#2A Elmer’s Aquarium Community Tank Ideas
Tank Size- 10 gal or more
Peaceful community with Neons and other small Tetras
Why Keep This Group? Tetras represent a large group of popular aquarium fish. They are a
member of the Characidae family. This community uses some of the small, colorful, and
peaceful varieties including the very popular Neon Tetra.
Housing: This community is for tanks 10 gallon and up. The tank should have a power filter
and heater. Supplement the power filter with a small air pump. Temperature range: 70-76.
pH- (6.6-7.2). Stable water conditions are important. Add SeaChem pH Neutral with
each partial water change to stabilize pH, but not required. To bring out the best
coloration use a dark background.
Live Plants: Live plants are highly recommended. Live plants will create a more natural
looking system and these fish love to swim and dart among live plants. Combine live
plants with some decorative driftwood for a great looking tank. Tetras like to swim in the
middle water layers. Provide some bushy plants toward the rear of the tank, and leave
the front open for swimming
How Many? Tetras are schooling fish and do best in groups. Keep them in groups of at
least 3. Groups of 6, 12 or more is even better. Barbs, Danios, and Rasboras should also
be purchased in groups.
Feeding: Fish this community two to three small feedings per day. They have small
mouths so use a soft flake food or small pellets designed for small fish. Frozen Mysis are
a great supplement.
Tank Mates: Here are some choices. Our staff can help you find them in our store.
Neon Tetras: They will only thrive only if they are kept in established tanks with other
small peaceful fish. They are not appropriate for community tanks of larger more
aggressive fish that may scare or harass them.
Small Peaceful Tetras: Many of these fish are great choices for beginners because
they are very hardy: Glowlight Tetra, Flame Von Rio Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra,
Pristella Tetra, Black Phantom Tetra, Red Phantom Tetra, Silver Tip Tetra, Lemon Tetra,
Red Eye Tetra, Gold Tetra, Diamond Tetra, Emperor Tetra, Colombian Red Fin Tetra.
Peaceful Rasboras: Harlequin Rasbora, Dwarf Emerald Rasbora, Emerald Eye
Rasbora.
Peaceful Barbs: Cherry Barb, Gold Barb, Checkered Barb.
Small Gouramis: Dwarf Gouramis, Honey Gouramis, Pygmy (Sparkling) Gouramis.
Top Dwellers: Silver Hatchetfish, Marble Hatchetfish.
Catfish: Corydoras Cat, Bristlenose Plecostomus, Glass Cat, Farlowella Cat, Banjo Cat,
Otocinclus Cat, Stone Cat.
Loaches: Kuhli Loach, Sumo Loach, Crimson Loach.
Others: White Clouds, Guppies, Platies.
Other Livestock: Dwarf African Frog, Cherry Shrimp, Nerite Snail, Apple Snail.
Others, but not as “beginner friendly”: Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetras, Chocolate
Gouramis.
If you have a big enough tank (25 gal up) The larger your tank the more varieties of fish you
may be able to include. Tanks that are 30 gallon or more with plenty of plants could include
some of the more active Tetras, such as Black Skirt Tetras, GloTetras, Bloodfin Tetras, Serpae
Tetras. In larger tanks you could also include small Red Tail Sharks, Clown Loaches, Zebra
Danios, Gold Barbs, Scissortail Rasbora, Brilliant Rasbora.
Avoid: Fish that grow large, or fish that could nip fins including: Angels, Tiger Barbs, Rosy
Barbs, and most Cichlids.