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If you are looking for a new fish to add to your 5 gallon tank, then you may be wondering what the best fish are for a nano tank. A nano tank is a great option if you are short on space or just want a smaller aquarium. There are many different types of fish that can thrive in a nano tank, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Before you add any new fish to your aquarium, there are some things you need to consider. Here are the top things to keep in mind when choosing fish for your 5 gallon tank.
Read our guide on the best fish for 5 gallon tanks now!
The best fish for a 5 gallon tank:
Betta fish (Siamese fighting fish)
What are they?
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a type of freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. Bettas are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They are a member of the gourami family and have an elongated body shape with large fins
What temperature do they need?
Bettas prefer a water temperature of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit or 25-30 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Betta fish are carnivores and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for Bettas.
How big do they get?
Bettas can grow to be 2.5 inches or 6.4 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 1 Betta fish in a fish tank of this size. This is because they are quite big for a small tank and as their nickname eludes, male Betta will fight with other males and possibly even female Betta fish as well.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Bettas are a great choice of fish species for 5 gallon tanks because they are relatively small, easy to care for, and can add some colour and personality to your aquarium. Bettas also do not need a lot of space to swim and are content to stay close to the bottom of the tank.
Cherry shrimp
What are they?
Cherry shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to East Asia and can be found in China, Japan, and Taiwan. Cherry shrimp or red cherry shrimp get their name from their bright red colouration.
What temperature do they need?
Cherry shrimp prefer a water temperature of 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit or 21-26 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
These shrimps are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods such as algae, detritus, and small insects. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for shrimp.
How big do they get?
Cherry shrimp can grow to be 1 inch or 2.5 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 5-10 cherry shrimp in a small tank of this size.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Cherry shrimp are a great choice for 5 gallon tanks because they are relatively small, easy to care for, and can help keep your aquarium clean by eating algae and detritus. They also add some colour and interest to your tank. We'll cover another popular shrimp species shortly, but two more worth considering that we won't include in this guide are crystal shrimp and ghost shrimp.
Neon tetras
What are they?
Neon tetras are another type of freshwater nano fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to South America and can be found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Neon tetras get their name from their bright neon colouration.
What temperature do they need?
Neon tetra prefer a water temperature of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit or 22-28 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Neon tetras are carnivores and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for them.
How big do they get?
Neon tetra can grow to be 1.5 inches or 3.8 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 10 neon tetra in a 5 gallon tank.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Neon tetras are a great choice for a small tank because they are relatively small, easy to care for, and do not need a lot of space to swim. This fish species is another great option if you want more aquarium fish in such a small tank like that of the 5 gallon one. They are also great beginner fish species if this is a new aquarium hobby for you.
White cloud mountain minnows
What are they?
White cloud mountain minnows are a type of freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to China and can be found in the White Cloud Mountains. White cloud mountain minnows get their name from their white colouration and their habit of living in mountain streams.
What temperature do they need?
White cloud mountain minnow prefer a water temperature of 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-23 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
White cloud mountain minnow are carnivores and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for white cloud mountain minnows.
How big do they get?
A white cloud mountain minnow can grow to be 1.5 inches or 3.8 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 10 white cloud mountain minnows in a 5 gallon tank.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
White cloud mountain minnow are a great choice for 5 gallon tanks because they have a great temperament, easy to care for, and do not need a lot of space to swim. They are definitely one of the best fish for a small tank.
If you would like to find out more about these, make sure to check out our complete care guide on white cloud mountain minnow.
Amano shrimp
What are they?
Amano shrimp are a type of freshwater shrimp that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to Japan and can be found in rivers and streams. Amano shrimp get their name from Takashi Amano, the Japanese aquarist who first introduced them to the aquarium trade.
What temperature do they need?
Amano shrimp prefer a water temperature of 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-23 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Amano shrimp are omnivores and will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of algae, detritus, and uneaten fish food.
