Why Bettas For 5 Gallons?

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Reef in my same tank........mic drop

I will tell you....period....it is harder to keep a Betta in a 5 gallon than a 20g.

That is where the experience comes in. I did not know what a nitrite was 2.5 yrs ago. If it is for you....you will figure it out. The harder the project, the sweeter the reward once you can stop checking API MTK every day. THRIVE IN A 5!

 

You like a reef that size. I don't. It's where opinion comes in. I want to see that 5 gallon in 5 years, with that display healthy.

 

Wheres your corals that just some rock in a tank lol this is a reef tommy lad View attachment 320731
Lol good use of the small tank though it will be good with some sort corals.

That is a friend of mines. I don't do salt
..ha. makes me bloat.

Just saying that I personally get a feeling of accomplishment when it is harder, and you succeed.

You like a reef that size. I don't. It's where opinion comes in. I want to see that 5 gallon in 5 years, with that display healthy.

It

You like a reef that size. I don't. It's where opinion comes in. I want to see that 5 gallon in 5 years, with that display healthy.

It is a friend of mines. Mine was shoved down my throat by the place wherw the pets go. Was sold 5 Hi-fin platy, 5 nerites, 1 betta (Smaug), and 10 neon tetras. Bad right....

Well it gets worse, I was sent home by them reassuring me after my 180$ purchase. I asked...do I have everything I need? They said absoltely....

No dechlorinator. I. Had. No. Clue.

Dead fish next day....thought I just could hang it up and return the tank, but something kept drawing me back. It is an addiction.

 

I evaluate success by years, and most five gallon set ups work by months. If I had a Betta that didn't live at least four years, I was doing something wrong. If it lived to seven, I was very pleased.
And they did in 5 gallon tanks. However, other species in 5s did not make their ideal captive lifespan.

 

I evaluate success by years, and most five gallon set ups work by months. If I had a Betta that didn't live at least four years, I was doing something wrong. If it lived to seven, I was very pleased.
And they did in 5 gallon tanks. However, other species in 5s did not make their ideal captive lifespan.

In my dumb phase....I hurt my 2nd betta...but he lived 2.5 years...and for 1/3 of that time I had no clue what I was doing. No water tests, overdeeding, it is a learning process. Dante just told me to tell you he would holler at you in 5 more 365s.

 

I think 5 gallon is good for a betta, on his own its his little tank they are quite inactive and like to be still, also I think 5 gallon could be a nice little coral display softys only id do, you have to make do with what you have make things as good as they can be.

 

I think 5 gallon is good for a betta, on his own its his little tank they are quite inactive and like to be still, also I think 5 gallon could be a nice little coral display softys only id do, you have to make do with what you have make things as good as they can be.

I could get a 120 Clear For Life right now....I like my Betta where is...on my Bed-side table. He is a happy swimmer. That reef isn't my tank. It is a friend of mines on imgur.

 

That said, here's a quick overview:

Thanks for posting that.
I've got a 3.4 gallon tank w/built in filtration which previously had a betta in it.
Been looking for non-betta options for it.

 

Experienced keepers know how to internet. They know where the specialist websites are, they belong to clubs, they have aquabid bookmarked. And most importantly, they know how to do their homework and aren't adverse to raising specialist food for their unusual fish.

Many of the people who come here wanting advice are new to the hobby. They are sketchy on details of basic concepts, and the nitrogen cycle is just this side of incomprehensible. (No offense, all of us were clueless at some point.)

They need a fish to go in their nano tank that will succeed for them. They don't want or need to grow it live food, and they don't have to (although it is awesome when they do) buy it frozen food either.

In that kind of scenario it is practically bulletproof to suggest either a betta tank or an invert tank.

Later, once they have got their feet, and all their body parts, wet can they explore other options.

Agreed. I started small. Was awful. I almost quit. This hobby is highly underestimated by many. You HAVE to spend hours......or maybe I like to determine stocking and all of that. This is fun. We got it. I know my limitations...and I do what I am comfortable with. 5g, 10g, 20g, 29 gallon all FW. A 120 would be a breeze now. I Iost a lot of fish during that learning curve due to my lack of research...and a plethora of bad advice that I trusted blindly.

