Neon Tetras

[Spclk1981]

What's the minimal number of tetras that can live together? I have read 6 and some sources have said up to 12.

I'd like to set up the 15 gallon tank I have, but that just isn't in the cards for me right now (lack of space). I am considering picking up a Marineland 6 tank, or a 5 gallon similar desktop tank, just to have something for now. Can I put 6 tetras in a tank like that successfully?

Any other recommendations for fish? I'd just like to have multiple fish, small fish, and preferable something with color.

 

[phanmc]

The minimum recommendation is 6 for schooling fishes, 5 would be pushing it. I've seen disaster at 4 (agressive behavior and fighting).

Can you put 6 tetras in an Eclipse 6? Yes if they're the small variety (neons, cardinals, glo-light, etc), but you'll have to keep up on the water maintenance. Tetras are usually light on the bioload but once they get to 2 inches, they will definately impact the water quality in a 6 gallon tank.

The lack of swimming space will also make most tetras rather boring to look at, they'll just hang around in one spot all day long and only get active when its feeding time or scared.

Other ideas for a 5 or 6 gallon tank:

1 male betta (or dwarf gourami) and 3 pygmy or panda cories.

4-6 fancy male guppies

3 platys

 

[Spclk1981]

Hmmm...I like the fancy guppies, can I put 6 males together in a tank like that? I had always thought you needed more females than males with guppies as they'd tend to fight or something.

If 6 fancy guppies would be a better choice for a small tank, I'd gladly go with them.

 

[phanmc]

You do not want to put females with the males unless you plan to breed them. Males will bully each other, so having more than 2 or 3 will spread out the aggression.