Add tetras separately or all together?

[shaggss]

Hi All

I have 3 NT from an old tank. Plan on getting more and adding to my new tank. Is it ok to transfer these 3 now or should I wait until I get more and add them to the new tank all at the same time?

Thanks to all!!

 

[FishGuest5123]

I’d add them all together.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Yep, adding the all tetras together is better.

Simple reason, if you add the 3 NT from the old tank first, these will assume top of the hierarchy position since the tank is empty and tank is now “theirs” and will assume any newcomers will be outsiders trying to take over the tank.
The 3 NTs will then become more territorial and may start some bullying / nipping behaviours.

Adding all the tetras together into a new tank, there is no hierarchy or territories yet, this makes it much easier for all tetras to settle and assume their positions in the shoal.

 

[Byron]

There actually is another important reason for adding all the intended numbers of a shoaling fish. And that is, they will settle in much faster with less likelihood of ich from the stress. This applies to all species. The hierarchy issue is also important, more with some than others.

 

[shaggss]

Awesome thanks all........makes perfect sense!!