With vibrant colors and a mixture of hair-like fins, betta fishes, also known as labyrinth fish, are one of the most beautiful creations. These ornamental fishes give your home a different level of beauty when you put them inside an aquarium. Can they live in a 5 gallons tank? Let’s find out.
How many betta fish can live in a 5-gallon tank?
An adult betta fish’s size goes around 2.25 inches to 2.5 inches. Male betta fish have vibrant color, whereas the female one is dull in color. A 5-gallon tank is standard for a single male or female betta fish. Only one fish for a 5-gallon tank, not more than that.
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“Labyrinth fish” or “Siamese Fighting Fish” or Betta fish, whatever the name it has, this fish is kept as a household pet.
And this fish is so beautifully colorful that people love to pet them. One betta fish can fit with a 5-gallon box easily, but more than one fish may have the problem of pollution.
Betta fish has the tendency to establish its own territory. Betta fishes are aggressive. Whether they are male or female, they can fight with each other to set their footprint to their desired area. So more than one betta fish will fight with each other for food, shelter, and partner.
As the name suggests, one fish can go with a five-gallon tank, or the fish will fight and can damage their delicate fin and scales. Even experts say only one betta fish can live in a five-gallon tank, whether a male or a female.
How many male and female betta fish in a 5 gallon tank?
Typically male Betta’s are more aggressive than female Betta’s. They can live together, but still, they need some space for themselves.
Male Betta:
Male betta fish can be noticed by seeing their large and colorful fin and scales. The fins are almost two to three times larger than their body. Male betta fish has bigger fin than their female counterparts.
These fishes are not that big to keep inside a jar, but they will suffocate these wanderers.
And these fish love to hide and love to have their own space. A single male betta should need a 5-gallon tank to stay happily. Any male or female partner cannot stay happily in a tank of 5 gallons for a more extended period.
Female Betta:
Female betta fish can be spotted by seeing the fin and the color. The color of a female betta is less vibrant.
And the fin size is smaller than the male one. If there is enough room for the female Betta, and if it can hide and swim peacefully, then a female betta can stay with a group.
Female fishes are less aggressive and more social. Even a male betta cannot stay longer with a female betta as the aggression of a male betta is much higher. A single female betta should need a 5-gallon tank to stay.
Can two female betta fish live together in a 5 gallon tank?
As female betta fishes are less aggressive and more social. A female betta can live with another female betta with serenity. When one female Betta lives with another female betta fish, at that time, both are known as sororities to each other.
Female bettas are so friendly, and they can stay alone if they want. But when a different group of female bettas is introduced, then any sort of chaos may happen. The female betta fish also have some territory managing issues, such as those male betta fishes.
In a betta sorority, 4 to 6 females can live together. They will need to provide them with a better hiding place in the aquarium. But it is wise not to put more than one female bettas in in 5 gallon tank.
Is a 5 gallon tank big enough and good for 2 betta?
The 5-gallon tank is undoubtedly excellent and big enough for only one Betta, not for two of them. If two betta fish stay together, there will be territorial fighting every now and then. If there is a male and a female betta, the fight may not be that frequent.
But experts suggest not to put more than one betta fish in one 5-gallon tank. It will pollute the tank water. And eventually, it will be a reason for the decease of these delicate aquarium ornaments.
Even two male and female bettas cannot live long term in a small tank. Because the male considers female bettas as a danger before their mating season. So it is pretty clear that a 5-gallon tank is not big or good enough for 2 betta fishes.
What can live with a betta in a 5 gallon tank?
Except for another betta fish, you can go for other small fishes to put together in the 5 gallon tank. Let’s get to know what aquatic animal you can choose from.
Small Docile Fishes:
Betta fish is not that large, but their anger and aggression are larger than themselves. They cannot tolerate their own species. They constantly fight with each other to establish their name. Both males and females are aggressive.
On the other hand, some fish will not increase in size or will not bother the Betta, then there is a chance that Betta can share its space with others in a 5-gallon tank.
Fishes such as ember tetras, loaches, rasboras, cory catfish, etc., can be tank mates with a betta in a 5-gallon tank here.
Non-Fish Aquatic Species:
Non-fish aquatic species such as ramshorn snails, small ghost shrimp, frogs, etc., can easily be tank mates of a betta.
As snails tend to have the ability to purify water, and they are small and steady. On the other hand, shrimps are also good as they don’t bother other tank mates.
Betta fishes are susceptible to their tank mates. So, it will be better if other species don’t bother bettas.
How often to clean 5 gallon betta tank?
Fishes are one of the most expensive delicacies to take a pet. Fishes must swim a long way to stay healthy. And they need healthy water to swim in. It is not really an easier thing to master the art of taking fish as a pet.
It is essential to put a fish in a more significant place so that the fish can swim happily and less amount of contamination will occur. Experts say not to put fish in a smaller tank which is less than 10 gallons.
A single betta can live inside a 5-gallon tank, but if the tank’s size is bigger, it is better. To avoid contamination, cleaning the tank every week is necessary.
How often to change water in 5 gallon betta tank?
The municipalities water has a high amount of chlorine and chloramine in it. So before putting a fish in the water, the water should be tested and cleaned using a water conditioner. Water in the tank must be changed every week.
If the water in the tank stays for more than a week, then the water must be changed. Or the tank will become a toxic place for any fish to live.
Does a 5 gallon betta tank need a heater?
The temperature betta fish are used to is 76 degrees to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, fishes like goldfish stay in a much colder environment. That’s why one should not put betta fish and goldfish together in a tank.
Bettas are diurnal. So, the tank must be put where light is controllable. Here the light source and water temperature are crucial think for betta fishes.
As most of the houses are not as warm as what betta fishes want, that’s why betta fishes 5-gallon tank is always in need of a heater.
Do betta fish need a filter in a 5 gallon tank?
Yes, in a 5-gallon tank, a filter is needed for a betta fish. As the water changes every week, a filter is still required for the betta fish. Betta fish need oxygen from the water surface.
Low-flow filtration is best for betta fish. This filtration helps bettas with oxygen issues.
How much water conditioner for a 5 gallon betta tank?
Several brands manufacture water conditioners. A water conditioner is basically a solution that helps to neutralize any sort of chlorine contamination from the tap water.
It is instructed to give 0.5 or 1 teaspoon of water conditioner for 10 gallons betta fish tank. Then mix with 10 gallons of water. Half of the water goes to a 5 gallon, and another half goes into another 5 gallons water tank.
Final thoughts
Betta fishes are small. But as the name betta suggest an ancient warrior clan, the betta fishes are sort of warrior themselves. In 5 gallons of water, only one betta fish can stay happily, male or female. They can have docile aquatic species as their tank mates but don’t like to stay with others.