Beginner fish for a 5 gallon?

[Carlie]

It won't be for a little bit... I still need to set up and cycle the tank.

My inherited betta died , but letting the tank sit fishless for a while is sufficient right? I feel weird not scrubbing it clean (I can be a little OCD about cleaning), but I know detergents and soaps can't be used... Should I do a water change at least?

Any suggestions? Warnings?

I was considering a tiny school of glofish, or another betta... Shrimp have been suggested and sound pretty cool, too. I'll have to look into that...

I would like active fish (or, er, shrimp) that will interact alot, if not with me then at least with each other. I kinda felt bad for Carl being by himself, so I'm leaning toward a tiny community of something. Nothing too difficult to care for, though... So something hardy would be good.

Thanks for any help!

 

[bra_van_drakh]

u could do a 20%-40% PWC, but make sure u still got a cycle going in there.. .

well.. .. 5 glofish would be sufficient if u want activities going in ur tank, it's always fun to see them 'flying' around. . .or. ...a crayfish could be an option. ..they're quite interactive towards their 'master', but i dont know if ur tank will be large enough for a crayfish. ..

 

[fish 'n' fries]

Glofish (genetically modified danios) are very active swimmers. I wouldn't put them in a tank as small as 5 gallons.

Shrimp would be great and mine are really active and fun to watch.

A dwarf puffer would be another option--they're suppose to be quite responsive.

As for the tank...I'm not sure what happened to your betta...I'd personally probably clean it out (no soaps etc...water should be fine or with bleach--just plain--followed by decholorinator a few times--if you're worried about germs)

You'll need to re-cycle it if there's nothing in the tank living.