Hi, I keep reading how you should put at least 6 fish together if they are a schooling type fish. However, I've noticed that a lot of people don't actually do that. I have noticed where for example some people may have 2 neon tetras, then also they will have 2 of another type of tetra and 2 of another type. Is it okay to do that or are we really suppose to keep it to 6 of the actual one type of fish?
Schooling Fish?
- Thread starter Pugwinkle
- Start date
you can do what ever you want, however, fish of the schooling feel more comfortable the more fish in their school. helps them evade predators, ive never really heard of a fish dieing because it was the only lemon tetra, but im sure it would be "happier" with more lemon tetras around. then again, in my 90, none of me tetras school anymore, they are spread out all over the place.
I think it is best to try to mimic nature when it is practical to do so.
In the case of schooling fish, I think that you should strive to maintain a minimum of five specimens of the same species in order to keep stress of the individual fishes down.
Conversely, fish that live a solitary lifestyle in nature might be incredible stressed by the presence of a conspecific in the tank.
In the case of schooling fish, I think that you should strive to maintain a minimum of five specimens of the same species in order to keep stress of the individual fishes down.
Conversely, fish that live a solitary lifestyle in nature might be incredible stressed by the presence of a conspecific in the tank.
Personally, I wouldn't follow what others mention in their signature or profile or whatever just because you dont know their experience in aquaria, nor do you know if its really "working" for them.
I've seen schooling fish who die of starvation because they refuse to eat or MOVE because they dont have buddies to pal around with.
(back in college, dont ask)
I've seen schooling fish who die of starvation because they refuse to eat or MOVE because they dont have buddies to pal around with.
(back in college, dont ask)Well I would think you are correct aquariumfishguy.
I really want to avoid as much death as possible in this new hobby I have become addicted to. That is why I am asking a ton of questions. I want to do the best I can for the fish. I think that people that aren't doing the best for the fish, likely shouldn't have fish.
I really want to avoid as much death as possible in this new hobby I have become addicted to. That is why I am asking a ton of questions. I want to do the best I can for the fish. I think that people that aren't doing the best for the fish, likely shouldn't have fish.
One might also call you correcto-moondo as well, pugwinkle! 
Its a good thing you ask all the questions you have. That is what we are here for...to help and share our personal experiences. You seem to want whats best for your fish and thats awesome.
Its a good thing you ask all the questions you have. That is what we are here for...to help and share our personal experiences. You seem to want whats best for your fish and thats awesome.
Originally posted by aquariumfishguy
One might also call you correcto-moondo as well, pugwinkle!
Its a good thing you ask all the questions you have. That is what we are here for...to help and share our personal experiences. You seem to want whats best for your fish and thats awesome.
I'm glad you don't mind all my questions aquariumfishguy. I am really enjoying learning all about fish keeping.
I noticed on your specs you have a 200 watt heater running in a 29 gallon tank. I went to Petsmart to buy a heater for my new 29 gallon and when I asked about buying teh 200 watt rather than the 150 or 100 (it was only 2 bucks more so I figured why not buy the 200) the people there said the 200 would heat the water too much?!?!?!? What are your thoughs on this?
As per the schooling fish. Often people start with a school and as time goes on some inevitably die off. Thus many people with 2 neons may very well have had 6-7 at one time. Of course there are always people that liek to have a Noah's Ark kind of tank with 2 of each fish. Not my favorite concept but not my tank either.
As to the heater. A 100, 150 and 200 all have about the same chance of over heating your tank. The bigger heaters just don't have to work so hard at keeping your tank to a suitable level. I use 50 watt heaters on 5 gallon tanks without any problems myself.
The one thing you don't want to do is buy the cheap heaters. These are the ones, no matter the wattage, that are more likely to get stuck in the on postion and over heat your tank. Spend a little more and buy a decent heater.
As to the heater. A 100, 150 and 200 all have about the same chance of over heating your tank. The bigger heaters just don't have to work so hard at keeping your tank to a suitable level. I use 50 watt heaters on 5 gallon tanks without any problems myself.
The one thing you don't want to do is buy the cheap heaters. These are the ones, no matter the wattage, that are more likely to get stuck in the on postion and over heat your tank. Spend a little more and buy a decent heater.
Can you advise of any particular heaters I should stay away from?
I purchased a Thermal 100 W which is made by Hagan. Is this one okay?
The heater question comes up quite often. If you do a search in these forums you should come up with some good results. As for names to stay away from I am not too sure. But regardless of choice always make sure to have a thermometer in the tank and always check it often. My tank falred up to 90 degrees one morning using a Hagen thermometer. Never happened again but it was a bit of a scare.