are cardinal tetras the same as neon tetras?

nerdyrcdriver

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Sep 1, 2011
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I will be moving my neon tetras into my 10g soon and there are only 3 of them. I would like to get four more. But my new favorite lfs has cardinal tetras that look exactly the same but they are a tad bit bigger than mine. (though, mine are still growing). If they arent the same, do they get along and school together?
 
Neons and Cardinals are not exactly the same, though similar. If you look at the coloration you will see that the pattern is different. The blue and red lines on cardinals extend almost the full length of their bodies, where on neons they are different. I also think the colors on cardinals are richer, given that they are healthy. They will school together fine though. I have this going on in my 29gallon. It's impressive when you get a good group together.
 
Ok, thanks for the help. I will get the cardinals from my lfs rather than neons from petsmart. The lfs takes good care of their fish. Never seen a single dead one there.
 
also, cardinals are a bit more delicate during acclimation, but afterwards they are fine;)
 
also, cardinals are a bit more delicate during acclimation, but afterwards they are fine;)

I acclimate over a period of about an hour. Let the bag float for 10min add a little water, let it float for another like 10min, add a little water, and just keep going. Is that ok?
 
yeah, thats perfect;) if u want it to happen much more easily
try this;)

take a piece of airline tubing........doesn't have to be more than 2ft long.......and get a plastic container that hooks on to a tank(if u have one, just like LFS have) OR just keep the bag there, and let it sit in a bowl so it doesn't just give away..........then stuff a piece of cloth into the end of the tubing, place that end in the bag, and then the other in the tank, UNDER water.......start a siphon using a turkey baster or a syringe...........and u'll have drip acclimation!:) Perfect

It is better for delicate fish such as rams/cardinals as it does 1 drop per second and isn't a sudden change in water parms. every 10 min;)

it works quite well;)
 
Ok, yeah, I forgot about drip acclimation. I will probably do that instead. I have plenty of airline tubing.
 
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