molly, neon tetras

Question
"Hi again, in the 10 gallon tank that I was going to put the Corys and Neon Tetras in, for the cycling fish I was going to put in a Lyretail also. I went on Google and typed fish compatibility and "Tim's Tropicals Tropical Compatibility" popped up and on that site it says that Mollies are not compatible with Neon Tetras, is that true or could they still go together? My neighbor has Mollies
with his Neons and they are fine. Or should I just get a platy instead?
Thanks again."


Answer
Hi Garret,
I would be sure to put a hardy fish in your 10-gallon to cycle it first before you do anything. Unfortunately neons nor Cories can handle the tank cycling process very well. Its much better to go with either Zebra Danios or platies. These two fish are quite hardy and make good cyclers.

Unfortunately I've never kept mollies and Neons together. I don't see why they wouldn't be compatible. They should be OK. If your neighbor's fish are working out then I would say it'd be fine.

The only reason why it probably said that mollies and neons aren't compatible is because many sources recommend putting salt in the water to help the mollies stay healthy and neons don't really appreciate salt. But todays mollies are primarily kept in freshwater and they do fine in either.

Still-- I might get a platy or a trio of platies instead.

Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Karen~