Planted Aquariums and Tetras

mes1234

AC Members
Jan 25, 2010
430
0
0
39
Hi everyone! I just did some research on neon tetras because I might buy a few from my LPS. From what I have read, it seems like they are pretty fragile fish. THe articles also say that they tend to jump a lot so a top is advised. But since i am having a planted aquarium, will my plants suffer from a glass top? I really want these neon tetras because I think they are beautiful little fish.
 
I have had neon tetras in my planted tank for three years. They seem to be hardy fish, and even though the tank top is half open, none have ever jumped out.
 
Huh. I've never had any tetra jump, save one: a cardinal tried to commit suicide, but missed and leapt into the water reservoir of the HOB filter, instead. Little guy was probably wondering where everyone else had gone. ;)
 
I have cardinals + neons and have never ever had issues with them being jumpy. :) And yes, they are indeed fragile fish so proper acclimation will be important. I hope your LFS has a guarantee of some sort just incase of any losses in the initial acclimation process. Good luck! :)

And P.S. I don't think the glass top is necessary. ;)
 
Both my tanks have no tops, have not had top on tanks for over 10 years.

I have not had a fish "die" from jumps or go missing.
 
i bought 25 cardinal tetra from liveaquria, within the first week 21 died, not to mention brought a massive ich outbreak in my tank... the rest 4 are still alive now a month+ later.

mind you all the other fish were ok, and the tank is matured and fully planted with excellent water parameters. Also drip acclimation were used to prevent any shock.

i will never again buy cardinal tetras.... also they are too skittish for my liking, hiding in the grass at the slightest sound and doesnt seem to be strong swimmers. In comparison a school of 20 glofish (zebra danios) i replaced with, are much more open, swimming all over the tank without a care in the world. They look just beautiful with the strong colors, i never seen a school of freshwater fish look as dazzling in a planted tank under 10000k lighting. Also not a single one died now 3 weeks later, couldnt be happier with my decision to replace cardinal tetra with zebra danios.
 
i bought 25 cardinal tetra from liveaquria, within the first week 21 died, not to mention brought a massive ich outbreak in my tank... the rest 4 are still alive now a month+ later.

i will never again buy cardinal tetras.... also they are too skittish for my liking, hiding in the grass at the slightest sound and doesnt seem to be strong swimmers.

Sorry for the bad experience. Not to detract from the original post, but sometimes Cardinals (and Neons) come from weak stock and/or poor shipping (from Amazon to LFS).

My Cardinals are many years old and fairly large and they are always out in the open (amoung the first to come for food), and I have large angels and Large Diamond tetras in the tank too.

I think it all comes down to luck. If you get good stock and acclimate well they "WILL" reward you with many years of happiness.
 
AquariaCentral.com