Neon Tetra's

[kribensis12]

I was at our local petsmart yesterday, to find that they have neon and cardinal tetra's along with black skirted, and a few other kinds on sale for 1 dollar a piece. The sale ends 3/22, and I was wondering if I were to buy some (probably 6-10 of one species) what could I NOT keep them with? I would assume most cichlids. What about a fry tank for cichlids (until the fry hit 1 inch or less). I would be very interested in keeping some neon's or other tetra but I am unsure of how to go about it.

Things I know about neons (preffered fish to keep):

Need a mature tank
Good quality water (with frequent water changes)
high quality food (I feed an assortment of Sprinula, earth worm, tropical, and other related flakes)
Need to be in groups


That's about all I know. Anyone care to enlighten me?

 

[kribensis12]

No one?

 

[ajs2294]

Pretty much anything semi-aggressive is best kept away from neons and such. Also no angel fish. If you were to buy some go for Cardinals Hardier and nicer IMO.

 

[mr130gallon]

ive heard the opposite actually, what i have learned from my internet travels is that cardinals NEED low ph water, high tempurature, and soft water, while neons dont absolutely NEED low ph, but they wont breed in high ph (mine are in 7.6 ph and are doing great) they like normal temps (mine are in 77-79 degrees), and prefer soft water but again, can do well enough in medium water (mine are in ultra hard water)

in short, apparently neons are more adaptable.

 

[Assaye]

I'd say 10 gallons is an absolute minimum for them, ideally 15 gallons for a decent shoal. They like plants and dark hiding places - makes them feel more secure and they're more likely to be active.

Don't put them with anything big enough to eat them or anything that is inclined to chase/torment them.

 

[kribensis12]

I was also looking into cardinals. Water conditions mean almost nothing to me. Given proper acclimation and where the fish was bred at, almost any fish can thrive in any type of water. Now, will the eggs hatch? Most likely not, but they will sure attempt to breed.

 

[ian]

get some Cardidals, much better looking IMO.

 

[kribensis12]

When I get my check on tuesday, I plan on stopping by and getting 10 tetra's. I may get cardinals, or neons, Or both. I am sure they would shoal together being as they are similar looking and are similar sized.