temptryst

My friend has a small tank that we found in the basement. We're not sure on its exact size, but we think it's around 7 gallons.

Anywho, she wanted to know what type of fish to get for such a small tank so I recommended neons. She has 3 plants in the tank now and made her second try at getting them (against my recommendation when the first batch died) and they're dropping like flies still.

Are they a particularly hardy species? I never had an issue with them but she said the guy at the fish store was trying to convince her not to get them due to their fragility.

matt6765

guppies, platys cory cats are easy fish

Tony G.

IMHO, neon tetras can be a hardy species depending on your water quality. dont forget to tell your friend to cycle it first. I would get a betta for that tank add maybe 3 cories. I think neons should be kept in tanks larger than 10 gallons, because they are schoolers.
good luck

cherrybarbboi

heres the link to a website that lists a bunch of different hardy fish you could try. though research the fish you choose first to see the size and if it would fit in you friends tank

the link:http://www.aquariumpros.com/articles/fishcyclefw.shtml

p.s. i would suggest doing a fishless cycle, ive been told they are a lot better for the fish in the long run of there life

Shawnie

I agree with tony....they are sensitive to new tanks and deffinately like to school and swim allot horizontal ..they do much better in tanks that have been established for a few months....theres not much room for that in a tank smaller than 10 gals...20 is even better...its not their bioload thats an issue, more of swimming space

temptryst

Alright. Thanks for the advice guys. The link is especially helpful!

I'll send her the link and I guess I should take her survivors (thus far) into my already established tank? Would that most likely save the little guys?

Unfortunately though I told her about a fishless cycle, she was too ready to get going and wanted fish right now and then so I doubt she'll do that, but I'll point her to some hardier fish this time. I could even give her my danios seeing as I used them for cycling and aren't especially attached to them.

Shawnie

have her get some tetra safe start to add the fish with..no fish should have to go through the posions of a tank cycling ..even if you arent close to them....the safestart will keep them alive and will also be much more humane

Slug

I've found cardinal tetras to be much hardier then neons. And more colorful!