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October 28th, 2007
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Fish Addict
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Cardinals or Neon
I am debating on which type of tetra to get - Cardinal tetras or neon tetras. Does anyone know which one is better (easier to take care of)? I know they are both pretty fragile, but was wondering if any one is better than the other. Thanks.
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October 28th, 2007
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Moderator
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HI Wolfman
The cardinal tetras are more sensitive than the neons, so you would probably do better with the neons. I hear that most of the cardinals are wild caught and that in itself would most likely make them a lot more sensitive to water conditions and environment than the neons, tank bred.
The cardinals do get larger than the neons tho. I guess it would be a personal preference on this one...
good luck with your choice.
 ~ kate |
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October 28th, 2007
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ID master
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I know that since the neons are wanted more then the cadinals, their DNA is really messed up and don't last too long any more. I know that I have had cardinals for about 1-2 months now and that is longer than I have any neons ever. I think it is 90% of the cardinals are wild caught, but if they are raised properly before going to the store and then your home, there won't be any problem. I know that mine are wild caught and they eat like little pigs too. But like Kate said, it is really you r own personal preference.
Tom
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October 31st, 2007
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Fish Addict
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I have had neons before and they haven't lasted long, but my black neons have lasted a while. So I was just debating on which ones to get. My tank has a naturally basic pH, normally around 7.5-7.7, so that may present an issue with Cardinals as they require a lower, acidic pH, so that's the issue.
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October 31st, 2007
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ID master
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfman21
I have had neons before and they haven't lasted long, but my black neons have lasted a while. So I was just debating on which ones to get. My tank has a naturally basic pH, normally around 7.5-7.7, so that may present an issue with Cardinals as they require a lower, acidic pH, so that's the issue.
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Right now, my cardinals are at a 7.0-7.5 for pH and are showing better colors than in most pics and at the store. I know I have had b.neons for just about a year now and they are doing great, so if I had to get some neons, I would make sure they were the black ones.
Tom |
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October 31st, 2007
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Fish Keeper
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I"ve been keeping neon tetras for many years, and most of them lived fairly long.
I've got a bunch right now that I got at Walmart (!) in July for 1.65 each and they've grown big, beautiful and healthy!  |
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November 20th, 2007
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Fish Keeper
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Cardinals ARE a bit trickier to keep, however, I would say if it's what you prefer, go for it. That's what I would go for if I could start up another tank...
It is true that for a long time they used to be only wild caught but that was because they had a VERY hard time breeding them in captivity.. however, now they are able to do it so they are becoming more readily available...
Now, I posted this in someone else's topic just a few minutes ago... so I'm just going to copy and paste it here. I'm sure most of it you know already!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amnagrla
I would do your own research on this, especially since you love them so much! But I will tell you what I know 
They like a little bit warmer water, so 80F. You will want to have at least 6 for them to be happy and thrive.. I'd say for your 20gallon you could go 6 to 8 of them safely. You want to make sure that you acclimate them slowly by letting a little tank water into the bag a little at a time. Also, make sure that once you set up your tank, let it go through the nitrogen cycle before putting them in. (If you don't know what that is, http://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm )
As far as what to put in... they like fine-leaved plants such as Cabomba though other plants such as Amazon Swordplants and Vallisneria are equally suitable. They like some floating plants to provide shade. That would also help with breeding. They like lots of bogwood, live plants, dark substrate color, and low lighting.
They also like varied food, flakes, daphnia, blood worms, etc.
I must stress that you let your tank COMPLETELY cycle because they are a bit sensitive, especially to new tanks.
Anyways, I hope that I helped!! |
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