Neon Tetra Setup

amones369

Hey everyone,

I've been thinking about starting up my 10gal again, and had a few questions. I know that neon tetras are very common among fish keepers, but at the same time that they can be delicate to certain conditions. I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight as to how many I can keep in a 10gal, the type of substrate or plants I should use, and how the water should be regulated (temp, etc.).

Thanks in advance.

aaronfisher

2" of fish per gal is the rule i use so for ur tank i would have 5 or 6 and a algee eater i know this goes against my rule but it should still work

JohnnyD44

the 2" of fish per gallon is a loose rule of thumb, so keep that in mind. everyone has an ideal inch per gallon ratio....sounds about right, but again, it's all personal preference

neons need to be kept in a school of atleast 6 to be comfortable

Cody

People are still suggesting the inch per gallon rule? Don't listen to that.

If you just want Neons, you can get 12. They have probably one of the lightest bioloads of all fish.
If you want some other fish, I would get 8.

amones369

Alright cool thanks everyone...

One more question. What do you think of dwarf puffers? I figure I could throw a couple of them into the tank instead of the tetras. Need help deciding which way to swing on this one.

Any advice?

MBilyeu

I have heard that dwarf puffers need to be in a tank of their own. I would say that for neons in a 10 gallon you could have anywhere between 10-16 provided you have a HOB filter.

Cody

+1. DP's need to be by themselves, and need to have a very varied diet. 3 could fit in a tank that size. Actually, Otos do great with DP's.

They are very fun little fish. It is all your preference.

1077

Otocinclus don't do well in the long term without algae. It's their primary food source. I wish folks would consider this when contemplating aquiring these fish.

willow

i think ottos are more senstive than neons ?
i kept fresh water DPs in a ten glln.
make sure that there are plenty of plants,rocks and caves,they become agressive
when they mature and will not tolerate two males.
i think they are really cute,and they get to know you,and when you are going to
feed them they wait at the front of the tank.

Fishin Pole

If your planning on going with neons in your 10 gallon you could put 10 or 12 in there, my only issue is that neons are not recommended for the first fish in the tank, they are very sensitive to changing parameters, which with a new tank will happen, especially something as small as a 10 gallon..........Your best bet IMO, would be to add some kind of small danios to the tank for the first month (after the tank is cycled).....Then if the tank has stabilized (no changes in your water parameters) rehome the danios then try adding 5 or 6 neons, then wait 3 weeks and add 5 or 6 more.......One other thing to consider for the bottom would be some type of freshwater shrimp.........They will not be eaten by the neons and will give you enjoyment of watching them.....They are perfect for small tanks with small fish........Only add the shrimp after the tank has been set-up for awhile............3 months is a good time frame..........Good Luck!