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Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 4:40 pm
by elginbee
I'm setting up a 20-gallon planted tank and can't decide between Neon and Cardinal tetras. Which one's easier to keep, and do they have different temperaments? My water's soft, pH around 6.5, and I've got a sponge filter running.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:19 pm
by reef9
Cardinals are hardier in my experience, especially if your water's already soft. Neons can be sketchy with pH swings. Both are peaceful, but Cardinals school tighter, which looks awesome in a planted setup. What's your tank temp? They prefer 76–80F.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:37 pm
by elginbee
reef9 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:19 pm
Cardinals are hardier in my experience, especially if your water's already soft. Neons can be sketchy with pH swings. Both are peaceful, but Cardinals school tighter, which looks awesome in a planted setup. What's your tank temp? They prefer 76–80F.
Thanks! Tank's at 78F. Do Cardinals need more space than Neons, or is 20 gallons fine for a group of 12?
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 6:49 pm
by snakey
20's plenty for either, but Cardinals gonna pop more with their red stripe goin' full belly to tail. Neons fade halfway. Feed 'em live brine shrimp, and you'll see 'em glow. Just sayin'.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 7:52 pm
by canvas
Neons are cheaper and easier to find, but Cardinals handle higher temps better if your room gets warm. Both need stable water, though. Test your nitrates weekly—they're sensitive to buildup.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 8:37 pm
by kraalix
I've only kept Neons. They're chill with my Guppies. Do Cardinals nip fins? Heard some tetras do.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 10:20 pm
by larosa
kraalix wrote: ↑Tue Apr 22, 2025 8:37 pm
I've only kept Neons. They're chill with my Guppies. Do Cardinals nip fins? Heard some tetras do.
Nope, Cardinals are peaceful. Never seen 'em bother my Bettas or Guppies. Just keep 'em in groups of 6+ to curb any weird vibes.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 11:29 pm
by onyxion
Cardinals all the way. Their color holds up better under low light, and they're less prone to Neon Tetra Disease. Lost a whole school of Neons to that last year.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 11:39 pm
by voltix
Both are great, but Neons might be better for beginners. Cardinals cost more, and if your water's not stable, you're gonna have a bad time.
Re: Neon vs. cardinal tetras: Which to choose?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 12:09 am
by Seadog
onyxion wrote: ↑Tue Apr 22, 2025 11:29 pm
Cardinals all the way. Their color holds up better under low light, and they're less prone to Neon Tetra Disease. Lost a whole school of Neons to that last year.
Agreed. Also, Cardinals tolerate a wider pH range long-term. Neons often crash if your tap water shifts.