Kevin

what should i add to my new 5 gallon tank

-2 Platties
-2-3 Barbs
-2-3 Tetras
-1 Male Betta

i would also have 2 small corys in there to

cichlid seeker

Is there anything in the tank now?

COBettaCouple

You can tell from our name that a betta would be top choice (check the females too, they're even smarter and more characters than males - although we love both genders). 2nd would be tetras, especially neons since 3 could fit in 5g.

cichlid seeker

The Barbs you would need at least 5 of them but that would overcrowd the tank I go with the single betta.

capekate

If I were stocking a five gal I also would put a betta in there with the corycats!

0morrokh

Barbs and Tetras will not feel secure unless they are kept in shoals of 6 or more--which would really overstock a 5 gal. Platys prefer groups of 3-4 or more too, and plus 2 of them in addition to the Cories would overstock the tank. So, my vote goes to the Betta.

Kevin

i was leaning towards the betta also...so betta it is!
would the corys to ok with a higher temp.?

COBettaCouple

yea, they should be. we had corys in 80-82F tanks and they were happy.

0morrokh

I'd keep the temp at 78-79...that should make both the Betta and the Cories happy. But they would be just fine at higher temps too.

Kevin

well, my eclipse tank wo't go below 82F because of the lighting...so i guess they will have to get used to it

0morrokh

They'll be ok but it's not ideal. Can you get the temp lower by turning down the heater?

Kevin

i dont have the heater hooked up, and no, i cant figure out how to adjust the heater...i think it just stays the same...

vin

Time to buy a new adjustable heater.....

0morrokh

It's pretty important to be able to adjust your heater. For example, if your fish get sick you may need to raise the temp a few degrees. And 82 is a bit hot for keeping Cories long term. It will cut down their life span for sure. The best type of heater imo is the Marineland Stealth heater. It's a bit more expensive than other brands, but it's super accurate and has a lifetime warranty...and adjustable.

COBettaCouple

is your bulb fluorescent?

Kevin

idk, it came with the eclipse system

COBettaCouple

if it's incandescent you could switch to a fluorescent bulb.. it can help some with the water temp, but will increase algae growth.

Shrimpy

i would go with 2 platies