 

A good amount of what I'll say has already been said, but I believe the reason bettas are usually the first to reccomend is based on availability and the fact that they're one of the best beginner fish. A lot of the time people will come on asking stock questions because they're new. As for why people say they're the only thing, I'm not particularly sure. As you've said there are many beautiful fish out there that require more specialised care, but do well in a 5g. Of course, the people recommending bettas as the only thing may be because they themselves don't know about the other options.

I had the same issue when I first joined and asked a similar question about the betta and tank size. I think some of you may remember that. For the most part I think it's just people regurgitating what others have said and it just becomes a reflex. I think this community is too focused on stocking, and while not necessarilly bad, a lot of times I wish people would just answer a simple question without it having to come up.

Completely agree about people jumping on that. I think it's ok on some threads to say I'd suggest a different stocking if you'd like to talk about it. And sometimes talking about the stock is relative to the problem. But what really irritates me is when people start talking about problems and stocks in photo threads. To me that's disrespectful, to both the owner of the thread and the person that posted the photo.

 

Well, on the 5 gallon stocking thread I disagree on some of the fish that were removed from the list. I kept quiet, because regardless, I think it was a big step forward. But if it was up to me, I'd include sparkling gouramis on the list. I'd also add a couple of honeys. Ember tetras would be perfect, as well. You get the idea. And this is me being liberal.

That said, here's a quick overview: on my fluval spec iiI (supposedly 2.6g, but I believe it's at least 3), I have 1 nerite, 1 amano, 1 endler, some ramshorns, a couple of ember tetras, and even one otocinclus (that is fat and happy). That one was an impulse buy. It had a near hollow belly and I happen to have plenty of algae, so I gave it a go. Still, the oto is the only one I feel bad about and believe it would do better with a much larger tank (10g at least). However, I'm hesitant to move him, since he's doing very well, regardless. It's the only filtered planted tank and also feel the aquasoil is really benefiting him since he grazes on it regularly (and not just the algae and veggies). I'm planning on moving the two embers into another aquarium with the other five I own, but only because I have plans to add a few (maybe 3-5) chilI rasboras in the fluval, which is more appropriate. My other nanos are a 3g, 5.5g, 2 gallon (betta only) , and 1.5g (shrimp only).

Last I checked the nitrates on the Fluval spec, it was between 0 and 5ppm. I think people tend to overestimate a fishes bioload when they talk about the smaller fish species. I don't follow the 6+ minimum schooling size at all. I'm not a conformist and prefer to think for myself and see if it works for me.

Hmm, I was not aware the list had been edited. When I read it back when I was new on the forum (maybe even before I opened my account) both sparklers and embers were on it. I have personally kept both in my 5s, along with many other fish who never should have been in there. I think sparklers are well suited to a 5, provided the owner is knowledgeable and maintenance is regular - however I don't throw them around as a suggestion to just any random new person because not everyone can maintain the environment they need, and I think they're best left to experienced keepers or bigger tanks. But besides that they're not quite as hardy and abuse tolerant as bettas, putting a sparkler in a 5 is roughly the same as putting a betta in a 5. I agree with you about honeys too - I think most of this board would freak out over this but I personally don't see the difference between a betta and most similarly sized gourami (though I imagine you'd have to be dedicated and know your stuff to keep a chocolate in a tank that small).

I also have a school of embers who have inhabited tanks from 5 gallon up to 29g. I'm down to only three now and just found out that they're apparently illegal in my state so unlikely to find more anytime soon, and have considered moving them back into their own 5 to keep them safe from hungry tankmates. They were very happy in my 12g with my sparkler pair but ate their fry so they couldn't stay. They seemed happy enough in the 5 before but I question if their lifespans wouldn't be reduced by living in it long term, which is why they live with my angels right now and I just pray they don't get eaten (smallest one disappeared the first night). I just feel like my 5 hexes are a little small footprint wise for them - if I had a standard 5.5 I'd feel better about putting them in there. I do think though that they are best suited to a huge school in a huge planted tank, but that goes without saying.


