How Many To School?

[Dr_Shakalu]

Hey everyone. Here's whatI posted a couple of days ago. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175837 Well, we've decided to go with neon tetras. My question is, how many tetras should I get? I mean, I believe that if you don't have enough to school, the fish will just wander around by themselves. I'm sure the amount will very for the type of fish and/or the size of the tank. Anyways, does anyone know how many tetras I should get to be able to school in our 55? Thanks, The Doctor.

 

[chanathon]

a group of atleast 6 should be fine, but seeing as you have a 55gal, you can go with a lot more. Although they will probably keep in the schoal in the beginning, they're bound to just scatter on their own if there's no real threat in the tank.

 

[benzjamin13]

Probably could keep 2 or 3 dozen in there and it would look cool!

 

[Dr_Shakalu]

Also, what other schooling fish do you guys think will go well with the tetras?

 

[dzb912]

when i buy neons i buy them by the dozen
if your lucky sometimes your family owned lfs might sell them as feeders
i ocasionally see them as guppy feeders
same as white clouds

 

[benzjamin13]

Rummynose and Cories look good with Neons

 

[Toodleypops]

also harlequin rasboras!!

 

[robmcd]

Red eye tetras as well.....

 

[seds]

Herm, I have some Lake chub and they don't school at all. I had around 8 of them and they did their own thing, mostly looking at their reflection in the glass...

I say the less species that are in an aquarium the better if they are shoalers. It is best IMO to have a ton of one species than to have five or six of 3 species

 

[chesterthehero]

also harlequin rasboras!!

i see both with a "buy 10 get 2/4 free" deal from time to time.. a few dozen is the way to go... they will for the most part stick together till they relax/discover that no one is going to eat them... then they will spread out a bit and do their own thing.. the best thing is that both are good looking fish and they are cheap...

a handful of cories (take yer pick i like all of them) will keep the bottom of the tank active.. otos are also a nice addition for planted tanks... IMO they look like tiny lil sharks with sucker mouths.. such a rad lil fish

if you ever want something a bit bigger that wont eat everyone or overload your filtration check out congo tetras.. ive got a small army in my planted 55... very active and extreamly colorful..