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Okay, my current vision/obsession is to set up a 20g Long tank, heavily planted, with neon tetras. I will use my 55g filter media and gravel to cycle the tank, as well as add platies for a few weeks to make sure it's well cycled. So, how many neon tetras can I put in a 20g Long... and I know I shouldn't add too many at a time but would it be okay to add 6 at first so they won't be lonely?? Also, I have heard that neon tetras are not the hardiest fish out there... does anyone have any tips on keeping them healthy??

-Beth

Just don't get an angelfish...

Start out with 6 and see how you do. You could probably keep up to 10 neons in there, with a few different fish.

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

Add about four platies to cycle it. Then, when cycled, take out the platies and put in 6 tetras. Add 2-3 every 1 or 2 weeks. I would say 12-15 would be good. It wouldn't be completely stocked, but would allow some room so that water parameters stay good. A good idea would to heavily plant the tank...makes the tank healthy by lowering nitrates. Keep up with partial waterchanges, and you should have neon tetras for years to come.

Am I right in thinking you want just neon tetras? That'd be gorgeous!

I think it would be alright to add 6 in the beginning. If you take the platies out at that time, it should be about an equal bio-load.

As for keeping them healthy, you really just have to acclimate them well and make sure your water quality is good. Some batches just aren't any good. Many people have more luck with cardinals, which IMO look better anyways.

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They shade the glow of it with their mossy-misty costumes,
They wear masks of silk, porcelain, brass, and silver,
So as not to mislead with their own, ordinary faces.

solublefish-thanks, and i am planning on it being heavily planted, as my 55g has such an overabundance of hornwort and anacharis (sp?) that we've had to throw some away (after giving some to friends and planting our 2 smaller tanks)... we'll probably get something with broader leaves too but haven't decided what yet...

janna-yep, just neon tetras... maybe a couple of ghost shrimp for the bottom, but that would be it... I think it would be so pretty to have them swimming along in their school... stunning. That's why I'm thinking 20 Long, to give them more swimming room.

Anyhow, right now it's just an idea... have to talk hubby into it, of course he wants that 75g next so we might have to do both!

Thanks everyone,
Beth

Beth:
1. I'd recommend the 75 over the 20L for a variety of reasons:
-A larger tank is always more stable (in terms of water chemistry).
-The dimensions of a 20L are 12x12x36. If you're looking into an eventual planted tank, you will be limited to smaller plants, since the tank's only a foot tall.
-You will also be limited in the 3-D effect of small-mid-tall plants because the 20L is only a foot deep.
-If you're looking into an eventual planted tank, don't scimp on the lighting. Unfortunately, 3ft is not a popular size, and you will end up paying more for lighting. 4ft is a more common size and, where still expensive, still represents the best bargain for the money.

2. Adding 6 neons per week, until you reach your objective density, should work. Monitor ammonia and nitrites during cycle - that will be your guide.

3. Neons are schooling fish. I'd love to see them in their natural environment. I have heard that average schools in the wild number in the 100's, if not 1000's.

4. Neons are popular fish, and are bred for quantity over quality. Because of this, they are no longer the hardy fish they used to be. I can only recommend to be extra picky in purchasing your fish - never buy from a tank if there is another dead fish in the tank. Only buy fish in good color, full shape, and which exhibit some degree of 'alertness'. Never buy dull-looking, mishappen-shaped, or fish which appear to be cowering (or otherwise listless). Start with good stock and you stand a better chance. Be patient and don't rush out and buy the first batch you happen upon.

As an alternative, I've found the Cardinal to be a better fish than the Neon. It is more expensive, but I've found it to be a much more hardier species than the Neon.

-Wayne

Wayne:
Thanks for the input, we will eventually be doing both the 20gLong and a 75g... my hubby wants to do a 75g cichlid tank with sand, caves, etc... while I want to replace our 10g in the kitchen with the aforementioned 20 Long. We like having a tank in the kitchen for our daughter to look at while she's in the highchair. Then we'd use the 10g for a quarantine tank, which we dont have yet. But, yes, we want to bump up to 20 from 10 b/c we've had trouble keeping that one stable.

Also, we have already priced lighting, etc. We did a DIY lights and canopy for our 55g and ended up spending $30 (that includes wood, trim, stain, lights, and bulbs)... the price would be about $10 more for a 3 ft light fixture over the 4 ft one so we expect to spend around $30 for that light & canopy, too (as we already have leftover wood, stain, etc.) VERY GLAD we are handy ppl! I cannot believe how much people pay in the LFS for lighting when you can get the same stuff at Home Depot for so much less...

As far as the hardiness of neons, from everything I've heard we should not be disappointed if we have a 50% survival rate for them... I've heard that sometimes they die in the bag before you get home. I've gotten a lot of recommendations about the cardinal so we might have to go looking and compare them in the LCS to see what we want to do.

Again, thanks so much for your input... I'm still pretty new to this.

-Beth