Please don’t come at me if I’ve made a mistake, which I feel that I have. This tank is ~2.5gal of conditioned water + sponge filter and when I went to the fish store I was interested in shrimp mostly, but after I asked if any fish would be suitable he recommended white cloud minnows.
He told me I should only get 2 due to my tank size. Now that I’m looking them up it seems this school size and bowl size are too small. I’m not sure what I can do because getting a bigger tank would not be an option for some time. The fish seem to be actively swimming around and exploring the new tank. I knew white clouds were hardy but didn’t know more details besides the clerks recommendation when i bought them. He seemed knowledgeable but now I’m worried I’ve put these fish in a place they’re unhappy. Should I just get 3-4 more for the school? Try to give them back? Thoughts / advice?? Please be nice 😭💙
Posted by comradepupp
5 Comments
Eh, returning them may put additional stress on them.
You didn’t mention having a friend who could take then off your hands.
How do you feel about buying a bookshelf tank? The gallons would be low, but the footprint would be larger which is more important to fish anyway. If you are ok with that, perhaps look into that as an option and adding more minnows.
returning/rehoming them or getting a bigger tank would be your best options. white clouds need at least 10 gallons and a bigger school
Unpopular opinion; while it is a small bowl, they probably will do just fine, give them a shot.
This should be a shrimp only tank at most. No fish is suitable for a tank that small.
You say conditioned water, this leads me to believe this is an un-cycled tank (or bowl) and you don’t know what the nitrogen cycle is. Is there even a heater and filter that we can’t see here?
The bigger the tank, the easier it will be to care for them. 10 gallons for a small school would be best. 10 gallons wouldn’t be very expensive either. Also get a LIQUID water testing kit if you haven’t already. If you don’t know what the nitrogen cycle is in your tank, do some research and watch some youtube. I just got into the hobby myself a few months back and I already have a 75 gallon and have been making it a planted tank, it’s very fun. I suggest trying to get a larger tank first to help with the water issues! Then you can get a larger school. And for the sponge filter, that’s good. You can also get an HOB (hang on back) filter for cheaper too, this will hold the beneficial bacteria – this has to do with the nitrogen cycle. I’m just rambling to give you what info is best, DM if you need more help