How big do they get?
Amano shrimp can grow to be 1-2 inches or 2.5-5 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 5 amano shrimp in a 5 gallon tank.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Amano shrimp are a great choice for 5 gallon tanks because they are relatively small, easy to care for, and do not need a lot of space to swim. Amano shrimp also help keep your aquarium clean by eating algae and detritus.
Celestial pearl danios
What are they?
Celestial pearl danios are a type of freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to Myanmar and can be found in rivers and streams. Celestial pearl danios get their name from their pearlescent colouration.
What temperature do they need?
Celestial pearl danios prefer a water temperature of 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-23 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Celestial pearl danios are carnivores and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Daphnia. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for celestial pearl danios.
How big do they get?
Celestial pearl danios can grow to be 1-2 inches or 2.5-5 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 10 celestial pearl danios in a 5 gallon tank as they're not tiny fish but do get along very well.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Celestial pearl danios are a great choice for a small aquarium because they are pretty hardy schooling fish that are great to watch and care for.
If you like the sound of these fish but are considering getting a larger tank, then check out our zebra danio complete care guide as they could be a great option.
Dwarf pea puffer
What are they?
Dwarf pea puffers are a type of freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in rice paddies and slow-moving streams. Dwarf pea puffers get their name from their small size and their habit of eating peas.
What temperature do they need?
Dwarf pea puffers prefer a water temperature of 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit or 24-28 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Dwarf pea puffers are carnivores and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Daphnia. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for dwarf pea puffers.
How big do they get?
Dwarf pea puffers can grow to be 1-2 inches or 2.5-5 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 5 dwarf pea puffers in a 5 gallon tank.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Dwarf pea puffers are a great choice for these tanks because they are great with limited space, can get on with other species relatively well if introducing other tiny species of fish to your take. Dwarf pea puffers also great to watch and other option we would definitely recommend.
Honey gourami
What are they?
Honey gouramis are a type of freshwater fish that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in slow-moving streams and rivers. Honey gouramis get their name from their light brown or honey-coloured body.
What temperature do they need?
Honey gouramis prefer a water temperature of 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit or 24-28 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Honey gouramis are carnivores and prefer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Daphnia. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for honey gouramis.
How big do they get?
Honey gouramis can grow to be 2-3 inches or 5-7.5 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 3 honey gouramis in a 5 gallon tank.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Honey gouramis are a great choice for 5 gallon tanks because they are relatively small, easy to care for, and do not need a lot of space to swim. Honey gouramis also add some colour and interest to your aquarium.
Dwarf crayfish
What are they?
Dwarf crayfish are a type of freshwater crustacean that is popular in home aquariums. They are native to the United States and can be found in rivers and streams. Dwarf crayfish get their name from their small size.
What temperature do they need?
Dwarf crayfish prefer a water temperature of 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit or 20-25 degrees Celsius.
What do they eat?
Dwarf crayfish are omnivores and will eat both plant and animal matter. They will also eat pellets and flakes designed for dwarf crayfish.
How big do they get?
Dwarf crayfish can grow to be 1-2 inches or 2.5-5 centimetres long.
How many can you have in a 5 gallon tank?
You can have 5 dwarf crayfish in a 5 gallon tank.
Why are they great for 5 gallon tanks?
Dwarf crayfish are a great choice for 5 gallon tanks because they are relatively small, easy to care for, and do not need a lot of space to swim. Dwarf crayfish also add some colour and interest to your aquarium.
Things to consider when choosing fish
When it comes to choosing fish, there are a few things you'll need to take into account:
- First, what type of fish are you looking for? Are you looking for fresh or salt water fish?
- Second, what is your budget? Fish can be relatively inexpensive, but if you're looking for a more exotic variety, you'll need to be prepared to spend a bit more.
- Third, how much time are you willing to invest in caring for your fish? Some fish require more care than others, so be sure to do your research before making your final decision.