WOW... I set my phone down to do some stuff around the house and my mother randomly appeared with an empty 5.5g standard tank for me, AND my super powerful coralife light fits on it - awesome planted nano tank here I come!! The fish gods really do provide...

 

Hmm, I was not aware the list had been edited. When I read it back when I was new on the forum (maybe even before I opened my account) both sparklers and embers were on it. I have personally kept both in my 5s, along with many other fish who never should have been in there. I think sparklers are well suited to a 5, provided the owner is knowledgeable and maintenance is regular - however I don't throw them around as a suggestion to just any random new person because not everyone can maintain the environment they need, and I think they're best left to experienced keepers or bigger tanks. But besides that they're not quite as hardy and abuse tolerant as bettas, putting a sparkler in a 5 is roughly the same as putting a betta in a 5. I agree with you about honeys too - I think most of this board would freak out over this but I personally don't see the difference between a betta and most similarly sized gourami (though I imagine you'd have to be dedicated and know your stuff to keep a chocolate in a tank that small).

I also have a school of embers who have inhabited tanks from 5 gallon up to 29g. I'm down to only three now and just found out that they're apparently illegal in my state so unlikely to find more anytime soon, and have considered moving them back into their own 5 to keep them safe from hungry tankmates. They were very happy in my 12g with my sparkler pair but ate their fry so they couldn't stay. They seemed happy enough in the 5 before but I question if their lifespans wouldn't be reduced by living in it long term, which is why they live with my angels right now and I just pray they don't get eaten (smallest one disappeared the first night). I just feel like my 5 hexes are a little small footprint wise for them - if I had a standard 5.5 I'd feel better about putting them in there. I do think though that they are best suited to a huge school in a huge planted tank, but that goes without saying.


WOW... I set my phone down to do some stuff around the house and my mother randomly appeared with an empty 5.5g standard tank for me, AND my super powerful coralife light fits on it - awesome planted nano tank here I come!! The fish gods really do provide...

The list is a living document. It has fish go on and off based off the groups input. Sometimes some fish are heavily debated. Sparkling Grouami were one. The fact is that if there was more input pro the sparkling being added, it would probably still be on or discussed more in depth.

All discussions are in the thread, so please join us in making a better future for people keeping 5 gallon nano tanks.

 

Oh well I should totally find my way back over there. I don't Internet as much as most people, but have had a bit more free time lately to conversate instead of just researching and trying to solve my many issues. Also need to make a solid plan for this tank now so a refresher would be good

 

So the major reasons why the betta only statements that are done seem to be, per this discussion.

1. Most new fish keepers are not trusted with beyond a Betta until they prove they can research beyond a Betta.
2. Many new fish keepers were told they could only have a Betta in a 5 gallon, and when they become experienced fish keepers they regurgitate what they were taught.
3. The Betta is always an availible option, so it is recommended instead of harder to get fish.
4. People consider a 5 gallon to probably end up in horrible conditions so figure an air breather is more likely to survive.
5. Because a Betta CAN thrive in a 5 gallon.

Hmm. That came out harsher than it should have. But in essence is that the basic reasoning? Am I missing any?

 

So the major reasons why the betta only statements that are done seem to be, per this discussion.

1. Most new fish keepers are not trusted with beyond a Betta until they prove they can research beyond a Betta.
2. Many new fish keepers were told they could only have a Betta in a 5 gallon, and when they become experienced fish keepers they regurgitate what they were taught.
3. The Betta is always an availible option, so it is recommended instead of harder to get fish.
4. People consider a 5 gallon to probably end up in horrible conditions so figure an air breather is more likely to survive.
5. Because a Betta CAN thrive in a 5 gallon.

Hmm. That came out harsher than it should have. But in essence is that the basic reasoning? Am I missing any?

I forgot to mention that they are generally kept alone, while many other fish are expected to be in groups.

 

For a more positive reason, success with a betta gives a novice keeper the confidence to attempt either a larger tank or more exacting fish.

 

I agree. I'm a beginner and I only have a 5.5 gallon tank with a betta but I did a lot of researches on betta before purchasing one and their natural habitat are huge! I mean sure it may be a shallow water but the "puddle" goes on for miles. I feel like for many fish I don't see any problems with them have more space.

