very small coldwater tank

On 16 Feb 2006 05:15:44 -0800, wrote:

Are there any coldwater aquarium species that are suitable for a tiny
aquarium (3 gal)? I know it's a real challenge to keep anything smaller
than 5 gal but I've very little space, and moreoever a few species can
live happily enough in tiny quarters (eg Bettas) if you keep it clean
(and I won't mind changing the water etc. every other day, for
example--it's no great chore with a tiny aquarium). Unfortunately
bettas are NOT coldwater tolerant at all, otherwise they'd be the
obvious choice.
So what small species can survive at about 10*C (lowest temp of my
centrally heated room in winter)? White clouds seem ok, but there
wouldn't be quite enough space for many in 3 gal, and I don't think
they do so well when not in schools. Paradise fish take lower temp ok,
but if I'm correct unlike Bettas they grow a bit big for 3 gal. Guppies
might be fine, although they're not my favourites. Bronze cories
apparently can live at low temps (and even breathe a bit of air), but
not sure if I'd also need to keep them in a school.
I'm insisting on coldwater as arranging heating for a 3 gal tank is at
best fiddly. I think what I need is suggestions for subtropical
species, small ones that don't need a ton of oxygen (if I can get away
with aeration I'll do that too, although I know it's not likely).
Please share your thoughts,

Seb

According to my super duper temperature converter, 10 degrees C is 50
degrees F. When I think of a cold water tank, I think of household
room air temperatures, which, in this energy conscious house, (read
heating oil cost phobic), our overnight thermostat drops the house
temperature to 60 F. From my perspective, when you say cold water, you
mean really cold water. Heaters are commonly available that measure
about 6 inches, (do your own conversion), for around 10 or 12 dollars.
I have several that I've used in small fry tanks. Another option is
the ordinary back ache heating pad under the tank. I know the cheap
ones aren't thermostatically controlled, but set on low in a chilly
room, they won't overheat your water. Bringing your water up to 65 or
70 degrees would open a few more options for you. 3 or 4 white clouds
or guppies would probably do fine in that setup. Cories are happiest
when they have friends around, and I wouldn't put more than one in a
three gallon tank. Even though a fish is known to survive very cold
temperatures, there is a difference between surviving and thriving.
When we bring captive animals into our homes, we owe them a chance at
the latter. If you could somehow find a way to fit a 5 or 10 gallon
tank, you will open up several more options, and your tank will be a
little easier to maintain with the larger body of water. Though you
are willing to clean your tiny tank daily, keeping your water quality
up can be tricky in such a small tank.



-- Mr Gardener