These species are either too active, grow too large, or cannot handle the unstable water quality that comes with a smaller volume of water. To prevent confusion, the list below contains some tropical fish species that are often recommended as being suitable for 5-gallon setups but actually need a much larger tank.

Here are the dos and don’ts of stocking a 5-gallon fish tank! 5-gallon mistakes Is that bad?Įven though there aren’t many different tropical fish species that will thrive in a 5-gallon aquarium, you can still set up a lively and entertaining tank.

Some recommendation lists include many popular fish species as suitable for a tank this size, but are they? Although a well-maintained 5-gallon freshwater aquarium can make a great addition to your home (especially when densely planted), it does limit your choices of fish. However, picking the perfect, healthy ecosystem choice for your 5-gallon aquarium can be challenging. Even the smallest fish need space to move and explore!Įven though these tanks are small, they can still hold a lot of life. Is a 5-gallon aquarium a good choice for you, though?Ī 5-gallon tank is the minimum tank size that can comfortably hold fish some hobbyists have had success with 2.5-gallon (9.5 L) setups, but this should only be attempted by experienced fish keepers.Īny smaller than five gallons of water, and you’ll encounter difficulties keeping a stable nitrogen cycle and providing your stock with enough room to swim. This isn’t too surprising as they are small and can easily fit into pretty much any limited space. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about stocking and maintaining a freshwater tank! Hover over image to pin to Pinterest Is 5 gallons a good aquarium size?ĥ-gallon aquariums are among the most popular tank sizes. What are the best fish and invertebrates for a 5-gallon fish tank? How many fish can you keep? And can you have some plants, too? You’re not working with a lot of space, but you still have many options to choose from, believe it or not! If you’re thinking about setting up a 5-gallon (18.9 L) aquarium, it’s easy to get confused by the conflicting information spread around the internet and by aquarium stores.

10 gallon goldfish tank setup