5 Gal Home tank

Question
QUESTION: I have 5 Gall Marineland Eclipse Tank that I want to start up for my kids. Before I get started - I am very diligent when it comes to cleaning the tank - In the past I cleaned the tank once a week with water changes.

Can you give me some advice on what type of tropical fish I can put in the tank [species that is hearty] - If I could have two [I have two kids] I was thinking of a Danio. I was also thinking if not tropical what about a Betta - I see they live in plastic containers in pet stores with no filters - But is the tank too big - I know we could only have one which is ok - Do I need an algae eater

We had a goldfish that lived for two years but we couldn't keep the water cool enough during the Summer - But is the Water Pre the same - I used Salt, Dechlorinator, and Nitrate Remover + plus changed 4 Gal of water weekly - I always waited until water was room temp with chemicals

Thank you in advance
Robert


ANSWER: Hi Robert: I would not put any more then about five guppies in the tank or maybe platy's, molly's, tetra, etc.  You can also put in aquatic frogs along with the fish... maybe two.... I would  not do goldfish at all.... Danio's would be good too Even the betta would be ok but not with Guppies... as far as algae eaters ... you could have one but if you get one I would get and otto... they stay about 1.5 inches.... dave

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QUESTION: David

Will fish in pairs always mate - I would then stick with males. My worry is overcrowding the tank. If we do a Betta it would be alone or probably just one pair of Danio- but is the tank too big at 5 Gal. Do you recommend any specific water set up [salts, dechlor, nitrate remover, disease prevention] I would prob

Answer
Hi Robert:  I would try the following combination of fish:

1-Male Betta
2-3 Cory Cats ( bottom level)
3-5 of the same kind of any of the following or three fish from two groups...so you would have six fish total not counting the betta and the cory cats.

Neon Tetra, black phantom tetra, rummynose tetra, Serpae tetra, cardinal tetra, t-bone rasbora, hockey stick tetra, lamb chop rasbora, white cloud minnows, black widow tetra, or the black tetra.

always use dechlorinators, and beneficial bacteria.  I would use salt limitedly at 1/4 the recommended dose because of the tetra... dave