I just recently purchased 6 cardinal tetras yesterday for my cycled 10 gallon. The problem is the 6 cardinals are hiding in the back of the tank and remain inactive. They don't swim but just stay huddled together. The tank is heavily planted with java fern and java moss and has driftwood with plenty of hiding spots and the only other occupants are 2 bronze cory. Water parameters are fine with no ammonia or nitrate, I even added blackwater extract to match the cardinal's natural environment. Any suggestions on how to get them to be more active or solve their shyness problem would be appreciated Thanks.
Shy cardinal tetras help.
- Thread starter arlong1
- Start date
let them be for a few days, theyre still getting used to their new environment. it takes some time for them to calm down and be comfortable, i wouldnt expect them to come out for any less than one week. patience is key. 
What kind of hiding spots do you mean? They don't use caves or anything like that, IME they are most at ease dodging in and around the leaves of plants.
I have the same problem, they have been in the tank for three months now and only come out to eat. At this point am thinking of getting some thing else cause I never see them. Is there any thing I can do?
Thanks
Thanks