New 5g Questions

[richardsonval]

I just purchased a five gallon hex tank with a three stage filtration system for my daughter's room. I'm planning to put in a couple of dwarf platys and a few baby mollies (at least I think that's what they are) from my 30 gallon tank at school. The tank is complete with filtration and lights, but I am missing heat and aeration. Any recommendations on this or type of fish for the tank. I know I am limited to a small number of fish with the tank, but want something entertaining for my daughter. The tank is a reward for her and she is really excited. I want to teach her how to correctly get it all set up.

 

[Lotus]

Welcome to the tank!

You don't need to add an airstone if the tank already has a filter. The filter should supply enough movement for there to be enough oxygen in the water. A small 25 watt heater should be fine for the tank (don't forget a thermometer!).

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I like the dwarf platies, they're so little and cute! And your daughter will like it if they have babies in there. If you could get shrimp or a dwarf frog for the bottom, those might be interesting for her too.

 

[NoDeltaH2O]

yeah, i like the idea of adding shrimp. shrimp do not dirty up the tank as they are excellent scavengers/algae eaters. Frogs contribute a lot of waste as compared to a fish. Shrimp can be very interesting to watch and it would be nice to have something in the tank other than just fish. STAY AWAY from crayfish though, as they will make short order of your fish. Same with crabs and lobsters.

 

[richardsonval]

Thanks for the info. I'll pick up the heater today and start getting things set up. About how long will it take a 5g to go through a fishless cycle? *twirlysmi

 

[NoDeltaH2O]

it's all in here, and spoken more eloquently that I could have:
http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19357

 

[lmosness]

I second the shrimp motion. I especially like my ghost (or glass) shrimp. You can see it's food going through it's system. I freaked out the first morning after it had molted though - I thought it was dead until he/she popped out from behind some plants. Also, you may consider guppies. Lot of variety & they are so easy (in my opinion) to take care of. If you don't want to breed them, I suggest the males just because they have the big fancy tails.

 

[richardsonval]

Thanks for all the info. Presently beginning to cycle. Plan to add several baby dalmation mollies and some dwarf platys and some shrimp. Will add pics once tank is up and running. *celebrate

 

[Dud]

NO PLATIES, & NO MOLLIES
how bout'
*2 female bettas (make sure there sisters)
*4 shrimp
*1 or 2 adf's

or

*6 dwarf cories

or

*3 adf's

or

*2 dwarf puffers

hope I helped