5G Tank with Zebra Danio's and Neons who are not happy

Don't know if I am entering this post correctly. I have started a 5 Gallon tank and am waiting for cycling to start. It's been 3 weeks and no change in chemical test. Added Tetra Safe Plus and believe that it was absent bacteria. Have 4 Zebra Danio's but they are skimpy poopers. Got tired of waiting for things to happen, oh I know I should have given the tank more time but I'm a senior and there is not that much left.
Decided to use Danios cause of recommendations and reading articles of others. These are hyperactive and nasty fish, not what I would call a community fish. Always on the move and want to eat constantly. Well, I recently added 4 Neon's as tank mates. They are in constant fear of the Danio's and hardly come out of the caves and plant cover to eat for fear of being nipped and chased.
Anyone with comments can chime in

Docjsbrewster

 

Did you test your water before adding the neons?

 

To be honest the tank is too small for those fish, although they are small they are very active and need more space to be comfortable.

 

Did you test your water before adding the neons?

Tested water morning that I added Neons and ammonia and other test negative, ph 7.2

To be honest the tank is too small for those fish, although they are small they are very active and need more space to be comfortable.

I only chose Zebra Danios because of the recommendation noting their hardiness in starting the cycle and are good tank mates for other 1 inch fish

 

I agree with TClare. The tank is too small for those kinds of fish. I have zebra danios myself and they are very active and swim around all the time.

 

I well realize that a 5 Gallon tank is small and also have heavily planted it with artificial plants and a large rock caves but am determined that I can make this a good healthy happy fish habitat.
I think the Danios are happy so far because they come to the front of glass and also swim to top whenever I'm there to feed or visit them

 

I well realize that a 5 Gallon tank is small and also have heavily planted it with artificial plants and a large rock caves but am determined that I can make this a good healthy happy fish habitat.

You an absolutely make it a healthy fish habitat! Just not for that species. There are plenty of other options for a 5 gallon, but danios really, really need lots space to swim. That particular species will likely not be healthy in this tank because it’s too small for their needs.

 

Okay, so to stay on track with your concerns, if your tetras are afraid of your danios it would be a good idea to take them back if you don’t have another tank for them. There’s a chance that their health will decline if nipped at and stressed out too much. Another thing is that I think your 5 gallon is too small for both of those. Not just due to space needs, but also you have to take into account bio load and how quickly the water will dirty up. Based on what you said, it sounds like you’re still trying to cycle your tank. Adding more fish in is going to set you back and possibly overwhelm the tank, meaning you’re not really giving the bacteria a chance to grow and process the amount of ammonia you started with.

 

Danios are Jerks when there isnt enough of them and in a small space. What are your plans for the tank once its cycled?