Tetra Question

[StarOrbs]

I've been wondering which tetra would be the best for a community tank. Which ones do you suggest?

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Which tetras do you have now?

I would think that neons and black widows would be suitable. I have had no problems with either of them.

 

[StarOrbs]

I don't have any right now.. if your looking at my sig.. you'll notice it says planned list. But alright thanks.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Sorry about that. I just zipped to the tetra part.

Do you happen to know of the tetras that you could get from lfs around you? That might narrow your search or our suggestions.

 

[StarOrbs]

They have black neon tetras, neon tetras, black tetras and some other one but I can't remember the name.

 

[jesssa]

i have five silvertips. they are active little fish, but mine like the shade so if you have a floating plant or something to filter the light a little they will be happier. they kind of get a little nippy from time to time though, ime. pretty cool looking though!

 

[StarOrbs]

Alright.

 

[sylvia]

If your LFS has them (which it should), black phantom tetras are excellent peaceful shoalers and the males will even display to each other which is very entertaining to watch. 5-6 would look beautiful with all those other fish.

 

[Lateral Line]

From the list your LFS has, I would go for Black Neons. An elegant, undemanding, easy to keep and rather under valued fish.

 

[StarOrbs]

Alright thanks I'll take a look and see if they have those..

 

[Griz]

Don't overlook to lowly neon tetra. There's a reason why they are so common. I have a school of 16 (haven't lost one) and I love 'em. I haven't kept neons in over 30 years and decided to get them since the cardinals I wanted weren't available in my neck of the woods. No regrets.

 

[StarOrbs]

Those are smaller than others I belive, so i could probally get a few more than with the others.

 

[sylvia]

That's true but they are also rather fragile so if you choose them add them last and make sure your tank is mature enough and with excellent water quality or be prepaired to buy several and hope you eventualy come accross some hardy ones...

 

[StarOrbs]

Heh, I've been told platies are the best to start off with. So thats what I will probally be starting off with.

 

[Lateral Line]

Platys and Guppys are very tough little fish. It is also true that Neon tetras are sensitive to pollution. You will often see advice that they should not be added to tanks that have just been set up, not for 3-6 months in fact - the reason is that a newly cycled tank is often a little unstable and can have small nitrite and ammonia spikes.

The Black Neon is a tougher tetra then the Neon.