indydoug2008

Hello,

I have recently set up a new 29g tank and am trying to cycle it now. (you can read my horror story on cycling in the beginners section...) So aside from my cycling problem, I have a second question: Can you keep serpae tetras with Angelfish? Everything I read said that angelfish can be kept with "larger tetras", which serpaes are, but I have also been reading they are fin nippers and angels have those long fins so now I am worried they may not be compatible. I got the serpaes because the guy at the fish store said they go with angels and they were good for cycling a tank (yes I know totally wrong but am working to correct it now).... but the whole reason for getting my tank was for angelfish. So can some of you experts tell me if the 9 serpaes can be in the same tank with angelfish or will I have problems? Thanks for any advice you can give me. And don't worry, I am at least 4-6 weeks away from adding any fish to the tank, but trying to create my stocking plan now.

indydoug

TFA101

A good rule to follow when it comes to Serpaes, Black Skirts, and Tiger Barbs, is 5 members or more per shoal because they will establish a pecking order among themselves, and interact with the members of the same species rather than other tank mates. An alternative to serpaes would be bleeding hearts or Rosy Tetras if you're nervous about trying

Allie

I'd try to find some diamond tetra. They are so awesome in looks and personality. I've kept them with my angels for over a year now. Lemon tetra are another one.

Shawnie

hey doug...hows the cycleing coming?? ill send ya some of my patience ...I did my 75 gallon with fish because of not knowing...lemme tell ya it was horrendous!!! from experience, tiger barbs a a big no no ..they are major fin nippers even in schools...goodluck !

Lucy

I can't find much information on the difference, but I've seen 2 types of serpaes.
Long finned (red minor) and a short finned one, just labeled serpae tetra.
The long finned ones are supposed to be worse fin nippers than the shorter finned serpaes.
I have the shorter finned ones because of this.

Either way, I would take the advise of someone who has experience with angels over mine.

indydoug2008

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I should have been more clear - I already have the serpae tetras, 9 of them in a 29g. You can read my post in fish beginners but the short story is I told the guy at the pet store that I wanted to do Angelfish and he told me to cycle the tank with these tetras because they were hardy fish and they would co-exist well with the angelfish when I eventually get them. I had already read that angelfish can be kept with the "larger tetras" (no specifics) so that sounded right to me. So now I have gotten some good advice from others about how to finish cycleing the tank with the fish in there and not kill them, so I am hoping they will live. I read some other places on this site that maybe sepae tetras are fin nippers and so then I started to wonder if the guy at the pet store lied about their being compatible with the angelfish, since he lied when he said I should cycle the tank with these fish.

So the question is really are they compatible? I don't really want to put barbs or other kinds of tetras in there....the whole reason I got the tank was so I could get some angelfish! oh yes, and I am sure they are the short-finned ones...I saw a picture of the long finned serpaes and these are definitely short-finned....I was never really interested in having tetras at all but have to say it is fascinating to watch their schooling behavior. I definitely have an alpha-fish who acts like he wants to kill the other fish, so I named him OJ.

Lucy

I have found the serpaes very endearing. You can always get another tank for the angels.

Shawnie

UH OH!! mts for indy?? LOL

indydoug2008

Ok I'm new...what is "MTS"?

Also, I keep seeing fish referred to as "SAE" - what's that??

Lucy

EDIT: MTS=Multiple tank syndrome, it's what happens when you realize you need just 1 more tank for that great fish that won't get along with your existing fish.....then another tank cause it was a good deal....and so on.

SAE=Siamese algea eater

Shawnie

mts multiple tank sydrome and sae siamese algae eater

indydoug2008

OH JC.....that's all I need is 10 tanks....I DO have this 10g tank sitting in my garage that someone gave me years ago but I never set up, and was thinking when the time comes (I'm still 6 weeks away at least) I could try the angels and sepaes together and if it doesn't work I can put the serpaes in the 10g and the angles can have the 29g....but that is ABSOLUTELY IT! I WILL NOT HAVE MORE THAN 2 TANKS....

(ok, maybe just 3....)

Shawnie

its YOUR lie, you tell it anyway ya wanna ...but great idea on the 10 gallon...

Lucy