Neon Tetras and GloFish

F

flipsta

AC Members
Mar 27, 2010
58
0
0
Hi Y'all

I've had my 5gal tank established for three months now;
started with 4 Neon Tetras, waited 1.5 months... added a Chinese Algae Eater, waited 1.5 months... and I just added 3 GloFish (genetically enhanced zebra fish).

The GloFish are super active and I'm worried about them freaking out the other roomies. Does anyone have any experience or advice with/for this combo?

Thanks.

flipsta :)
 
I'm sure they are compatible with the neons. However, danios (glofish, zebras) should be in schools of at least six- they get nippy and stress out other fish otherwise. That being said, the tank is very overstocked already. Due to their activity, a school of 6 zebra danios should have a tank at least 24" long (standard 20 gallon). Neon tetras can get nervous if kept in less than 6 at a time, and I think a school should have at least 10 gallons.

In my opinion, the chinese algae eater is a mistake for most people. They only eat algae when they are young. They grow large (possibly up to 11 inches),should have tanks of around 55 gallons or so, and get pretty aggressive as they age. They can suck the slime coating off other fish, making them vulnerable to disease. As they get older this sucking can cause serious wounds, killing fish.
 
Well, first off, a 5 gallon is way too small for any of those fish. Especially the CAE, they can reach over 10", and need at least a 29 gallon or so. Please return it (maybe not now, but when it gets larger). It also gets pretty cranky when old. It'd be much better for your other fish if you got a small cheap 10 gallon kit.

As for the neon tetra and glo-fish (i'm assuming the glo-fish are zebra danios), they'll be fine, as long as there's at least 6 of each kind. That could make the 10 gallon a bit cramped though. Also, as you have seen, zebra danios are pretty active, and could use more space.
 
The fish you have are compatable with each other when in larger tanks. In a 5 gallon tank the CAE will be extreamly stunted. IMHO, CAE's need AT LEAST a 75 gallon tank. Anything less can cause serious health issuses. As for the neons and GloFish, they must have schools of 6-8 which isn't going to work in a 5 gallon. If I were you I would go get a 20 gallon starter (only costs a little more than the 10 or 15 gallon starters) and then re-home the CAE.

HTH!
 
Yes, to all the above.

1) A five is too small for your current stock.
2) Get rid of the CAE.
3) Either choose the neons or danios and get some more of either.
 
I agree with Razzle. If you want the neons and danios, I would go for a 20 gallon, probably a 20 gallon long, and do 6 of each.
 
Agreed. You could keep the 4 neons in that tank long term, maybe add one or two, but nothing else. Danios really need a long tank, 30 inches preferably.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom