My 5 Gallon Tank

HI Everyone,

My family just started being fish owners for the first time. We followed the instructions on our aquarium kit we bought at Walmart. It said we could have up to 5 tropical fish and listed the different types. We went to the local PetSmart and we told them our tank size and they made suggestions that fit with the kit's recommendations. We got two Mollies (one golden panda and one creamsicle) and one fancy guppy and a snail. I'm concerned that the tank is too small for our fish. The golden panda is 1 inch and the creamsicle and guppy are 1.5 inches. I am considering taking back the creamsicle. What would you recommend or am I ok with what I have? Would one molly and one guppy be ok in this tank or do we need bigger? I've gotten advice from another forum about getting a 15 gallon at least, but would a 10 gallon be ok? I have a stand that I think will not fit anything larger than a 10 gallon. I would appreciate your feedback.

Thanks!
Katie

 

Yeah... your concerns are correct. The mollies get way to large and have way to big a bioload for a 5g. They need a minimum of a 29g. The guppy might do ok in the 5 gallon if it’s the only fish, but a 10 gallon would be much better for him.

A piece of advice, don’t trust anything a petstores, pet product company, or anyone that gets payed to sell loads of fish/products. They typically are only out for their gain, not yours.

 

Your tank is 5g? You are really pushing the boundaries with 2 mollies and a guppy.
I would recommend a couple of guppies.
Guppies ARE adorbs!
Good luck with fish keeping

 

Hi
Do you know your water parameters? what's the PH? is your water soft or hard?
If you do not know you can look it up on your suppliers web site.

 

A few male endler guppies would be okay - I have four in a 5.5 gallon and they have been doing great. They grow much smaller than standard guppies, but can be just as flashy and interactive. I found my short tailed cobra patterned at Petsmart, so it seems to be one of their standard offerings.

 

Kathryn Caicedo
"Welcome" to the Forum. We have a "Great" community of members.
Nice start on your first tank.Good Questions.
Have to Agree with Platylover - Most LFS advice is a sales pitch just in it for the $'s.
A 10 gallon would be a step in the right direction.
Just take your time.
Keep asking Questions.

 

Thank you everyone, I appreciate all the advice. I am getting a bigger tank today. Is there a link or advise you'd give me as I transfer them to a larger tank? I'm planning to use the same filter. and things inside the tank I currently have.

I would appreciate any tips.