Cardinal Tetras

[KkAaNnEe]

Try some protein rich foods too, it might bring their colour out a touch, they may just be stressed. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, protein rich pellets, just make sure to watch out for bloat or just feed some skinned peas to help digestion

 

[Sesshis_grl]

Well that's a relief that they are definitely cardinals Do they look to be in bad condition? I put in some bloodworms and pretty sure most if not all ate. And live plants would definitely be interesting and pretty, but I failed at these pretty epically in the beginning of my fish keeping interest. I had some foxtails that were dying in a still cycling tank, adding more ammonia, and killed some of my fish . So until I can find a detailed source on how to keep these properly, no more for me. Thank you for the suggestion though

and Thank you so much for the confirmation

Also for future reference how do you know they are definitely cardinals?

 

[Caprichoso]

Their condition is pretty typical of your average fish store. Don't be too worried about it, just make sure your water params are good and temp is consistent. I just tend to worry a bit when I see the red gills. It could just be stress but it can also be an indication of ammonia exposure or bacterial or parasite infection among other things. Just pay close attention to how they're behaving. If something is going to go wrong, it will usually be within the first 2 weeks. After that it's usually a continual improvement,(as long as your tank is in good order). That's been my experience anyway.

 

[Sesshis_grl]

Thanks I really appreciate all the help, you're awesome

 

[Caprichoso]

Thanks I really appreciate all the help, you're awesome

Thank you and you're very welcome!

 

[Sesshis_grl]

Had a debate with my lfs owner today about the appropriate temperature for cardinals

I said that my temp of 78F is well within the perimeters of what they need, he is insisting that they need 80-82F

Should my temp be higher? or is he full of ...

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I disagree with him.


liveaquaria lists the temps as 73-81

theaquariumwiki lists temps as 72-79

aquaticcommunity.com 73-81 (rounded)

badmanstropicalfish 75-84

fishlore.com 73-80




All these sites say that 78 is fine, not many say 80-82. I'd say you are better off with your temp than his, especially if your temp is where your current fish are used to being kept.

 

[Sesshis_grl]

thanks for the response I've looked at all those sites and that's why I thought he didn't really know what he was talking about. I am more than happy to listen to advice from more experienced people, but I do do my own extensive research too..and it just didn't sound right

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I've never kept them, but it would seem you have more information than he does... What is the temp of his tank? Is it really that warm? Are these wild caught or tank bred? Maybe that's the difference...

 

[Sesshis_grl]

captivity bred. Not sure what his temp is, but I know we both keep a pH of 8. If he's not lowering the pH to meet their wild environments it seems really weird that he would up the temp for them.

 

[Aqua Tom]

They are 100% definitely cardinals & look about right for freshly introduced fish. Keep a close eye & one morning the whole shoal will be showing amazing colours.

Mine are kept at 77-78 deg f & are all quite happy.


Tom

 

[Sesshis_grl]

Thanks Tom