OT: FW mollies or shrimp wanted

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markkazdad

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I found a complete Fluval Chi (5 gallons) at the thrift store for a whopping $5. I think I'll keep it freshwater for now.

I have guppies and platys that I could swipe some offspring from, but I'm wondering if anyone here has any mollies or shrimp that are procreating more than they can find homes for before I head to WalPetcoSmart looking for something interesting.

It had these decorations with it, which seem counter to the Feng Shui theme. :rockon:

chi_decor_w.jpg
 
Deltec
I have mollies and I have to ask you - PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE do NOT keep them in any less than 30g! Even a 20 is kind of cramped for these guys. I have seen them up to a good 6 inches, though most top out at 3 or 4, I think. Size aside, they are far, far more fast and active than guppies or possibly even platies. It's hit or miss, but certain individuals can be nasty as well. They also carry a disproportionately high bioload.

Sorry if that came off harsh, but I mean every word. Mollies are not only unsuitable but potentially disastrous in that setup.
 
Thanks. I didn't know they got that big. How long does it take for them to grow to over an inch or so? We do have a lightly stocked 55 gallon freshwater tank they could move to after they get too big.

I'm open to other suggestions besides guppies, platys, bettas or neon tetras that would be suited to the relatively low light, low flow Chi. Hagen says it's perfect for goldfish, but I think I know better than that.
 
AS
markkazdad said:
Thanks. I didn't know they got that big. How long does it take for them to grow to over an inch or so? We do have a lightly stocked 55 gallon freshwater tank they could move to after they get too big.

I'm open to other suggestions besides guppies, platys, bettas or neon tetras that would be suited to the relatively low light, low flow Chi. Hagen says it's perfect for goldfish, but I think I know better than that.
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Hagan's nuts if they think that would be okay for goldfish! I'm glad you know better!

Personally I'd say a 10 minimum for platies, but I don't have personal experience with them.

There are a lot of freshwater shrimp colors available (red, yellow, orange, blue...) if you want to look into that. A little planted tank with a rainbow of shrimp colors would be cool.

Now, I'm on the fence as to whether they are truly suitable for a 5g because they're pretty active, but there is a very small but awesome little fish called the celestial pearl danio (also known by the obsolete name of galaxy rasbora), Danio margaritatus. That one's not easy to find in shops - you'd have much better luck on the internet - try aquabid.com in particular - but totally cool. I'd have some myself if they wouldn't make such a nice snack for my current residents...

I'll see if I can hunt up a photo real quick for you.
 
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Be careful with mixing different color morphs of neocardinia freshwater shrimp. They will cross breed and the offspring will be brown. You may be able to get away with a single dwarf cichlid from south America in a tank that size, but it's been a while since I've kept them.
 
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totion said:
Be careful with mixing different color morphs of neocardinia freshwater shrimp. They will cross breed and the offspring will be brown. You may be able to get away with a single dwarf cichlid from south America in a tank that size, but it's been a while since I've kept them.
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I wouldn't put even a SA cichlid in that...
To be flat-out honest, I don't like putting any fish in a 5g. Maybe a Betta or guppies, or shrimp, but that's about it. I keep my own betta in a 10g and while it seems extravagant, he's all over the place. I couldn't see stuffing him in less than that. People think bettas just sit there. Well, gee, I wonder why! Aside from my personal preference, there is the fact that the #1 killer of bettas (other than accidents or bad water chemistry) is fatty degeneration, mainly due to lack of exercise and the cruddy cheap Betta foods on the market.

In a university experiment, a betta was carefully exercised and fed a good diet...and was still breeding-capable at 11 years old.
 
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Celestial Pearl Danio is too big for a 5 gallon tank. They need more swimming space.
I suggest that you look into Red Cherry Shrimp, Pygmy Gourami/Croaking Gourami, or Scarlet Badis. The Aquarium Shop have them periodically.
 
Tomoko Schum said:
Celestial Pearl Danio is too big for a 5 gallon tank. They need more swimming space.
I suggest that you look into Red Cherry Shrimp, Pygmy Gourami/Croaking Gourami, or Scarlet Badis. The Aquarium Shop have them periodically.
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Yeah...after looking at them more thoroughly I would have to agree.

Badis are tough to keep, though. They require specialized live diets for the most part.
 
Deltec
Great find!!! I would LOVE that tank. I just won a Nano LED light and am looking for a tank sorta like that.
 
What about a Harlequin Rasbora? They max out at around 2 inches and are a schooling fish...although not sure how many you could comfortable fit in a 5 gallon.
 
The Harlequin Rasbora are a beautiful fish. I would do some cherry shrimp and a school of 10-12 neon tetras or cardinal tetras.
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
pickupman66 said:
Great find!!! I would LOVE that tank. I just won a Nano LED light and am looking for a tank sorta like that.
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A few weeks ago Petsmart had their Aqueon Evolve tanks on clearance. At the Jones Valley location they had four Evolve 4's left (price just over $40), but all but the one I took home had some minor cosmetic defect or another -- scratches, etc.). Their one remaining 8 gallon had the old style lid without the plastic tab on the front (tended to fall into the tank). I did not check the University store. I like my Evolve 2, but the light is not good for coral. So, you might look into one of those to go with your Nano LED light.
 
Replied to PM.

Folks, it looks like the topic will become what to put in a 20 gallon hex tank; the other tank that followed me home. That one I might make saltwater, though it's about 20" deep. First I have to clean up all the hardwater deposits on it.
 
markkazdad said:
Replied to PM.

Folks, it looks like the topic will become what to put in a 20 gallon hex tank; the other tank that followed me home. That one I might make saltwater, though it's about 20" deep. First I have to clean up all the hardwater deposits on it.
Click to expand...

To ditch the 5 entirely as a fish tank is a good decision, in my opinion. Maybe you might use it for raising live food?

EDIT: Maybe even a refugium for the hex?
 
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I will probably just use a HOB filter on the hex, though it did come with an undergravel filter.
 
Undergravel filters do not work well with sand and they have a tendency to build up sludge underneath them. No good for a SW tank. Most of the FW fishkeepers I know won't use them either.

If you do go SW with an HOB, remember that filter really should be cleaned once weekly minimum.
 
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