- Finally, where will you be keeping your fish? Some fish require special tanks or filters, so be sure to choose a species that is compatible with your setup.
By taking the time to consider these factors, you'll be sure to choose the perfect fish for you and your lifestyle.
Tank size and how it affects fish choice
When choosing fish for your aquarium, one of the most important factors to consider is tank size. Different fish species have different space requirements, and it's important to make sure that your fish have enough room to swim and grow. Tank size as well as fish size can therefore also dictate how many fish you can keep in each individual tank.
As a general rule of thumb, you should allow about 1 gallon of water for each inch of fish. For example, if you have a 10 gallon tank, you should only keep fish that are a maximum of 10 inches in length. Similarly, a 20 gallon tank can accommodate fish up to 20 inches long, and a 40 gallon tank can accommodate fish up to 40 inches long.
Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, so it's important to do your research before adding any new fish to your aquarium.
Fish temperament and compatibility
Anyone who has ever kept a fish tank knows that not all fish get along. In fact, many fish are downright hostile to their tank mates. This is why it's important to research the temperament of a fish before adding it to your tank.
Peaceful fish are typically those that come from slow-moving waters and are not very active. They are often peaceful because they have a hard time competing for food and other resources.
Other fish, such as those from fast-moving waters, are much more aggressive. They are often territorial and will defend their space aggressively.
Too many fish of the same species can also lead to aggression, as they will compete for food and mates. By carefully choosing the right mix of fish, you can create a peaceful and harmonious aquarium.
Water quality and filtration
Aquarium hobbyists are always looking for ways to improve the quality of their water. There are a number of factors that can affect water quality, including the type of aquarium, the number and type of fish, and the plants that are growing in it.
One of the most important things that hobbyists can do to ensure good water quality is to regularly test the water parameters. These include pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. By keeping an eye on these levels, aquarium owners can make sure that their tanks are healthy and balanced.
Another way to improve water quality is to choose aquarium plants carefully. Aquatic plants help to keep the water clean and clear by absorbing nutrients and releasing oxygen. They can also provide hiding places for fish and help to keep the tank tidy.
When choosing plants for a aquarium, it is important to consider the size of the tank and the growth habits of the plants. For example, fast-growing plants may need to be trimmed frequently to prevent them from taking over the tank.
In general, heavily planted tanks have better water quality than those with fewer plants. By following these guidelines, aquarium owners can create a healthy environment for their fish and plants.
Feeding your fish
Most people know that fish need food, but what kind of food is best for them? There are a variety of commercial fish foods available, and it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. In general, it's best to feeding your fish a diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Pellets or flakes that contain both types of food are widely available and are a good option for most fish. However, you should also consider supplementing your fish's diet with live or frozen foods. These foods can provide essential nutrients and help to keep your fish healthy and happy.
When choosing live or frozen foods, be sure to select items that are appropriate for the specific type of fish you are feeding. With a little careful planning, you can ensure that your fish have everything they need to thrive.
Final thoughts
Now that you know a little more about the best fish for 5 gallon tanks, things to consider when choosing fish, and compatibility issues, you can make an informed decision about which fish are right for your home. If you have any questions or need help getting started, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help new fish enthusiasts find the perfect pet for their home.
Hi. I am having a hard time figuring out if I can safely keep 2 pea puffers in a 4 gallon biorb? My sister is donating to me and I want to have a planted tank with room for a few fish and pea puffers are truly of ny favorites but I see conflicting information.
Hey there! It's wonderful that your sister is gifting you a 4-gallon biorb along with some awesome pea puffers. While a 5-gallon tank can typically house up to 5 dwarf pea puffers, your 4-gallon, especially with a planted setup, will be cozy for the two puffers. It's doable, but just ensure they have enough space to move around and that the water quality is maintained. If you ever think of adding more fish, you might want to consider a larger tank. Whatever you decide, I'm here to support and answer any more questions. Good luck!