Congo Tetras?

[Autumn Chuff]

Has anyone had any experience with these? They just got some in at my lfs and I was thinking of getting a few for the 29 gal I'm part way through cycling. How well would they get along with other fish (like the 9 serpae tetras I was planning on moving from my 20 extra high to the new tank), how hardy are they, and how much space do they need? Thanks in advance for the help!!!

[cacti]

all I know is that they get to be around 3 in. and move constantly. :)

[Shiftaltumlock]

Where they may be hardy, I would not put them in a cycling tank. These guys cost alot of money to be cycling with.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Alot of money? You ARE serious? they cost around here 5.00-7.00 each.... Not much

[Serrateeth_2002]

These fish school,recommended to get a minimum of 6.All i know about them is that they cannot mix with nipping fishes.

[somefinnfishy]

Congos get bgger than 3" I'm looking at a school in my tank at like 3.5-4.5" have seen 6".
At that price they are most likely all females:(
Great!!! fish for you but not a good cycler.

[Serrateeth_2002]

6 inch?Is that a mutant giant?

[Autumn Chuff]

Oh, they are NOT going into a cycling tank. It is fishless cycle for me, always. I'm just window shopping so to speak for after the tank is done cycling. The ones the lfs has are $7 each, it seems this is an ok deal. It's a definite possibility at least.

[delmore]

"Window shopping" is a good thing. The more research the better!

[Cichlid Woman]

I had to pay $14 for the one I got! He's around 3-1/2" long now, and I've heard they get bigger. Gorgeous fish. I'd like to get a female for him, but in my 38-gal (36"x18"x12") I'm afraid more than two would not have enough room. I really think they need a bigger tank, and six would be way too many in a 29-gal, I think.

Sometimes he hovers, sometimes he tears back and forth; very fast swimmer, especially during feeding time! He leaves the other fish alone (tetras, cories, kribensis) and seems very peaceful.

That's a great price you found there--it would be hard to resist buying too many for the tank size, but I'd hate to cramp them.

-- Pat

[Shiftaltumlock]

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
Alot of money? You ARE serious? they cost around here 5.00-7.00 each.... Not much

Yes, I consider it alot of money. If you are buying them to cycle with(which he made clear that he is not)it is alot of money. Buy 6 for $36.00 and possibly lose half. If you dont mind wasting $18.00 then send the money to me. I will spend it wisely.............

[JamisonBWolsh]

36 dollars is not alot of money for 6 or 7 congo tetras.... I bought 3 petricola catfish for 60.00 and then, later, from a breeder and bought 10 for 60.00.

I cycled my tank with a Golden Nugget pleco, and not one fish died except a few of the male (not female) neon rainbow fish. Females did fine.

[Shiftaltumlock]

If my LFS advised me to cycle with $6.00 ea fish, I would quicly exit the establishment. I think most people on this forum would do the same. (at least the ones that cycle with fish) Think about what your saying man. This makes no sense.

Also, it IS alot of money to me. As I stated twice before. I did not ask you if it was alot of money to you. It was a subjective comment. Get it?

[JamisonBWolsh]

I said I cycled my tank..well not really. I "cycled" with ammonia, then when it was right, added the fish

[Serrateeth_2002]

You wouldn't want to risk $36,sounds like alot,i could buy 36 days worth of feeders.