5 gallon species tank build

I was thinking about what to do with my 5 gallon tank sitting on my desk, so after some thought and research I want to piece together a species tank! I need some ideas for what species to use though, I want a mantis, but I don't have the money or transportation to buy new CUC (dinner) every week. But definitely and invert. I have a little 5 gallon tank with a built in overflow etc., etc.

 

5 gallons is extremely small for saltwater- the evaporation alone can create huge salinity swings because the volume of water is so small. Saltwater inhabitants need stability with water params.

I'm not sure of your experience level with saltwater, but I would consider 5 gallons to be an expert tank and would highly recommend that you rethink it.

Additionally, there is not much that can be housed in 5 gallons- maybe a goby or firefish...and a few corals.

 

A paired goby/pistol shrimp? Lot's of fun.

Astrick is correct.....you really have to watch evaporation.

 

Use an ATO. That will fix the evap problem..

 

I would not put a fish in a 5 gal. Inverts and coral

 

i have a 5 gal with a mantis shrimp in it, Wouldn't trade it for the world! definitely a pricey investment, but a few bucks on hermits every other week isnt so bad, and it is well worth it to watch/hear him go to town.i have some corals in it as well..evap is a problem, but i top off the tank regularly with RO/DI water so i have never had an issue.a pistol shrimp/goby pair would be an interesting tank,as would a pompom crab or a harlequin shrimp (but you would encounter the same issue with the feeding) HTH

 

Evap isnt a problem because i have a lid and i top off my 20 with rodi daily. I already said i wanted an invert, maybe some corals. Soim thinking pom pom or just gun it and get a mantis. Can mants eat freshwater snails? The only thing around here doesnt sell saltwater livestock. Or feeder fish?