Couldn't agree more.

Apart from the vast range of fish that are suitable for 5 gallons or less, I honestly don't think 5 gallons is big enough for any bettas unless they have extremely heavy fins preventing them from swimming properly. I know a lot of people will disagree with me here. I have a betta in a 5 gallon and I feel terrible. He's getting upgraded to a 10 gallon soon and possibly larger eventually.

I don't understand why people think bettas are the only fish suitable for a 5. It's just not logical that there is only one fish that can be kept humanely in a 5 gallon when there are thousands of fish out there.

 

I dunno why they are recommended. I know it can be done. Maybe weight limits or size limits and bettas are hardy easy to get fish.

After having Frazier in his 10 gallon, personally I wouldn't put a betta in anything less. But people may not have the room for a 5 gallon.

I haven't heard of Pygmy sunfish before!!

 

I got a hydro pro 15l tank which is 4 US gallons. I have a Betta and one Albino Cory in the tank. I think it's aright for the two plus about 20 RCS Shrimp in there.

5 US gallons is more Realestate! It's great and here's a pixie. It's sufficient space for it.

 

One of my first tanks as a kid was a 5g. 3 male guppies. No issues, the oldest lived for about 2 years. Simple PetSmart guppies. I love this 5 gallon stocking list because I know that things other than bettas can thrive in there, despite what some will say. I was a kid with parents who hated the hobby, my biggest tank was an 8 gallon. I had to get creative with stockings, and I learned a lot from that.

 

Ken Ooi your tank might look nice to you, but your cory is probably quite stressed, nervous and not living a happy life. You should really, really get him out of there and get him some friends of his own species. No cory belongs in a 4 gallon tank OR being kept by themselves, nevermind both. They don't always show symptoms either, most that I've had died with no symptoms of anything other than maybe slightly tattered fins, no real behavioral changes... though if you only have one in that tiny tank, you'll have no idea what normal behavior is anyway.

I did keep a trio of cories with my old betta in a 5 gallon as did my mother, and they did survive, but they were not happy in a tiny school in a tiny tank and wouldn't have made it long term and I would absolutely never recommend to anyone else to do such a thing, as there is no way to properly stock those two fish, or even just the cories alone, in that amount of space. Even if you could fit enough fish for them to be comfortable, they are way too active to be confined like that and some species are very sensitive to water parameters, which tend to swing and/or go bad easily in small tanks.

 

Ken Ooi your tank might look nice to you, but your cory is probably quite stressed, nervous and not living a happy life. You should really, really get him out of there and get him some friends of his own species. No cory belongs in a 4 gallon tank OR being kept by themselves, nevermind both. They don't always show symptoms either, most that I've had died with no symptoms of anything other than maybe slightly tattered fins, no real behavioral changes... though if you only have one in that tiny tank, you'll have no idea what normal behavior is anyway.

I did keep a trio of cories with my old betta in a 5 gallon as did my mother, and they did survive, but they were not happy in a tiny school in a tiny tank and wouldn't have made it long term and I would absolutely never recommend to anyone else to do such a thing, as there is no way to properly stock those two fish, or even just the cories alone, in that amount of space. Even if you could fit enough fish for them to be comfortable, they are way too active to be confined like that and some species are very sensitive to water parameters, which tend to swing and/or go bad easily in small tanks.

If I transferred him out to the main tank there's a high possibility he won't live and perish. The main tank has old tank syndrome and any new introduced inhabitant don't last too long. At least in this tank he has ample food and a companion. He doesn't seem too bad and has adapted well. He has fattened up to look like a Sumo fish. I call him Mr Gluttony!

 

I used to keep my Betta is a 3 gallon. Heating was much to difficult and I couldn't plant it as well. I switched to a ten gallon and both of us loved it. She lived a little over 3 years. I am pretty sure she was my last Betta.

 

Team let's keep on topic please. Lol

 

LOL. I think we worked so hard on the list for 5 gallon tanks that people are burnt out on it. Oh well... hope they get back so I can post the newest update. You all might like it... it has even more types of Bettas. Discussed here and with Golden State Bettas.