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Diamond Tetra School

7K views 17 replies 6 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
Quick Question...

What should be the common ration of males to females in a Diamond Tetra School and why?
 
#3 ·
It doesn't seem to matter too much, this in my experience is not a tetra where the males relentlessly drive females, so something around an equal mix of male/female is fine.

Byron.
 
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#5 ·
Generally, for species such as this, a mix of male/female is always best. Male characins will often exhibit behaviours and colouring when females are present, and observing natural behaviours is one of the great joys of keeping fish. The exact ratio as I said previously doesn't seem to matter much, but I would try to get it fairly close for the best from the fish.

Byron.
 
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#6 ·
I agree, I have 10 and they spawn quite regularly. I believe I have 6 males and 4 females, and the males do flare at each other while attempting to drive the females into the plants. They mostly don't get violent though, mostly just shows, but I have seen a male look a bit rough on the fins from time to time. It would be better I think if it was 5/5 or possible 4/6 with there being more females than males. They'll form a pecking order of sorts, I have one male that very much acts like the king of the tank.

Still though, my fish appear to be happy, and I have one little fry that managed to make it against the odds and is about 1/2" in size now.

Seing the males flare at each other though is quite fun to watch, as that is when you'll see the males with their fins fully extended and looking their best. Then see them get shot down by the females when they are not ready to spawn.
 
#8 ·
No bullying by Diamond Tetras

I haven't had the experience with these that Geomancer describes, but I had 8 of them for quite some time, and in my experience at least they didn't bully each other. I love them - so sparkly - and I don't tolerate any bullying in my tanks (makes me nervous), so these were a good fit for me.
 
#9 ·
I tend to agree with Geomancer.
I personaly tend to go for more females, as this stops the males fighting to mate.
Once the fish are established in the tank they do find a pecking order and settle down relatively quickly and any fighting to achieve a pecking order soon stops.
Male Diamond Tetra's do flare at each other, but this does not stress them undully, it is all part of the mating rituals that these fascinating fish show.
Enjoy your diamonds
Ray
 
#11 ·
If you have live plants there will be no "cycling" to deal with. And the fish mentioned should have plants around them, they will be much more colourful and settled.
 
#12 · (Edited)
So if I place live plants (which i planned on it) I won't have to cycle the tank?

My plan for the new 55 gallon is this...

1. Place the rinsed substrate and gravel in the tank and fill halfway with distilled water.

2. Introduce the appropriate additives (Water Conditioner and Bacteria) that will be provided with the
Marineland or TopFin starter kit

3. Place a piece of driftwood with Anubias Barteri attached to it. (Has been in my smaller tank for 6 months)

4. Acquire a few plants from what seems to be a Reputable Fish store near me and plant them in the tank.

5. Place all driftwood, rocks, caves and any other well cleaned decorations in the tank.

6. Fill the rest of the way with the remaining treated water.

(I also considered using the filter from my established tank with a used cartridge from my established tank on the new tank for the better part of a day. Is this a waste of time?)

(Steps 1 - 6 was planned on taking place over a weekend)


7. When the plants were purchased from the Fish Store. 2 Medium Scalare Angels are also to be ordered. Preferably Female, because the Angel I currently have I suspect is a Male.

8. Once the Angels arrive the tank should be cycled and all three will be introduced to their new habitat.

9. The following morning the Cory Cats will be introduced

10. The following morning the Ottos will be introduced

11. and finally ... a month or two later I planned on purchasing a group (6) of Diamond Tetras


any comments or suggestions are welcome
 
#13 ·
So if I place live plants (which i planned on it) I won't have to cycle the tank?
Correct. And the plan outlined is fine. If any of the decor (wood, rock, plants) are coming from established tanks, don't rinse them off, as they will host bacteria. Just make sure the tank water is dechlorinated.

I myself wouldn't bother with the filter, I like to start filters on reset tanks from scratch with new or washed media.
 
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#14 ·
Byron,

Thanks for all your help with the numerous questions you've answered for me. I probably won't use the small filter I currently have and just put some of the decor straight into the tank to transfer the bacteria. That's essentially all I was trying to accomplish with the filter. However, there is a slight issue that has me wanting to clean one of the pieces of driftwood. This issue is planaria/nemotodes. At least this is what was speculated it is anyway (Some sort of Scattered Very Tiny White Dots). I've heard this is some kind of worm. At any rate, one of the pieces of driftwood was covered in it and was mostly cleaned a week ago. I would like to thoroughly clean this piece of driftwood before the new tank is established. What do you think?
 
#16 ·
Byron,

Thanks for all your help with the numerous questions you've answered for me. I probably won't use the small filter I currently have and just put some of the decor straight into the tank to transfer the bacteria. That's essentially all I was trying to accomplish with the filter. However, there is a slight issue that has me wanting to clean one of the pieces of driftwood. This issue is planaria/nemotodes. At least this is what was speculated it is anyway (Some sort of Scattered Very Tiny White Dots). I've heard this is some kind of worm. At any rate, one of the pieces of driftwood was covered in it and was mostly cleaned a week ago. I would like to thoroughly clean this piece of driftwood before the new tank is established. What do you think?
Fine, if you can somehow boil the wood. That may not be sufficient of course. I've never had planaria or other worms, they are mainly harmless of course, said to be due to excessive food; are you sure this is what they are? Any chance of a photo?

And yes, I transfer wood and rock and plants without washing and bacteria hitches along for the ride.
 
#18 ·
I'm fairly certain that is not planaria; planaria move, they are flat and oblong.

As to what it is, I'm not sure, but I have had similar and ingnored it. Some suggested bits of food/particulate matter, etc. Wash the wood, but don't worry.;-)
 
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