Black phantom tetra won't school

I had 2 black phantom tetras, not doing my research like I should have I noticed they were very shy. So I researched and realized they needed more to school. Well I was waiting for Sunday to buy some and one ended up dying. I went to the store and bought 4 more to make the solo one I had left school with them. She won't school, she just hides in the cave or under plants very afraid. Even when they go near her she get scared. I'm worried she won't school and will end up dying from stress or not eating. How long does it take to school or am I just being impatient?

 

It depends on the fish. Give it a week or two. If it still doesn't come out and hang around with the other tetras then there's not much you can do. Sometimes this happens when you have an older tetra or schooling fish and then you add a new school. I had 4 cories and I added 2 from another tank but the other 2 never shoaled with the previous 4.

 

What size tank are they in? What are your water parameters? Are there any other fish besides them? If possible, a photo would be great.

 

36 gallon corner tank, water temp is 78* ph-7.0 ammonia-0 nitrite-0 nitrate-20ppm. I'm doing a water change tomorrow after work. There are 3 mollies, 3 platties, 1 striped peacock eel and the 4 other tetras I just added. I don't know how to post a picture...

 

This should help:

https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/how-to-attach-pictures-to-posts.169875/

 

I can get a better pic tomorrow if you would like. I don't want to disturb the light cycle as it cycles 24 hours

 

Can you get a close up pic of the tetra with the issue? And how long have you had her?

 

I've had her a week now and she won't come out of the cave, I'll try tomorrow.