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I've got a small school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 10 gallon tank, but they seem kinda skittish. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 72F. Any tips to help 'em chill out?

White Clouds are usually pretty hardy, but they can get spooked if the tank's too open. Try adding some floating plants or taller decor to break up sightlines. Also, what's your lighting like? Bright lights can freak 'em out.

bowsar wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:22 am I've got a small school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 10 gallon tank, but they seem kinda skittish. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 72F. Any tips to help 'em chill out?

How many minnows do you have? A school of less than six might make them feel exposed. Also, 72F is on the lower end for them, bumping it to 75F could help.

I've got mine with some java moss and they love hiding in it. Maybe try adding some live plants? Makes the tank feel more natural.

mintox wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 4:11 am

bowsar wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:22 am I've got a small school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 10 gallon tank, but they seem kinda skittish. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 72F. Any tips to help 'em chill out?

How many minnows do you have? A school of less than six might make them feel exposed. Also, 72F is on the lower end for them, bumping it to 75F could help.

Got five right now. I'll try adding one more and tweaking the temp. Thanks!

Yep, more buddies and a bit warmer should do the trick. Also, if you're using a hang-on-back filter, the flow might be too strong. These guys prefer calmer water.

finleydive wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 5:09 am Yep, more buddies and a bit warmer should do the trick. Also, if you're using a hang-on-back filter, the flow might be too strong. These guys prefer calmer water.

Good point. If the flow's too high, you can baffle it with a sponge or even just point the output at the tank wall.

Mine also got less jumpy after I started feeding them smaller amounts more often. Maybe try splitting their meals into two or three times a day?