Freshwater and Saltwater fish question?

[Sinned]

hey i was thinking about getting a 5 gallon fish tank either fresh or saltwater. also i seen a few cool tanks set up pretty neat online. but the question is what kind of fish would be neat to have if i choose to use a freshwater or saltwater type. i am more looking for a bright colorful looking fish. also tell me how many of fish should i have in the tank. thanks in advance.

[Aquella BSL=BS]

You're going to want to go for freshwater. Saltwater tanks need to be bigger, especially when you're just beginning/learning. The only commonly available fish that can be kept in 5-gallons is a single Betta. Here is what you need to know for your Betta to live a long and happy life:1. A 5-gallon cycled ( http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php and http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquarium… )tank is minimal for Betta health. Smaller tanks and bowls do not maintain a consistent temperature, and it's nearly impossible to keep healthy water conditions.2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers. Another good option is a sponge filter.3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.4. In a 5-gallon or larger tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the new water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc. Never change all of your Bettas water, as this shock your Betta, and ultimately weaken him.5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (use live or silk plants, plastic can tear their fins,) with a cave or two for exploring and resting.6. Feed your Betta a good staple pellet or flake diet, substituting frozen foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms several times per week. Reserve one day per week for fasting.When properly cared for, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them live to for 6.

[rabidbaby]

5 gallons is not enough for a saltwater tank. It's really small even for a freshwater tank. The general guideline is 1" of fish per gallon of water...so in a 5 gallon tank, you could only have 3 guppies (because their adult size is 1.5"). With aquariums, bigger is better. If you overstock your tank -- that is, if you add too many fish -- you will have sick fish because of all the waste, not enough oxygen in the water, etc.In addition, saltwater tanks are hard to maintain even for experienced aquarists. There are just so many things that can go wrong. Even freshwater is a challenge at first because there's so much to learn: cycling the tank, how much to feed, what kind of behavior/symptoms to look for in order to treat disease before it takes over, water changes, water testing...That's a long answer. To summarize: freshwater, definitely, and if you can get a bigger tank that would be best.