How to Start a Tetra Tank

Tetras are a large group of freshwater fishes belonging to the family Characidae. These fish are typically small, and many species are brightly colored, which makes them popular among aquarium hobbyists. Another characteristic of tetras which makes them popular is their adaptability -- many species are tolerant of a wide range of water parameters. If you are looking for a hardy species of freshwater fish to start your tank, consider one of the many species of tetras.

  1. Selecting Tank and Equipment

    • Although most species of tetra grow no larger than 3 inches in length, they can be very active and thus require a great deal of swimming space. Tetras should be kept in a tank no smaller than 20 gallons, but if you plan to cultivate a community tank you may need something larger. The most important pieces of equipment you will need for a tetra tank are a filter and an aquarium heater. Select a filter that incorporates both mechanical and chemical filtration -- filters with a biological filtration component are also useful. While hang-on aquarium heaters are sufficient, submersible aquarium heaters provide better heat distribution.

    Setting Up the Tank

    • The first step in setting up your tetra tank is to select a location for it. Place your tank on a sturdy tank stand or cabinet in a low-traffic area that's out of direct sunlight. Once the tank is in place, set up your tank equipment, including the filter and heater, but do not turn them on. Rinse the substrate you have chosen, then pour it into the bottom of the tank and fill the tank halfway with warm tap water. Next, install any tank decorations, then fill the tank the rest of the way. Once the tank is full you can turn on the filter and the heater - set the heater for a temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and give the water time to warm up. Treat the water with a dechlorinating solution to make it safe for aquarium fish.

    Cycling the Tank

    • Just because your tetra tank is up and running does not mean it is automatically ready for fish. Before your tank can be considered safe for your tetras it needs to be "cycled." The nitrogen cycle is the process through which beneficial bacteria in the tank begin to break down harmful toxins like ammonia and to convert them into nitrites then into less harmful nitrates. It typically takes about two weeks for a tank to establish a colony of beneficial bacteria but you can speed up the process by adding live bacteria or by "feeding" the tank with a small amount of flake food once or twice a day. As the food breaks down and produces ammonia, the beneficial bacteria will get to work and begin to multiply.

    Selecting Fish

    • When it comes to selecting your tetras, there are many types to choose from. Some of the most popular species you are likely to find in pet stores include neon tetras, black skirt tetras, serpae tetras and glowlight tetras. Before purchasing any fish, observe the specimens in the tank for signs of illness. The fish you buy should be active and should display healthy coloration - they should not be lolling near the bottom of the tank and should not exhibit any physical deformities. Keep in mind that tetras are schooling fish that should be kept in groups with several of their own species.

    Introducing Tetras

    • Many novice aquarium hobbyists do not realize the dangers of adding new fish to a tank too quickly. If the water parameters in your tetra tank are vastly different from those in the store tank where you tetras came from, the fish could experience shock upon being introduced into the new tank. To avoid this, float the bag containing your new fish in the aquarium for at least 30 minutes. This will give the water in the bag time to adjust to the temperature of the water in the tank. You can also replace some of the water in the bag with water from the tank so your fish can acclimate to any differences in pH or water hardness. At the end of 30 minutes, carefully release your fish into the new tank.