Neon Tetras in a mixed tank?

Question

Recently I have sort of jumped into a fish aquarium without doing a proper amount of research first. In our tank we have two small african drawf frogs, 2 fancy guppies, two x-ray something fish, and two larger orange guys (Forgive my ignorance with actual names). The Mrs. wanted some neon tetras, so we added two to the tank. One died the next day. The other won't leave the bottom. So I added two more Neon Tetras hoping the original one would feel more comfortable with others of his own kind. Now all three just sit at the bottom, the new two swim around some, but not much. Our tank is typically 78-80 degrees, and we do use aquarium salt. The other fish seem to be fine, and healthy they all eat and swim around actively.

I'm not sure what we should do. I'm open to opinions?
Could the neon tetras be scared of the other larger fish in the tank (they are the smallest in the tank)?
If they have the dreaded neon tetra disease could they give this to other non-neon tetra fish in the tank?

Answer 1

What size is your tank? Do you have any plants (real or artificial) or decorations where your fish can hide?

1) The temp is a little high, although your animals should do okay - I'd cut the temp back to about 76

2) Depending on the tank size, your fish may be overcrowded. You have 9 fish and two frogs (although all are probably small at this time). This would be okay in a well-cycled 10 gallon with good filtration, even better in a 20 gallon, but I think we're talking a new tank here? You may have a problem with ammonia. Get a test kit and be ready to do some 20-25% water changes. - "New Tank Syndrome"

3) The neons and x-rays (they will likely be tetras or catfish) are all schooling fish. They are most comfortable (and look best) in groups of 6+.

4) The orange fish are probably platies (moons), swordtails, or mollies, as these are the brightest "orange".

5) If your guppies are a male and female, you will be getting babies (the orange ones too, if they are any of what I've listed). The other fish will probably eat them.

6) If all fish are new to the tank ,they will become more comfortable with each other and more active in time.

7) As long as the frogs are dwarves, they should be okay, but if they are the full sized Africans, your fish will be lunch.

Here's a few websites for you to look at:
http://www.fishlore.com/Beginners.htm - general aquarium keeping (definitely read sections on aquarium nitrogen cycle, how to acclimate, and cloudy water soon!)

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/000tropfishcareguides.htm - fish species and care

Answer 2

I have a 20gal tropical tank . I have 4 different types of tetras, fancy guppies an algae eater and a catfish. I have had all of them happy and healthy for over 3 yrs now.
I was surprised to read that you use salt. A normal tropical tank does not need salt but if the fish are doing well, no harm done! (salt in a tropical tank is usually for fish such as swordtails or mollies which like brackish water)
To answer your question, Tetras usually like to be in groups of 6 or more.
When my tetras were new, they hid in the corners and one or two did die in the first week. They are very delicate fish.
Try to have bushy plants they can hide under and make sure your lighting isnt too bright or on for too long (10 hrs max).
As long as they are eating and otherwise doing okay (no obvious physical problems), give them time to relax and they should be fine.
I have never heard of "neon tetra disease"....???

Answer 3

No. Mollies and neon tetras both need at least a 15-20 gallon tank. A 10 gallon is too small.

Answer 4

I am not sure about the fish you mentioned, but the frogs are seim-aggressive. I think some of the fish may be too. The neon tetras are community fish and will not survive long with the others picking on them.

I would check with your pet store and make sure that any new fish are compatible with the ones you already have.

Any that you have that you know won't work with the others the store may take them back. Some do and some dont.

Answer 5

Neons are fragile fish that like low alkeline water. Go to the store and get a test kit to make sure your water isn't spiking in Amonia or nitrates. I have african dwarf frogs with mine and they are fine -as long as they aren't the clawed variety you should be ok. They also tend to be shy at first. Give them a few days and test the water and you should be ok.
Good luck.