5-Gallon Tank Setup: What to Buy and What Fits
A 5-gallon tank is the smallest size worth setting up. It suits one betta, a shrimp colony or a group of the very smallest fish. Small tanks swing in temperature and water quality quickly, so a heater and a filter matter even more here.
- Dimensions
- 16 × 8 × 10 inlength × width × height
- Weight when full
- ~62 lbswater, substrate, gear
- Heater
- 25 wattsfor 78°F in a 68°F room
- Substrate
- 12 lbsfor a 1.5 inch layer
3 stocking ideas for a 5-gallon tank
Each one passes our checks for tank size, group size, temperature and temperament. Open one in the builder to adjust it.
Betta and a snail
The classic 5-gallon tank. The snail cleans up algae.
- 1 × Betta
- 1 × Nerite snail
Shrimp colony
A colony that grows by itself and needs very little.
- 8 × Cherry shrimp
- 1 × Nerite snail
Nano school
Tiny red fish over a planted background.
- 6 × Chili rasbora
- 5 × Cherry shrimp
Shopping list for a 5-gallon tank
Sized for the “Betta and a snail” idea above. Change the fish in the builder and the list updates.
5-gallon tank
- These fit a 5-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 78°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Fish that fit a 5-gallon tank
The most of each you could keep if it were the only species in the tank.
| Fish | Kept alone, up to | Group size | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betta | 1 | One per tank | 76–82°F |
| Endler's livebearer | 4 | 3 or more | 72–82°F |
| Chili rasbora | 10 | 6 or more | 72–82°F |
| Cherry shrimp | 20 | 5 or more | 65–80°F |
| Nerite snail | 7 | One or more | 72–80°F |
| Mystery snail | 2 | One or more | 68–82°F |
Too big for 5 gallons: neon tetra (10+ gal), cardinal tetra (20+ gal), ember tetra (10+ gal), rummy-nose tetra (20+ gal), black skirt tetra (20+ gal), guppy (10+ gal), platy (10+ gal), molly (20+ gal), swordtail (29+ gal), zebra danio (10+ gal), white cloud minnow (10+ gal), harlequin rasbora (10+ gal), cherry barb (20+ gal), tiger barb (29+ gal), corydoras catfish (20+ gal), pygmy corydoras (10+ gal), bristlenose pleco (29+ gal), otocinclus (20+ gal), kuhli loach (20+ gal), dwarf gourami (10+ gal), honey gourami (10+ gal), pearl gourami (29+ gal), angelfish (29+ gal), german blue ram (20+ gal), fancy goldfish (20+ gal), amano shrimp (10+ gal).
5-gallon tank questions
How many fish can I put in a 5-gallon tank?
It depends on the fish. As examples, a 5-gallon tank comfortably holds 1 betta, or 20 cherry shrimp if kept alone. Mixed tanks hold fewer of each. The builder shows the stocking level for any combination.
What size heater does a 5-gallon tank need?
About 25 watts to hold 78°F in a 68°F room. A colder room or warmer target needs more.
What size filter does a 5-gallon tank need?
Look for a filter rated for at least 30 gallons per hour, which turns the tank over about 6 times an hour. Go higher for messy fish such as goldfish or plecos.
How much does a 5-gallon tank weigh?
About 62 pounds when filled with water, substrate and equipment. Standard dimensions are 16 × 8 × 10 inches.