Hi everyone,

My best friend and I recently moved in together after graduating. With the both of us being animal lovers and having limited space in our new apartment, we decided to purchase and set up a 5-gallon Fluval Chi to add a little life into our living room. Growing up, my father maintained a 75-gallon tropical fish tank in our home so I am somewhat (very much still an amateur) knowledgeable to the hobby. When purchasing the tank, we knew it was much more for the aesthetics versus keeping a thriving community tank, therefore, we agreed to just keep it heavily planted and add a few freshwater shrimp. After fishless cycling the tank, we added two cherry shrimp and they have been living happily for about a month now. However, yesterday, my roommate stopped by one of our local fish stores and was convinced to purchase a single Dwarf Gourami beyond her better judgement. I COMPLETELY understand that the Dwarf Gourami should ideally be in a 10+ gallon and that my 5-gallon can possibly house a single Betta and that's about it. My roommate explained to be that the fish store owner told her the Dwarf Gourami would to exceptionally well alone in our 5-gallon with the 2 shrimp and that she felt obligated to take it home since it was in an overcrowded tank. I'm just not sure what to do. Sure, we can take the Dwarf Gourami back, but do you guys think it is impossible to keep it in the 5-gallon alone with the 2 shrimp and with weekly water changed and consistent water tests? I just don't know how much better it would be for the fish if we were to return it to its overcrowded tank and in the hands of an uncaring fish store owner. I would really appreciate any input! Thank you!

Gourami do love the space to swim so your thinking is pretty much correct, what you have to remember about fish stores are that most of the fish dont stay long in the crowded tank, they stock to what the demand is (in most cases anyway). So it may be over stocked today but in about 3-4 days they will have sold x amount. Where as you have one that potentially could be stuck in a small tank for much longer periods. I personally wouldnt keep it in there but im sure people have done so to some success.

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"Just Keep Swimming Just Keep Swimming Swimming Swimming"

As long as you keep up maintenance, and the tank is well planted, with little overfeeding, I think it might be ok. I don't have much experience with dwarfs, but if they stay small, it might work out. Shrimp aren't a huge bioload, but just be aware that the fish might figure out they taste pretty good, like my betta did.

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Lead me not to temptation...I can make it there myself just fine, thank you

The fish store owner wants to make money, so yes you are correct on waiting to get a bigger tank for the Gourami.

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