7 gal tank

[friedegg45]

as posted? got a small tank 7g for my kids. once its up and running in 2/3 weeks what fish should i get for them? i was thinking of maybe 6 platys and 2 dwarf puffer fish.i know the platys will breed? so that will keep the kids interested and i would just give them away when old enough. what is your opinion of fish for kids. cheers

[goldenpuon]

I personally think that platies wouldn't be a good idea because if they breed, they will have a lot of babies for several months in a row. That would leave a lot of fish you don't have room for that would need a new home.

I am not sure how big pufferfish grow but I think 5 platies alone would be enough (it may even be a bit overstocking.) If you go with the platies, I would recommend all males. If they are anything like my male guppies, they will still try to breed with each other even if there are no females around. This is also very entertaining, just without the babies.

If you're looking for beginner fish, danios and tetras might also be a good idea.

Good luck with your tank. Hope you and your kids enjoy it.

[murdock6701]

Brian, in my opinion, 6 platys is way too many for a 7 gallon tank - they will breed and then what will you do w/ the fry? maybe a small school of zebra danios would work - they're quite active.....you also have to concern yourself w/ some kind of algae eater as well.......please don't take it as criticism, just my thoughts......

[fishfever]

I agree, platy may not be the best choice but if you really want them go with males and probably half that many without anything else. Platies will make you have to clean your tank more often (bit less with all males than females probably). There are plenty of small, beginner category fish from the minnow and tetra families that don't readily breed unless you take extra steps. Just make sure it's not one that likes a bunch of space to roam if you want happy fish.

[babygeige]

How about a little group of cherry barbs? They're plucky little fish. The males are really pretty. Maybe a couple of males, and 3 or 4 females would be good. Or even one male and a a few females.

[bikeguy33]

why not try 6 goldfish? just kidding. i agree with the barbs. maybe 3 tigers? they are active and sometimes nippy. very entertaining to watch

[charlize]

Tiger barbs would not be good in a 7 gallon tank.
A single dwarf puffer would be fine,but I would not keep anything else with it.They can be territorial.You could plant it and have a great looking tank.

[Carl]

I too like the idea of Cherry Barbs or Danios.

As well I agree that only a single puffer should be kept in a tank of this size. My experience is that have been notorious fin nippers, even in much larger tanks.

Carl