As a beginner, it looks like a smaller tank is easy to clean and maintain. I started with a smaller tank myself. Since Neon tetras are hardy fish, you might be thinking of keeping them in your choice of a smaller tank. So, how many neon tetras can you keep in a 2.5-gallon tank?
The answer is you cannot keep neon tetras in a 2.5-gallon tank. The minimum tank size for a Neon tetra is 10 gallons as they are schooling fish and tend to live in groups. You can keep one neon tetra in a 2.5-gallon tank but it will be of no use.
There are various reasons why you should use a bigger tank for neon tetras and I will guide you through it! Let us dive in.
Types Of Equipment You Need In Your Neon Tetra Tank
Connection Between Neon Tetras And Tank Size
Neon tetras are beautiful and active fish that live in a group of 4 to 6 in the case of an aquarium. So, keeping a neon tetra alone in a tank is probably not the best option as it might cause stress to the fish. This might eventually lead to diseases and death too.
Get to know in detail about Neon Tetra: A Complete Care Guide For Beginners from here.
Besides, the pieces of equipment that neon tetras need may also not fit in a smaller tank of 2.5 gallons. So, you need to be careful about what size of tank you keep your neon tetra in.
Learn more about How Many Neon Tetras Per Gallon Of Water | Different Gallon Tanks?
How Big Are Neon Tetras?
Neon tetras can grow up to 1 to 2 inches. So, each neon tetra requires an additional one-gallon water tank. I have written more in ‘How Big Do Neon Tetras Get?’.
Ideal Tank Size For Neon Tetras
The ideal tank size for neon tetras is 15 to 20 gallons. The best 20-gallon tank is Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit, Includes LED Lighting and Decor. You can keep 10 to 13 Neon Tetras in a 20-Gallon tank.
However, if you are looking for the minimum tank size, I would suggest a size of 10 gallons to a minimum.
Since the neon tetras live in schools, you can keep 4 to 6 members in a 10-gallon tank. In addition, you can add one gallon each for a new neon tetra you introduce to the tank.
Can I Keep My Neon Tetras In A 2.5 Gallon Tank?
As I have already answered this before, you cannot go small when it comes to community fishes. Even though a 2.5-gallon tank is enough for 1 neon tetra, being alone can stress your fish. Besides, this is not something that you would want as an owner, would you?
Also, Neon tetras are active fish and love to swim around. They love space in their aquarium. Thus, a smaller tank would confine them in a cage that the fish would not appreciate.
I have written more in Best Tank Size For Tetra Fish? Neon, Cardinal and Other Similar Tetras.
Why Do You Require A Bigger Tank For Neon Tetras?
Neon tetras require a bigger tank because they live in schools. These fish are active in nature and love to swim around. So, if you want a healthy and happy pet, you will definitely go for the minimum tank size requirement for the neon tetras.
You can read our article about the Lifespan of Tetra Fish | Keeping your Tetras Healthy and Happy.
Here are some reasons why you require a bigger tank for neon tetras even though they are small freshwater fish:
Neon Tetras Are Schooling Fish
What do you mean by schooling fish? The fish that love to stay in groups with coordination are schooling fish. And, Neon tetras are one of these fish.
The least number of neon tetras you can have is a group of 4 to 6 but 10 would be the absolute best. Hence, this is the reason why they require a larger tank.
Learn more about the ‘How Many Neon Tetras Should You Keep In School?’
Pieces of equipment For Neon Tetra Tank
The next reason why a neon tetra tank should be big is the equipment that they require. They need heaters, lighting systems, air pumps, filters, plants, etc. All this equipment cannot fit into one small tank.
From here, get to know What do your Neon tetras need in their tank?
Plants And Decor
Neon tetra needs hiding places for themselves whether to spawn or on a regular basis to avoid bright lights. So, plants would be a great way to protect themselves.
Hence, a smaller aquarium like 2.5 gallons will only have outgrowing plants which would be difficult for you to look after. Besides, it does not look attractive as well.
What Problems Can Occur Due To Small Neon Tetra Aquariums?
The problems that might occur must have been clear by the day. However, let us recap all the problems in points to make it easier for you.
- The Neon tetras are schooling fish and can have stress if they are not kept in appropriate schools.
- All the pieces of equipment that neon tetras need cannot fit into smaller aquariums.
- Without proper plants and filters, the water can prove toxic to neon tetras due to high levels of ammonia.
- All these problems can cause your neon tetra to be sluggish, catch diseases, and eventually death in worst cases.
Get to know more about Tetra Fish Diseases and Treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Fish Can I Put In A 2.5 Gallon Tank?
Unlike neon tetras, cherry shrimp would do well in a 2.5-gallon tank as they are smaller fish.
Are Neon Tetras Hardy?
Neon tetras are hardy as long as the correct water temperature is met. Even though the neon tetras now are weaker than the neon tetras 10 years ago, they can still face various water parameters without many problems.
What Are The Best Tetras For 2 to 5 Gallon Tanks?
The best tetras you can keep in smaller tanks like 2 to 5 gallons are:
- Bloodfin tetras
- Bettas
- Cory Catfish
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Small Barbs
- Black Skirt Tetra
- Kuhli Loach
- Wild Type Guppies
- Salt and Pepper Corydoras
- Blind Cave Tetras
Last Words
Lastly, Neon tetras are easy tetra fish to keep as beginners as they can adapt to various water parameters easily. It would be wiser to keep neon tetras in a minimum of 10-gallons tank and best would be keeping them in a 20-gallon tank.
If you are able to put in all the pieces of equipment and feed neon tetras properly, you will have a happy and healthy pet fish in your aquarium.
Related article:
- Can The Neon Tetra Survive In a Fishbowl?
- How to Prevent Neon Tetra Curved/Crooked Spine or Neon Tetra Disease
- Can The Neon Tetra Eat Goldfish Flakes?
- Minimum Water Temperature For Neon Tetras
- Does pH Level Affect Neon Tetras?
