5.5 Gallon Nano Tank In Progress - Thoughts or Suggestions?

[AquaLove91]

I am currently constructing a 5.5 Gallon Nano Tank for my dorm room.

I do know how to cycle and will be using my cycled filter and filter material in order to start the tank off right.

I basically want some input on my current stock ideas as well as my choices in plants and other equipment. Feel free to add any suggestions or comments.



Stock:
- 3 Scarlet Badis (1M,2F)
- 4 Cherry Shrimp
- 1 Nerite Snail


Plants and Decor:
- 1 Medium Moss Ball
- 2 Banana Plants (Nymphoides aquatica)
- 1 Small Unknown Plant from my previous 20 Gallon
- 1 Large Patch of Java Moss


Tank Equipment:
- 5.5 Gallon Glass Tank (Measures 17 x 9 x 11)
- Fine Gravel/Sand Substrate
- Top Fin Power Filter 10 (Will Most Likely Swap Out)
- Aqueon 50 Watt Heater
- Incandescent Hood (Will Most Likely Swap Out)


I will most likely be utilizing frozen BBS and other compatible foods.

[Strider199]

Looks like a nice balanced tank. I've never had success with that banana plant in a tank but that could just be me.

If your looking into replacing that - Incandescent Hood , check out an LED hood. They are reasonably priced for a 5.5 tank and my plants did well under them until I had them on a 55 gallon. The light just didn't get down there.

A rule I live by, the more capacity a filter has, the better. Just makes tank keeping easier.

[AquaLove91]

Looks like a nice balanced tank. I've never had success with that banana plant in a tank but that could just be me.

If your looking into replacing that - Incandescent Hood , check out an LED hood. They are reasonably priced for a 5.5 tank and my plants did well under them until I had them on a 55 gallon. The light just didn't get down there.

A rule I live by, the more capacity a filter has, the better. Just makes tank keeping easier.

Yeah. I've had good and bad experiences with them so far, so I'm going to give them another try. They also fit well to the size and behavior of the Scarlet Badis.

I planned on getting LEDs, I think they look amazing plus conserve energy. And I typically like to have at least double filtration but I will upgrade after so stabilization has occurred.

[AquaLove91]

I was also wondering if anyone could suggest specific foods. I'm well aware that they are picky eaters and will most likely refuse flake and pellets.

I have been considering the following:

- Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp
- Frozen Daphnia
- Frozen Cyclops
- Possibly Culture My Own Stock


In the beginning, I am hoping to lean on the frozen food and possible baby Cherry Shrimp to help fill them up until I can get a steady stock of live food available.

Any thoughts? Suggestions?