Quick "adding fish timeline" check for a newb

K

KiwiBoy

AC Members
Nov 29, 2009
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Hey all

had my 180L/50 gallon tank running with plants and subscrate but no fish for 4 weeks. water tested good and I added 8 neon tetras 4 days ago. Everything seems to be going well

How long until I can add more? Will be more tetras only. because these fish are very small is it ok to add them slightly quicker/in larger quantities? Ive decided my 1st tank will be a shoaling feature with just little fullas for a few months and maybe a bottom feeder/worm or 2 later on

Also...How many tetras would be about right for this tank size?

I own a JUWEL VISION 1801, inside tank filtration system and I am able to commit to a 25% water change every 2 days. (or whatever someone with experience can advise as optimum)

tyty
 
You can start adding around 5-10 Tetras a week, this shouldnt overload the filtration much, thus making it easier instead of just tossing in 50 Tetras at once and killing your filtration.

It's always best to add in a small school of 5-10 a week to let the filter catch up to the bioload in the tank.
 
Glad its working for you, I would cut down to 25% water changes every week. The reason is every 2 days is a bit excessive when having Tetras, and stresses them out. I do a 50% water change every Friday night for my 55 gallon Cichlid tank. Only because I'm picky and my fish produce a good amount of waste.
 
You didn't seam to mention you have a test kit. Add your tetras, test for ammonia and nitrite spikes over the next couple days. After things level out again you are safe to add more. 25% water change every 2 days is ridiculous. As long as your tank isn't stuffed to the brim 20% a week should be fine. Just watch your feeding. If you overfeed you will find you need to do it more often or in larger percentage.
 
Gotcha. Thanks. That weird cos I read someplace that "you can never do too many water changes as long as the %% of water removed is kept low"

I dont have a test kit yet. The LFS ones are LOLexpensive :irked: and Im looking to order one online. In the meantime I just get the LFS to check my water when I go in. I know I need one asap. Its just, yknow.... Xmas an all :nilly:

Any comment on how many tetras I could eventually have in a 180L/50 gallon? Love the way they shoal and feed and Im anxious for more to add to the performance (but holding myself back obv)
 
50 gallon with all Neon Tetras? COOL!!! That would be a sight at feeding time. Great idea, post pics soon. I'm no expert but you could IMO have at least 40 in a 50 gallon.
 
Yep atm I got about 14 Neons and 6 black neon tetras. Black neons have these really bright orange colours esp bright around their eyes (y'all prob know that I guess)

anyway...Ive also got a blue fluro light in the tank and when I feed they just attack the surface and the lights and the different colours going on while they zip about is amazing. Kicks televisions azz I reckon
 
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