Rummy Nose Tetras

[Cichlidkeeper]

Well I got my tank all done today. I went to purchase some fish on my list. The store had some Rummynoses in and they were on the list so I figured I purchase them. First thing out of his mouth is hows your water. I replied good. He said they need water at a temp of 82 to 84 degrees. My eyes opened wide and I said wow. I wasn't planing on this. I don't think any of my planned inhabitants would mind. I don't like the idea of having a tank that hot.

I came home and looked at a site. They said 72 to 77 degrees, now I'm really confused. Please give me some advise.

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

I keep mine at 26 (whatever that translates as) i have 9, 4 of which are about 4 years old and the other 5 about a year old, they are quite sensitive and need mature tanks that have been running 6 months or more. They are often kept with discus so must be ok at higher temps but i've not had any problems with mine at their current temp. Have you done a fishless cycle?

Emma

 

[Cichlidkeeper]

Well this tank was just set up yesterday. It is an instant cycle technique that I've used before. I took down a different tank that was filled with about 20 african cichlids. I used the gravel and filter from that tank to set this tank up. I've done this before with no evedince of a cycle. It probably wouldn't be best to through in a sensitive fish right away though. I guess I'll just wait untill the tank progresses a little. Sounds like these fish don't ship well and are prone to dying after transit. It's too bad because I know those tetras were at the store for a few weeks.

 

[The-Wolf]

Firstly
I very much doubt that you have, or ever will have, "true" rummynose tetras Hemigrammus rhodostomus. What you will most certainly have, are firehead tetras Hemigrammus bleheri.

Secondly
reguardless of what "rummynose" you have they do best in 22-26C (72-79F) with
fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0) water. so whom ever told you they like temps in the 80's is talking a steaming pile of totenham hot-spur.

Thirdly
they are not very hardy, and idealy should only be added to a matured tank, not one that has "just cycled"