Hi,

I'm new to this site and new to aquariums. I bought a 5 gallon hex aquarium with a bio wheel filter and set it up on Friday. Yesterday I put in 3 small zebra danios and they seem to be doing fine--very active and very cute.

I really want to put in some African dwarf frogs. When would be a good time to add them? Also, would it be OK to add 2?

Finally, are ADFs compatible with Hatchet fish? I would like to eventually have a couple of them with the danios and ADFs. Do you think this is too much for a well maintained (weekly partial water changes and weekly water testing) 5 gallon aquarium?

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks for reading.

Trina

P.S. I really like your web site.

Congratulations on your new tank! It's on the small size so you'll have to limit yourself. It would probably be okay to add two ADF's. I would wait until the tank has cycled or has been set up for a month without any problems with the danios.

I've never had hatchet fish myself. I've not heard that they bother other fish. While they are a little larger than say danios, I don't think they'd bother ADF's. That said, hatchet fish are active and like to be in a big school. With the danios and ADF's already in there, I don't suggest adding hatchet fish also to just a 5 gallon tank. I hope one day you can get a larger tank as they're actually easier to maintain. I just set up a 65 gallon yesterday!

Good luck!

Thanks Robyn! I want to have a big tank some day, but I'm in grad school and am rather poor! I think one of my purchases after I graduate and get a "real" job is to buy a bigger tank.

I think, given your advice, I should try to get another inexpensive aquarium for the frogs. Would a 1 gallon tank be big enough for 2 ADF? Unfortunately my finances don't allow to buy another 5 gallon hex set up.

I don't suggest keeping ADF's in something under 5 gallons but many people have done it so it's your decision. You can get used tanks pretty cheap at yard sales or on-line if you want to get a larger one for less money.