with ADFs is that many will not accept flake or pellet food. Bloodworms etc are a healthier diet for them anyways. It may take some coaxing and training for them to eat since they do not have very good vision. ADFs aren't too difficult to care for other than that. They need a cycled filter and heater of course. Small frequent waterchanges are needed as with any other aquatic animal since they are sensitive to bacteria and poor water quality. They are totally aquatic frogs but they do need full acess to the surface to breathe at all times. Definately keep your tank TOTALLY covered. There is debate over whether gravel is safe or not for frogs because many can accidentally ingest it. Make sure you know how to identify African Dwarf Frogs from African Clawed frogs because they are very different in size and temperment. I recently rescued and re-homed a pair of ACFs, and even though I've never kept ADFs, I know they are totally different...though many pet stores don't know.

[Catmakemebark]

Oh, sorry, I guess I forgot the origional post. :p

I think 5 gallons is a bit small for a ADF, but I'm not sure. Definatly no ACF's because they will get big and eat smaller fish.

Mynoven, in that case I think you would be happy with a frog. :D They are really cool little guys. :)

[mynoven]

I like froggies!! hehe!:p Wouldn't he stay near the top though? What about plants? That would be cool! Lots of plants that he could hide in!! hehhehe

[Catmakemebark]

I'm sure one would like lots of plants! :D Are you going to make it a planted 5 gallon?

[LittleHippyGirl]

The ones that I see at the petstores are usually laying at the top of the surface, but I have a feeling that might be just because of poor water quality. I'm sure they'd love plants, especially broad leafed plants that they can hide under or sit on top of. I'll ask my friend about their activity level if you'd like.

[mynoven]

planted FAKE 5 gallon :D

I might just get a frog, I dunno...that would be cool!