6.6 gal tank

[drradcliffe]

I have recently purchased a 6.6 gallon tank. Its called a bookshelf tank. It has been set up for two days and I used Top Fin water conditioner when I set it up. The substrate is medium and small gravel. It has a standard whisper filter hanging on the back. I'd like to start thinking about fish.

I'd like to put something interesting in the tank since its so small. We already have a beta in another tank so I'm looking for something else. What about a dwarf puffer? I don't really want a bunch of little fish (i.e. neon tetras). I'm ok with just one or two if they offer some interest and are relatively easy to take care of.

I have tropical fish experience, but I'm no expert. Frankly, I think I've just been lucky with the tanks I've had - strictly community fish, plastic plants, very basic.

I would appreciate any ideas on what I can do with this tank. It looks really nice and it should be ready for fish in another day or two. Thanks very much!

Dawn

[Nickintex]

Are you only wanting fish? A blue crawfish would make a nice resident.

[drradcliffe]

Frankly, I had not thought about something other than fish. Would a freshwater tank be suitable? How many could I have in a 6.6 gal tank? Could I put something else in the tank with it. (i've always had a cat or something else on the bottom)

[Nickintex]

I keep crawfish in the goldfish tank I have at work. In order for them to coexist, I trim the top movable part of their claw with a nail trimmer. It causes no harm or handicap and prevents them from harming each other and the fish. I got the idea from Sea Center Texas, as they do that to the crabs in their touch pool.

[lilmissruffcountry]

Frankly, I had not thought about something other than fish. Would a freshwater tank be suitable? How many could I have in a 6.6 gal tank? Could I put something else in the tank with it. (i've always had a cat or something else on the bottom)

1-2 cory cats or 5-10 cherry shrimp, 2-4 guppies, an 3-6 danio, an a nice anubious nana, or java fern.

this would provide color, movement, an they would all get along just fine given a small plant or two. I have all these except the danio, in many of my tanks an they all do great! I could even provide you with some if interested..shoot me a PM

[lilmissruffcountry]

I keep crawfish in the goldfish tank I have at work. In order for them to coexist, I trim the top movable part of their claw with a nail tripper. It causes no harm or handicap and prevents them from harming each other and the fish. I got the idea from Sea Center Texas, as they do that to the crabs in their touch pool.

Hey Nick...if I bring my cloning crayfish to you..can you trim her claws? I have no idea how this is done..an would be very interested to see.

[mahoro]

A 6g is too small for the danio imo, they like to be in bigger group and more swim area... u can go for more 5 rcs as well

[Somefishguy]

Some CPDs, cherry shrimp, plus a couple otto and go planted.

[drradcliffe]

You lost me at "Some CPDs, cherry shrimp, plus a couple otto" What is CPD an dotto? Thanks.

[Mzungu]

CPD = Celestial Pearl Danio, aka Galaxy Rasbora.

Oto = Otocinclus (small algae eaters)

:)

[drradcliffe]

Thanks so much! I'll head out to the LFS and see whats available. I appreciate everyone's help. Dawn

[drradcliffe]

Thanks everyone for your help. I visited with the folks at Houston Aquarium Warehouse Sunday. They gave me two tiny guppies to put in the tank for a while to help with cycling. I'm going back this weekend to have the water tested. If all is well, hopefully I'll be able to add a couple more fish.

[lilmissruffcountry]

Thanks everyone for your help. I visited with the folks at Houston Aquarium Warehouse Sunday. They gave me two tiny guppies to put in the tank for a while to help with cycling. I'm going back this weekend to have the water tested. If all is well, hopefully I'll be able to add a couple more fish.

Good deal! If you decide you want guppies..if you pay for shipping, I will give ya a few for the tank.

[Mzungu]

Great!

Do you have another tank set up right now? Or does your betta tank have a filter on it? You could always use some media from a filter currently in use on an established tank to speed up the cycling. Actually, to pretty much pass over the cycling altogether. :)

Have you given any more thought to what you want to put in there? Have you thought about plants or no plants?

I think I have the same tank you're talking about. Did you hang the filter on the side or on the back? I always thought it would be better on the side, but it's such a weird tank and I didn't feel like cutting that plastic cover to allow for a side-hanging filter. :) Oh well! :)

[drradcliffe]

The beta tank does have a filter on it. I didn't even think of that! The guys at HAW asked me that very question (do you have an established tank) and I said no. What a dufus. How would I use some of the media? The beta tank has been running for several months now.

I currently have some plastic plants in the bookshelf tank. I think I'll leave it like that for now. I had room on the bookshelf I put it on so I put the filter on the back. You cannot see it when looking at the tank from the front, so its a nice clean look. I'm really enjoying it. Not a bad investment for $40!

HAW is planning to have a workshop sometime in Oct on how to set up a planted aquarium and I am hoping to attend. My next tank (if we all survive this set up) will be a 75-90 gallon planted tank (which I am currently in the market for).