What Size Tank For Some Tetras

[Phillip2]

I used to have tropical fish years ago, looking at getting more again soon, just wondered what size tank in litres would i need for a few neon tetras, rummynose tetras and glowlights, possibly some shrimp too? And how long should you wait after setting it up to put water in? Thanks

 

[DrRob]

Shoaling fish need just that, a shoal, so you'll be restricted by the need to have several of each type, plus it's well worth it for the colour effect, at least 6 ideally of a shoaling tetra.
 
As for adding the fish, welcome back to the hobby, things have changed but the shops tend to still offer old school advice as it suits their business (or because they're old school keepers, I'll not judge their motives), have a read up here, for what we do now for the best results.

 

[Phillip2]

Cool i will thanks, so what size tank would you suggest

 

[Freedom]

Yep, check seriouslyfish.com to see the minimum number of each variety.  Rummy nose need at least 10 to be happy.  The effect is awesome!

 

[DrRob]

Biggest you can fit/afford.
 
Personally I'd not go lower than a 20G for small shoalers, but if you can get bigger the effect is spectacular. For instance, in this tank http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SvMFKRiprE

 

[Phillip2]

Ok i will, i need an idea of tank size as a friends selling one going to see if its big enough
20g, thats ok, for all three shoalers and some shrimp

 

[DrRob]

You'll probably be better off keeping to one or two shoals in the 20G. As with any tank, the bigger the better.

 

[Phillip2]

Ok we'll I can get bigger so 30 gallon ok for three shoals

 

[Freedom]

Dr Rob that vid is awesome!

 

[Phillip2]

Tanks are dear now arnt they any good shops to get a good one. Anyone see any good 20 gal ones out there is that a two foot long

 

[Malex530]

For a school of 6 (assuming you get that amount) of every tetra you stated  you should get at least a 20 gallon preferably a 30. Shrimp have a very small bioload so you should be able to get away with 20-30 shrimp but keep in mind that they breed so you could start off with 10.
There is a link at the top of the page about cycling that you should read. Its very informative. 

 

[Phillip2]

Oh don't want 20 shrimp just a few lol, I will its a lot to take in I was thinking of setting one up then three days og get some fish add them slowly,

 

[DrRob]

Tanks are indeed expensive, but then they've become pieces of furniture. Good old clearseal types remain sensibly priced if you have somewhere you can put them safely.
 
Otherwise gumtree and e-bay are great sources of tanks for very little.

 

[Phillip2]

Yeah will look so that's all I could fit. If it was about a 50 litre could that just be ome or two shoals

 

[Mamashack]

You need to check the TFF calculator - 50L is only 11G so nowhere near the 20G required. I have a 15G and I wouldn't keep neon tetras in there - apart from the fact that they would not be happy in the water I have which is alkaline at 7.8 pH. They prefer slightly acid water I believe.
As Freedom said in post #4 you should check out the website Seriously Fish as it has reasonable care sheets for many species of fish including tetras. Just find out the Latin name and use in a search there.