6 gallon eheim nano tank... what should I put into it?

[Morainy]

Hi All,

I'm looking forward to planting and stocking a 6 gallon Eheim nano tank that I got a little while ago, inspired by Atom's journal. I want to put it into my dining room, where it is replacing a 5 gallon Eclipse.

Have you any suggestions for inhabitants?

I have an similarly-sized 8 gallon Ebi with dwarf orange crayfish and 5 celestial pearl danios (galaxy rasboras) downstairs. For the dining room I think I'd like something less shy and more visible than the danios.

Do you think I should just go for a betta? Or maybe some cardinal tetras? (Do cardinal tetras need more swimming room?)

All suggestions are welcome. I always enjoy the planning stage.

[tang daddy]

You could always add a splash of colour with a saltwater nano??

[BelieveInBlue]

Or a shrimp tank

Personally, I think cardinals would need at least a 2 foot tank. A betta would work for sure though.

A nano would be hard to do in such a tiny tank, but if you're careful, and diligent about maintenance, it can be done. Stocking choices would be very limited though: mostly inverts, and maybe a single damsel, though probably best not to have one.

[Arcteryx]

Same boat. I have a betta that's a family pet, he's moving into a Fluval Ebi as soon as the silicone on the background cures, still pondering what to put in there with him. I've had a bunch of great suggestions from the folks here, just not sure which one to go with... just now for sure I'd like it to be planted.

Interested to see what you end up with

[TomC]

I just got some blue-eyed (or Gertrudes) rainbowfish -Pseudomugil gertrudae-
from Patrick. They are tiny, active, and the sparkle in their eyes just jumps out at you. Mine seem to stick to the top of the tank, so some dwarf cories and shrimp would be nice additions.

[Keri]

I just got some blue-eyed (or Gertrudes) rainbowfish -Pseudomugil gertrudae-
from Patrick. They are tiny, active, and the sparkle in their eyes just jumps out at you. Mine seem to stick to the top of the tank, so some dwarf cories and shrimp would be nice additions.

I second this, I have some gertrudae my 8g and though they are not at bright as say cardinals they are still pretty flashy and very active.

[Morainy]

Thank you, everyone! I really enjoyed reading your suggestions. Tang daddy, I love to look at saltwater tanks but I think they are way beyond my fish-keeping skills, especially in a nano size. Maybe one day, when I'm smarter, braver and better-organized.

BelieveinBlue (great name!) I love shrimp and have them in almost all of my tanks, so I might put some into this one, depending on what else goes in there. I don't know what it is about shrimp that make them so appealing, but they are endlessly interesting to watch. I think they're quite intelligent. Thanks for the tip about cardinals needing a wider tank. I won't pick those.

Arcteryx, I might just end up with a betta. For me, bettas usually only last about three and a half years and then die suddenly, so I'm not sure that I'm very good with them. My harlequin rasboras, by contrast, were bought in 1998 (I still have the receipt). I love the way that bettas are so interactive and watchful, though. They're also very easy to see from across the room, and always gorgeous. So, maybe a betta is the right thing for this tank. I'll have to see how the filter's flow is on this Eheim nano tank.

TomC, that is a very intriguing suggestion! I've never heard of Pseudomugil gertrudae but I looked them up and see that even a 5 gallon tank is sufficient for them. I have 9 furcatus in my 22 gallon super long and they are quite gorgeous. They may be similar to the gertrudae but probably a little bigger. They're robust swimmers. I will definitely consider the Gertrudes.

So -- Gertrudes (if available) or a lone betta are my options, for now. Thanks, all!

[Morainy]

Hi Keri,

That's really good to know. I was replying to everyone else when your post came in and so I missed this. It sounds as though your gertrudae are happy in a small tank, and that's the main thing I'm looking for (happy fish).

I second this, I have some gertrudae my 8g and though they are not at bright as say cardinals they are still pretty flashy and very active.

[Keri]

Hi Keri,

That's really good to know. I was replying to everyone else when your post came in and so I missed this. It sounds as though your gertrudae are happy in a small tank, and that's the main thing I'm looking for (happy fish).

Yeah, I have a lot of plants (floating ones too) and they are always swimming in and out of them flirting with eachother.

[Atom]

Morainy,

Can't wait to see your journal for your tank! I like the idea of gertrudae as well! How about 3 sparkling gouramis or dario dario mixed with some chili rasboras?

Happy New Year!