Twinz

Hi, I set up my 26 gallon tank about 6 weeks ago and so far I have six black skirt tetras. What would make good tank mates for them? Also do they usually fight with each other? Mine haven't started schooling yet, I had four in there and just added the other two yesterday. Does it just take time to establish territory before they start schooling? Thank You!!

Shrimpy

First off: Welcome to fishlore!!!

Question 1: tetras always get along with other tetras, maybe guppys and platys .

Question 2: I believe it's natural for the fish to chase each other, as long as they aren't hurting each other. They should begin to school eventually.

Brian Wuz Here

COBettaCouple

welcome to fishlore. Are they chasing or nipping? Are the 2 new ones smaller than the other 4?

Corys and otos would go in the tank well and serve as cleaning crew. You could keep 3 or more of each. Other tetras or livebearers would work too. Kuhli loaches would be an interesting addition. Whatever you decide, remember the 1 gallon per adult inch of fish.

angelfish220

Welcome to fishlore, we serve as fish addicts anonamous

I havent ever had any black skirt tetras but my guess is they arent making territory. A schooling group would always be together not in seperate territories. Sometimes if one or two are sick the rest will pick on them so you might want to check twice on the tetras getting picked on. If they keep picking on each other you might want to seperate them. As I said I never had these fish but badman's says that they are good beginner fish. he recomends keeping them with fish around the same size or larger so a platy trio would fill your tank. they get about 2 inchs long so you have your tank half full remember that and youll do great

susitna-flower

Neon and cardinal tetras school, "swimming all together most of the time", the other tetras swim in the same part of the tank, not necessarily in a traditional school. The recommendations for the # to have together can be because unless there are enough they will pick on each other. They should get along, unless like COBettaCouple said if the new arrivals are smaller, or if someone is sick or for some other reason being picked on.

One of the tried and true solutions to create tank harmony is to break up the line of sight for the fish. Give plenty of decorations, plants, rocks driftwood, anything that will allow the fish hiding places until they get used to their new surroundings.

Twinz

Thank You for all the quick replys! I have been watching them and I think they are just chasing each other. The two new ones I added are actually the same size if not a little bigger than the ones I already had. Hopefully they will calm down soon. I think I will add a few more taller plants, the ones I have are not real tall. Thanks again!