Tetra Schooling Numbers & Air Pump Ques.

thedogzoo

AC Members
Oct 4, 2005
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Hello! I was told by the guy at Petco that all Tetras, including the Red Eye Tetras that we have, should be kept in odd number groups only but everywhere I look on the net it says 6 or more???? I don't trust the Petco guys father than I can throw them due to all of the bad advice we have gotten in the past month!But we know that 3 Tetras is not enough - I think they would be happier and more secure with a larger group, like 6!Does anyone here have an opinion or experience with this odd numbers thing?Right now we only have the 3 because we are cycling and the ammonia is still an issue..doing water changes and I think we are on the decline of this spike now thankfully!We will had more Tetras when the tank is good to go.Also, does anyone have feelings an when an air pump is needed? I had a tank a loooong time ago and I had a pump, but it was really more for the bubbles from the air stone (which I liked) rather than anything else.I have a 10 gallon tank with a Whisper filter. Thanks! Jenni
 
I personaly have always kept my schooling fish in even numbers just cause thats the way I like it and I like to know that no fish is left out with evens so in my opinion they will feel more comfortable but i've heard from a few reliable sources that it's better to keep them in odds becaues that way there will always be one outsider no matter what pairs form to cause problems and form seperation to pairing fish ultimatly keeping the fish stimulated by constantly and harmlesly bickering amungst each other, but even knowing that I still always keep mine in evens and have had no trouble.Also a air pump should always be added in my opinion to make sure there is always adequte areation no matter what......
 
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Personally I have not used an airstone in ages, and am unlikely to ever do so again. If you have adequate filtration for the tank, you have adequate aeration as well. Air pumps and airstones are for ornament much more than function in modern tanks.

Schooling fish do not form pairs anymore than livebearers do. Odd or even is personal choice once you get into any reasonable sized school. Most folks do consider odd numbers better aesthetically, but that does apply most where the "school" is too small to be a real school.
 
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I have to agree that numbers do not matter with the tetras.

And Air stones are for decoration only now a days. As long as you have surface aggitation you do not need air stones.
 
Thanks!

Thanks for the advice everyone! Wow....having fish has become an often confusing journey!I am relieved about the air pump as I would rather save the money for more important supplies, like additional testing kits, etc.Hopefully the 3 Stooges (our Tetras :p: ) will be happier when we get a few more in there! Thanks again! Jenni
 
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