Issues With Silvertip Tetras

So I stocked my 40 gallon tank with some fish (9) during my fish in cycle. Love the harlequin rasboras, super fun to watch and friendly. However.... the silvertip tetras are complete a-holes and terrorizing everyone in the tank (especially since the rasboras are babies). Aquarium store made it seem like Silvertips are passive but mine appear super aggressive! Anyone else had this issue? I constantly have to distract the silvertips to give the others a chance to get away. I almost want to bring them back to the store at this point.

 

How many of each fish do you have in the tank?

 

6 rasboras 2 silvertip and 1 serpae... the serpae hangs out with the Silvertips in a group most of the time but they def show him hes the low one on the totem pole. But the 2 Silvertips chase the heck out of the baby rasboras. Luckily they are faster but man they don't let up.
Yes I know they are schooling fish but I was told not to get more fish while cycling. So my option is return the Silvertips or just wait this out and hope nobody gets hurt.

 

There is a very good chance the silvertips will settle down if kept in an appropriate school. At the very least their aggression will be focused on each other rather then the rest of the tankmates.

This is why it is smart to start with one species if you are doing a fish-in cycle.

 

Yes I agree but since I'm not cycled I can't add more fish. 12 fish for a 40 gallon cycle would be too much. I'm guessing I either have to return them until after the cycle or let nature take its course and hope my other fish don't get stressed or eaten. I wish I knew to stay with 1 species but... little late now haha

Also noted... one silvertip in particular is a jerk. Other one isn't as bad. I have a problem child on my hand

 

This is what happens when you don't keep schooling fish in schools. The silver tips and serpea will be very stressed. I'm actually surprised the serpea isn't nipping. 3 schools is a bit much for a 40 gallon imo so I'd return one type and get more of the others. If you don't like the silvertips then return them and get some more serpeas. I think silvertips are pretty peaceful but they're not going to behave how they're meant to if you just have 2.

 

Hm... well looks like I'm going back to the store!

Bottomdweller... actually the serpae is super chill and calm. Doesnt chase. And hes the only serpae in the tank.