Question - Can I Add More Fish to my 5 Gallon?

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wfoxx3

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Mar 24, 2012
Messages
23
I currently have a 5 gallon tank with 1 mickey mouse platy in it. My question is can I add 1 more? I ask because I have been given conflicting answers. When I initially bought the tank the pet store told me I could fit 2 in my 5 gallon. And I've read in places that I can fit 2 and other places I've read 5 gallon is too small for even 1. But my 1 fish currently seems very happy and my tank is cycled and very healthy. So I'm wondering if I can put another fish in so my current one isn't all alone or if I should just upgrade to a 10 gallon? And if I do upgrade to a 10 gallon, how many platies can I safely fit in that? Ideally I would have 2 in my 5 gallon, but I know this may not be safe and I don't want to risk anything. Thanks
 
Platies and livebearers need much more space. If you are set on platies I would consider at least a 20 gallon tank. I would consider smaller fish for a 5 or 10 gallon such as neon tetras, though even they can benefit from more swimming room.
 
Alright I will look into upgrading. How many total would I be able to fit in a 10 gallon?
 
Do you plan on getting males and females? If you do, you could easily be overrun with fry.
 
My current platy is a female so I would stick with all females haha.
 
Personally, I don't think you should add another one. They do need some swimming room and they are not a very good species for a 5g tank. Having more than 1 in there would definitely not be good. They would likely bicker a lot because of the limited space.
 
No worries. I definitely don't think four platies should go in a 5 gallon tank! lol
 
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