neon tetra's or zebra danio's

yellowfreckles

yellowfreckles

lucid dreamer
Jan 17, 2005
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0
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Colorado Springs, CO.
Real Name
Debra
I'll be heading to the LPS tomorrow to buy new fish. I have been testing my water everyday and everything looks good. Nitrates, Nitrites, and amnonia at 0. My ph is a little high at 7ppm. I want to add a schooling fish to add some movement to my tank. So, I am considering zebra danio's or neon tetra's. I've read that the neons can be a little sensitive. What do you guys think? Another question is how many can I bring home at once? I would like to have around 5 in total. Since they are so small, I'm thinking that they would'nt spike my amnonia levels too much. Opinions and comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! :)
 
My tank is going on its 4th week of cycling. The 3 grourami's were my scout fish. Two weeks after that I added the 3 cherry barbs. All look happy and healthy so far. I did a 10% water change 2 days ago. :o
 
But I would opt for Zebra's over Cardinals. IMO, Cardinals are great for larger groups - 10+ - with lots of swimming room. Large, brightly colored groups look awesome. But 5, in a smaller tank, will tend to spread out and the effect will kind of be lost. Zebras are a much more active, playful fish, and while lacking the coloration, would IMO provide a better experience.
 
If those fish looked happy i think hardiness won't be too much of a factor. I cycled with a few Black Neon Tetras and they were happy as larry. Go with what would suit your tank: if you intend to get over ten and have the space i would go with the danios.
 
Black neons are not even in the same class as regular neons. Other than both being tetra's they are not even closely related. The black neon is a very hardy fish, while the real neon is a fairly delicate fish. Cardinals are only a little bit better but if you want that color scheme they are your best choice.

Zebra danios are nor quite as peaceful as cardinals or neons. There is no reason that you could not put ten or so cardinals in your 29g given your current fish load. Just don't do all ten at once.

BTW are you sure your not showing any nitrAtes? A tank that has been up a month should be showing some. You might want to wait a week or two more before adding any more fish. It sounds like your tank has not finished cycling yet and cardinals especially wouldn't appreciate that.
 
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I think you should get zebra danios. With all the color you have right now, a little black and white would look great.

Good Luck!
;)
~hc
 
I didn't know that about the difference between neons and black neons Karnaaj.

Good info, cheers.
 
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