FastAquatics
Tank stocking ideas

5-gallon tank stocking ideas

4 themed stocking plans with exact species + counts + notes. Pick the theme that fits your goals, then verify with the stocking calculator.

4 themed stocking ideas for 5-gallon

1. Single Betta

  • 1x Betta splendens (male or female)
  • 5x ramshorn or nerite snails

Notes: Classic 5g setup. Add live plants (anubias, java fern) for cover. Sponge filter only - HOB current too strong.

2. Cherry shrimp colony

  • 10-20x Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
  • 3x ramshorn snails (optional)

Notes: Shrimp-only nano. Heavily planted with java moss. Sponge filter mandatory. Colony self-sustains within 6 months.

3. Chili rasbora nano

  • 8-12x Chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
  • 5x cherry shrimp (optional)

Notes: Tiny school fish under 1 inch. Soft water + low light + densely planted. Black background enhances coloration.

4. Endler livebearer

  • 6x Male Endler's livebearer

Notes: Males-only group. No females = no fry boom. Bright orange + green coloration in mature males.

Verify your stocking plan

Use the stocking calculator to verify the exact species + counts work in your 5-gallon. Also check the water change calculator for ongoing maintenance, and the setup guide library for the full build playbook.

Other tank sizes

Browse all stocking idea pages from 5g nano to 180g show-tier. Or jump to the stocking blueprints for build-along plans with timelines.