Do i need a bigger tank?

[Pckerfreak44]

So I have a 5.5 gallon tank with three serpae tetra and three ghost shrimp. The tetras barely move out of one side of the tank. Should I upgrade to a 10 gal and buy maybe 1 or 2 more tetras or will they be fine?

 

[Aces11]

Yes I would definitely upgrade to at least a 10g. The shrimp are ok in that size tank, but other than that, the only fish that could live in a 5.5g is a betta. Tetras need room to school and swim and that's probably why they aren't moving a lot. Upgrading at least to a 10g would give them more room.

 

[KatieJ]

Serpae tetras require a school of at least 6-8 and require a minimum tank size of 15-20 gallons (some places list 10 gallons, but in order to accommodate proper schooling size, bioload and swimming size, it really should be more).

 

[jcolon]

Yeah, a 5.5 gal is too small for Serpae Tetras. They are active shoaling fish that are best kept in a group of 6 or more (the more the better) in at least a 20gal tank with plants, DW and rock to provide hiding places and reduce stress so they feel more secure.

 

[Pckerfreak44]

Thanks. My friend has a 10 gal he would sell me, you think that will be enough? and my tank is definatly well planted haha. Should i buy a few more too?