Tetras and Danios

Question
We are starting up a 5 gallon heated tropical tank as a beginning tank for us and our boys. I have seen several recommendations that Zebra Danios and Neon Tetras are good starter fish. Of course, one son wants neons and the other wants danios. HOWEVER, I found a site that grouped compatable fish it did NOT put these in the same group even though the stores say they are both "Community" fish.

Thoughts?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Tim,

This question was out there in the question pool.

5 gallons, honestly, is not large enough for either neon tetras or danios.  I know a lot of people that won't put zebra danios in anything less than a 20 gallon long and this is because they really do need the surface area and swmming space, as they are top dwellers.

Tetras on the other hand aren't as zippy as the danios but they need to be kept in shoals (as should zebras) of at least 6 and 5 gallons is far too small to support 6 neons or danios.  Keep in mind that a 5 gallon tank does not hold 5 gallons of water after you add gravel, deocs and a heater.

If you have your heart set on the 5 gallon tank try one male crowntail betta OR two african dwarf frogs OR a school of ghost shrimp.  I do not recommend that you keep bettas with frogs or shrimp.  They will eat the shrimp and they will likely mistake the little hands and feet of a frog for live food and nip.  The frogs can be more entertaining than fish and unfortunately that's about the most that 5 gallon can support.

If you can take the tank back and upgrade to even a 10 gallon you could certainly host a shoal of 6-8 neon tetra (although I would suggest cardinal tetras instead, they are much more hardy and are of the same color) or 6 zebra danios.  You couldn't have a shoal of both unless you went with a 20 gallon tank.  Whatever you decide please fishlessly cycle the tank before entering any aquaria to avoid certain deaths.

Thanks and good luck : ) April M.