Making A Tetra Tank

[randrix]

I have 5 neon tetras in a tank right now and I was wondering if I should get five more 2 weeks from now provided I change the water but for how many times. And should I do five?

 

[maggie thecat]

More information, please.

What sized tank?

How long has it been running?

Any other inhabitants?

What are the current water parameters?

It's hard to advise without a fuller picture.

 

[randrix]

20 gallon long
I’ve had it running with fish inside for a week
However I had it running without fish for at least 2 months and with water changes every other week

No other inhabitants and because I just got the fish the nitrites and the ammonia went up

 

[maggie thecat]

Were you "feeding" the tank while it was running empty with ammonia or other organic material?

 

[randrix]

I fed the tank bacteria does that count?

 

[maggie thecat]

Bacteria need to eat too!

It sounds like you have just started a fish in cycle.

So, get some Safe Start and follow all the directions on the bottle. Keep an eye on your water parameters , and consider holding off getting additional fish until your tank has cycled.

 

[randrix]

Alright I got an ok at the water testing and I have six neon tetras what should I add next?

 

[maggie thecat]

So does that mean you now have 11 neon tetras? (5 from the OP plus 6 more)

If you wanted an all tetra tank, you could add 6 Von Rio tetras, (they tend to hug the bottom) and then another group of 6 after those settle.

Or you could keep adding Neons.

Or you could add a group of Panda or other cooler water Cory.

*Note the ORs and choose from the options.

 

[randrix]

No there’s only six in the tank

Should I get one more and call it a day?

 

[maggie thecat]

Your tank. If that's what you want to do, it's fine. By understocking you will have cleaner water and a different aesthetic than if you push stocking limits.

You can always add in later.

 

[randrix]

Could I add a centerpiece fish as well?

 

[maggie thecat]

Depends on what, if anything else you add, but yes, of course that's an option.

 

[randrix]

So what’s a good centerpiece?

 

[randrix]

Bump

 

[maggie thecat]

By definition, a centerpiece is any fish that draws the eye. In a 20 gallon you are fairly restricted to the small types of gourami or cichild or platy, dwarf forms of molly, or other livebearer like fancy male guppy.