2.5 gallon planted tank

[JessicaK]

What can you put in a 2.5 gallon tank?  I want to keep everything alive and healthy, so I don't want to put anything in there that will struggle with the limited space.  This aquarium is for a 10-year-old.

[Matt_]

That is a hard question that really depends on the child's interests.  The first thing that comes to my mind is shrimp or snails for aquarium options or carnivorous plants or an ecosystem (similar to an ecosystem in a jar) for nonaquarium options using a tightfitting lid on the tank.  I have two boys about this age, but they only want an axolotl 🙂.

The nano fish that would fit in a 2.5 gal tank and have enough swimming room will probably not be interesting to the child and keeping a 2.5 gal aquarium is very unforgiving for whoever does the maintenance.

[JessicaK]

Thank you, Matt.  I do the upkeep, as my child is just learning.  I think that your suggestions are good.  She has a mystery snail.  She would like a few shrimp.  I just wasn't sure that the aquarium was big enough for dwarf shrimp.  I've never kept shrimp.

 

[AnimalNerd98]

I keep about a dozen or so blue dwarf shrimp (Neocaridinia) in a 2.5 gallon. It has a fair number of plants with Java fern Windelov, Süsswassertang, and Salvinia minima. Will send a photo tomorrow when the lights are on. The shrimp and ramshorn snails chow down half a green bean a day. 

[TheSwissAquarist]

Shrimp, a betta, or just a couple of snails should doo the trick, as they are low maintenance; and therefore should survive the care of a 10 yo

[_Eric_]

Definitely big enough for some neo shrimp in my opinion.  My daughter has a 3 gallon with neocaridinas and they are doing great.

[Robert Keeney]

I keep Least Killifish in a 2.5-gallon tank with an Anubias and a small sponge filter.

Java moss also works well.

 

Edited September 25, 2022 by Robert Keeney