Fish don't like the light.

[Andrew G]

I have a 15 gal with 4 White Skirt Tetras, 3 black neons, and 2 cory cats. Every time I turn on the 19 W flor. bulb the fish freek out and hide out at the bottom under the plants. They never swim around even when they get used to the light. As soon as the light goes out, they begin to act normal again. This makes it difficult to enjoy them as there is not enough ambient light in the room to see them.

Any suggestions?

 

[Teelie]

Well I can tell right off you don't have enough of them. 5 each of the tetras and neons will make them less frightened and 3 or more cories will help them too though they all prefer the surface light broken up by floating/hanging plants or tall grounded plants with broad, flat leaves.

 

[Andrew G]

I was thinking of adding a few cardinal and black widow tetras and maybe a dwarf gourmai of 2 but now should rethink that stocking plan. If I understand you correctly, you're suggesting to add more of the same 3 species. How many in total would be a good number for my set-up without overcrowding the tank?
Regarding the plants, I currently have several Amazon swords, some small java fern, and one medium banana which they all like to hide under.

Thanks

 

[fishwatcher]

You should be fine to bring both groups of tetras up to 5 and add 1 more cory. Both tetras are slim and don't make much waste, and the cories help clean up the bottom and don't make a whole lot of waste either.
That should help them a good deal.
I'd also get a few taller plants, maybe like Frill or Combomba (sp?), to give them taller plants to swim in/hang out under.
Good luck!