FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello to all. I have been "lurking" here for a while and have enjoyed this forum on Tetras especially all the great information on lemon tetras. My 10 gal has just completed cycling (after 3 months!!). I have 3 lemon tetras and 2 otocinclus (lost 1 tetra during cycling). Now I would like to add maybe 3 or 4 more tetras. How long should I wait before adding new fish and my next question is about the required lighting. They seem to dislike the brighter incandescent or fluorescent lights. How many watts is enough? Or what do ethey prefer? My lighting schedule is 12 on and 12 off.
Thanks for any information you can help me with.

If the tank is not planted @this point you don't really need that many watts per gallon. For a good planted tank you'll want @least 2-3wpg, 4wpg is high light.

The tetras I've got (diamonds and white skirts) don't really seem to mind 2- 2.5wpg....in fact they mind more when the room is brighter than the tank. Some floating plants can help diffuse the light coming into the tank.

^_^


[hr width='40%']"I'm alright, I'm alright
It only hurts when I breathe"

The tank has a banana plant, which seems to require more light than I am providing as well as some bulbs bought from Walmart. So far only one has sprouted and appears to be doing o.k. The plants are just an experiment and may have to come out. I'll will shop for something that will float and diffuse the light.
Thanks again.
Bev

Being blackwater fish, they prefer none; just enough to see. I personally don't see lighting gbeing a big issue, though. Keep whatever lighting which you find good for your plants (in this case, at lest 2 wpg).

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 16-Mar-2005 16:24

My Lemons are in a pretty well lit aquarium, and don't hide from the light. But then, mine have floating Hornwort to hide under if they wish, and a fairly nice collection of plants. The thing about Lemons is that they really come into their own if you plant the aquarium with some sensitivity to their preferences: a mixture of thickets that they can swim amongst, with open spaces between the thickets, is the way to go.

Time for my obligatory pointing toward the Lemon Tetra article!

Lemon Tetra Article

This should tell you all you need to know!


Last edited by Calilasseia at 17-Mar-2005 09:26

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Yeah, lighting doesn't seem to be a problem with my lemons. They do not hide for any reason whatsoever, so I have to assume that they don't care about the lights. Mind you, I've got low lighting in my tank, so that may be the reason.

As for your other question, how long has it been since cycling finished? If you literally just completed it, I'd wait for a week or so before adding fish just to be on the safe side. Tetras aren't known for being waste-producers, but it is always nice to feel that the tank is secure, don't you think?

---

And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

It has been about two weeks since my amonia and nitrite readings dropped to zero. The nitrates are low at 5ppm. I am still doing frequent water changes and can't believe the tank has really cycled. I will probably wait for a couple more weeks before adding anymore fish. Since I have a tendency to over feed, I was wondering if I could add a couple of cory catfish to help with the bottom "clean up" along with 3 more lemon tetras. If the tetras are not heavy waste producers, hopefully this wouldn't overload the tank.
Since this is my first tank ever,I really appreciate all the
help and suggestions.
Bev