Odd thing is, when I had Neons as a 12 year old who knew NOTHING about aquariums, they did just fine. I filled a 29 gallon tank my grandmother bought me with tap water, and that same day went to the pet store to buy fish. No cycling, dechlorination, nothing. I bought 6 or 8 neons, and they all lived for a long time. That was 25+ years ago.
Just last year I went and purchased 16 neons for a planted 75 gallon, setup, monitored, cycled,
CO2 injected, etc. They all died. And not over the course of a year either, they all had foggy eyes inside of two months. I don't get it.
Is it possible that breeders, in breeding for vibrant colors, have genetically weakened the species?
I think Neons and Cardinals are absolutely beautiful in decent sized schools. I wish I had some. But I'm not happy about spending money on flushing fodder, nor do I like seeing fish die under my care.
Black Skirt Tetras, as someone mentioned, are one of the hardiest little fish I've had over the years. I love those guys. For color I do Tiger and Cherry Barbs now. The barbs have more personality anyway, and in schools pester each other instead of other fish.
