tetra schools

[Soni]

How big and how many schools of tetras should i put in a 42 hex with angels?? Like 5 of one type of tetra and just have 2 schools?? I was planning on having 3 or so angels-not big and maybe two other types of fish that i havent picked out yet.  Is that too many fish??

[Mzungu]

Re: tetra schools

What kind of tetras? Some stay pretty small, some get a bit bigger. I would try to have at LEAST 6 of each species, though, regardless.

[Soni]

Re: tetra schools

im not sure which ones....i was just going to pick the prettiest ones lol...
So 6 of each species?? is that too many fish for a 42 hex??

[wvgdiscus]

Re: tetra schools

Not if you are willing to do the proper amount of water changing.

There are rules some people go by. On the other hand most here seam to break that rule with success. Like I had 12 discus in a 32 hex before without any problems. It did turn out I had to go bigger after 6 months.

[Soni]

Re: tetra schools

if i just set up my tank....when do i need to do my first water change?

[wvgdiscus]

Re: tetra schools

sent you a pm

[Mzungu]

Re: tetra schools

With three angels, I wouldn't pick the bigger species of tetras. However, if you are planning to stock your tank with angels you buy from the auction, I would wait on adding anything else until your tank is cycled.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: tetra schools

I agree with Mzungu....let the tank cycle or it could become a waste of money.

If you are looking at small tetras I would go with around 10+ the schooling thing doesn't really happen unless there are predators or they are frightened in my exp. and they tend to look a lot nicer when schooling if the group is big.

[Mzungu]

Re: tetra schools

That's true, when they're completely comfortable they kind of go off on their own. And I agree, in my opinion 10 or more of one species looks much better than a few of a number of different species. And for a schooling fish, they'll feel a lot more comfortable in a larger group.  :)

[sproett]

Re: tetra schools

I agree with Eklikewhoa and Mzungu-they do look nicer in large schools.

[Darbex]

Re: tetra schools

We have been running the tank since Monday, is that long enough for it to cycle? In you guys experience with 3-4 angels how many other fish could she fit in the tank?

[eklikewhoa]

Re: tetra schools

Depends...do you have another filter or tank that is established?

If so you can just swap the filter or media when you add the fish and it should be somewhat of an instant cycle.

[Soni]

Re: tetra schools

We have a cichlid tank thats been established....but i think that water is too hard...

[Mzungu]

Re: tetra schools

Do you have any test kits? If not, lots of LFSs test for free.

In my opinion, it's more important for the tank to be cycled than to be the wrong pH and hardness...Do you know the values for the cichlid tank?

[Darbex]

Re: tetra schools

Everything falls in the safe range for both tanks, they both have low alkalinity but the LFS said thats strange since Houston water is high and I tested the tap water and its is not high so i am unsure. However, the Cichlid tank is a little hard but I want it that way, but the angel tank we set up is in the normal range.