Dario dario in 5.5 gallon question?

[bettagirl03]

I have a 5.5 gallon tank that has two plants (one anubis nana, one water wisteria), a plastic reptile driftwood thingy and houses my betta fish Rainbow. He is reaching near the end of his expected life span (I've had him for nearly 4 years) and I want ideas on what to do with the tank after the poor old fishy goes to fishy heaven. while researching I came across the dario dario (not sure of scientific name) and was wondering how many of them I could keep in the tank. Would one male and and one female work or two males, or would I have to keep just one? I'd really like a pair. How do I care for these fish? what kind of food do they like? No pet/fish store near me stocks them, what are some good, trusted online sites I could buy them from? If I could put this cute fishies in the tank, I will heavily plant it. I'm thinking some smaller swords, more anubis, frogbit, and hornwort? Maybe java fern?

 

[Scottyhorse]

A pair would work, but make absolutely sure that is a pair, and not two males. I have found females are hard to come by. Make sure the tank is pretty heavily planted. They are shy fish.

 

[FeldmansFish]

Seagrest farms is a good website. Liveaquaria might have them

 

[bettagirl03]

Seagrest farms is a good website. Liveaquaria might have them

Oh thanks! I'll be sure to check them out!

 

[bettagirl03]

A couple minutes ago I just found Coursair's 10 gal shrimp garden (Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community - Coursair's Album: 10g Shrimp Jungle) and was wondering if I could use all of those fish minus the threadfin rainbows. How many of each fish could I have?

 

[Coursair]

A couple minutes ago I just found Coursair's 10 gal shrimp garden (Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community - Coursair's Album: 10g Shrimp Jungle) and was wondering if I could use all of those fish minus the threadfin rainbows. How many of each fish could I have?

My tank was quite overstocked. But I would not do that in a 5.5g.

I'd say just the CPDs and Dario dario ( that IS the scientific name for Scarlet Badis ). And not the other fish.

Maybe 5 CPDs
1-2 Scarlet Badis
1 Nerite
As your final list.

And the record for a Betta is 10yrs in a 10g under perfect conditions. Just offer him real or Silk plants to rest on.

 

[bettagirl03]

My tank was quite overstocked. But I would not do that in a 5.5g.

I'd say just the CPDs and Dario dario ( that IS the scientific name for Scarlet Badis ). And not the other fish.

Maybe 5 CPDs
1-2 Scarlet Badis
1 Nerite
As your final list.

And the record for a Betta is 10yrs in a 10g under perfect conditions. Just offer him real or Silk plants to rest on.

That sounds like a plan- thanks!

Oh and on the subject of my betta, he LOVES resting on his anubis.

 

[aqua_chem]

I would just get the one Badis if you're also putting CPDs in there. A 5.5g is deceptively small.

 

[bettagirl03]

I would just get the one Badis if you're also putting CPDs in there. A 5.5g is deceptively small.

Yeah I've decided I want to go with just one badis- I don't want babies or to risk two fighting.

The tank is small, i know- but it's a huge improvment for my betta from his 1 gallon.

 

[bettagirl03]

My tank was quite overstocked. But I would not do that in a 5.5g.

I'd say just the CPDs and Dario dario ( that IS the scientific name for Scarlet Badis ). And not the other fish.

Maybe 5 CPDs
1-2 Scarlet Badis
1 Nerite
As your final list.

And the record for a Betta is 10yrs in a 10g under perfect conditions. Just offer him real or Silk plants to rest on.

Would i also be able to put in a few red cherry shrimp for cleanup?

 

[Coursair]

Would i also be able to put in a few red cherry shrimp for cleanup?

Yes. Their bioload is tiny. The Badis and CPDs will snack on newly hatched babies, but adults are safe.

 

[bettagirl03]