Disappointed :(

how long ago did you get them?
I got a small school about 2 weeks ago, and the first 2 or 3 days they hung out in the back as well. But by the 3rd or 4th day they were swimming all around. I also got a small school of cardinals the same day to put in my other tank and they are still swimmin around the back, i guess its just a matter of time.

Do you have any other fish ? Some times fish will do that untill they become familiar with there new surroundings, iv seen this many times.

They may just be scared. Most shoaling fish, especially smaller species such as these prefer to be in very large groups in order in order to feel secure.

My neons had been doing that, really annoying. Everytime I would try and move a plant so it'd make them feel more comfortable, they'd all just stuff themselves behind the plant or the pot in the back corner. So I added a few more plants with outstretched leaves, and dimmed the lighting in the room, and left the aquarium light off for about a week. It also made a really big difference when I put my fake floating plants back over the light. They are back and out with full force. I've also switched to a smaller size barrel for gravel vacing, and I think it's less stressful for them. And then I took DH's advice and stopped moving things around. It's frustrating because I wanted to find an arrangement that gave them the most security, but maybe every time I made a change, it set them back. I'm not sure. Glad they've decided to come out and see me finally. (I had to stagger the plants so really they aren't far from any of them. And turn my pot around, or they'd just never come out from behind it.)

I've definitely got to buy some real floating plants soon, probably tomorrow.

My neons did the same thing at first, but they are out now. The funny thing is, they don't hang out with each other, really. Just in the evening.

Is it possible that the dissolved oxygen in the tank is low and they're hanging out in the higher concentrations near the bubble strip? Are there other fish in the tank? Do they hang out in the same place or near the top?

Just trying to think of any possible cause. I'm guessing it's more likely that they just aren't comfortable yet. Especially if they're schooling tightly still. IME, many "schooling" species don't end up schooling very much or very tightly if they feel like they have 'the run of the tank' and are comfortable in their environment.

Yeah, I think my Neons think they own the joint.

i highly doubt its because there is low dissolved oxygen in the water.. the bubble strip and any surface agitation will supply PLENTY of oxygen to the water.. its the surface agitation, not the bubbles, that create the oxygen/co2 exchange with the water.. since O2 doesnt dissolve as readily, you won't get any diffusion from the bubbles.

aside from that, theyre probably scared. Rummynoses are some of the most skittish tetras of them all, and it takes them a while to become accustomed to their environment. Give them some time, and don't hang around the tank peeking around every corner all the time. let them be. Also, try leaving the lights off for a day or so.. let them explore in the dark, you will find they are much more comfortable that way. after the day of no lights, go back to the normal routine, and they will get used to it.

I just released 17 rummynose in my 75 gallon tank. The lights are off. They are exploring from one end to the other, mostly in one school, sometimes they break into two for awhile and rejoin. There is lots of fake plant cover, driftwood and two stone caves. I hope they'll feel at home quickly.

It's hard to wait to turn the lights back on. I want a good view of them. They are so small, I was a bit worried about the congos chasing them, but they are ignoring them. It's a good thing I found a home for my killies. They'd have thought the rummies a good snack.

They came from Liveaquaria.com. The other fish I ordered were 'out of stock' even though the website lists them as still available. I sure hope they send them within the two weeks, since I doubt I would pay shipping again for just four fish. Then again, I haven't been able to find them locally and with gas prices rising, it is just about as cheap to order them as drive to the city to buy-supposing any store stocks what I'm after.

Ellen

75 gallon community; Rena XP2, Emperor 450
8 congo tetras
7 albino corydoras
17 rummynose tetras
4 ivory mystery snails

20 Gallon tall; Rena XP1
glass mosaic tile backdrop and bottom
1 redcap oranda goldfish "Jack"