Cardinal Tetras!

[Fantasmic]

Hey there! I went to the fish store today and bought some (2) cardinal tetras. I have a ten gallon tank being set up for them but for now, are in a 5 gallon. I was wondering how many would be good and what other fish would be good, for tankmates in a 10gal. Thanks!!

Ohh one more question. About how much would you say cardinal tetras usually go for? Don't wanna be getting ripped off!

-Kimmy

 

[medge00]

you should get more... they like to be in groups. get a bottom feeder of some sort, like cories. good tank mates, interesting to watch

 

[shawmutt]

Agreed with medge, cories are the way to go.

You should have at least 6 cardinals. However, there is a problem. By the time you are done adding fish 6 cardinals and 3-4 cories, you are overstocked. With excellent maintenence it is possible though. Just keep on top of your water changes.

I payed $3.99 each for my cardinals! Actually, that was the price if I bought one or two--they were 4 for $15.

Quick question for you...how long has your tank been up and running? Cardinal tetras do better with an established tank--at least 6 months.

 

[Fantasmic]

I'm getting the 10 gallon tomorrow for a really good deal too. I'll start running it then.

My tetras costed me $2.99 each and they are in great condition! Very pretty too!

-Kimmy

 

[shawmutt]

I would recommend transferring most of the water from the 5 gallon into the 10. Also, if you aren't using the substrate from the 5 gallon, put the substrate in a filter bag (available in your lfs) and stick it in the 10 to "seed" the bacteria colony and reduce cycling times.

Good Luck!

 

[TankGirl]

Welcome to AA!

I will second Shawmutt here and recommend against cycling a tank with cardinals, since at least around here, they tend to be somewhat delicate, and a bit expensive. If possible, keep the 2 in the 5gal for now and fishless cycle the 10gal, and then when it is ready you can move them over and get some mates - they will do better if you have more of them, as mentioned.

Good luck, and I really applaud your choice of fish -cardinals are one of my alltime favorites.

 

[krap101]

i never knew cardinals were so expensive. here their as much as the neons or 1.50

 

[madasafish]

Yeah, around NY, we can be lucky and get them for as little as $1.50 or $1.99. Around here, these don't survive particularly well. The shipping process tends to weaken their immune system, so when they're introduced into a tank, the tank must be fully cycled and stable.

I'd keep them in the 5 for now. Sorry to be a killjoy.

I'd get a school of 6-8 for a 10 gallon.

 

[Fantasmic]

Oh yeah of course! Fishless cycle, definatly. I agree, they're some of my favorite colored fish and I'll probably get a few more for the 10gal. Thanks!

 

[blipblop]

yeah, i have a 10g tank about 3 weeks into a fishless cycle and i want 3 corys and maybe 6-7 cardinal tetras =]