Beginner-friendly fish, neon tetras can be found in the pond. They are beautiful to look at, can move in groups, produce little bioload and are very hardy. If you are a beginner with a small tank, I would definitely recommend them! What tank size is appropriate for these fish? How many neon tetras can you keep in a 5-gallon aquarium?

Is it possible? Let’s see!

How Many Neon Tetras In A 5-Gallon Tank?

We can use the “one-inch per gallon” rule for small fish such as neon tetras. My calculations show that you could add three neon tetras to a 5-gallon aquarium. But, I wouldn’t recommend it. Tetras are schooling fish and must be at least in 6 groups to feel comfortable.

Calculate Stocking Number For Neon Tetras

It is a controversial rule that “one inch per gallon” applies. Some swear by it while others consider it absurd. This rule doesn’t account for the fish’s height, or the space taken up by decorations and plants.

This rule is still applicable to fish as small and as small as neon Tetras.

The average neon tetra’s height is 1.5 inches (4 cm).

To make things easier, let’s say the fish is 1.75 inches in length.

Let’s divide gallon capacity by fish size.

= 5 / 1.75

= 2.8

A 5-gallon tank can hold exactly 2.8 neon Tetras. We will add 3.

The calculations indicate that 3 neon tetras can be housed in a 5-gallon tank. However, if you asked me my opinion, I would say you could hold exactly 0.

Don’t get me wrong. Let me tell you why.

Why Should You Not House Neon Tetras In A 5-Gallon Tank?

Neon tetras can be seen as schooling fish. They are most comfortable with a group of 6-10. They are also active swimmers. They don’t feel at home in a 3-gallon tank.

There are also at least half-a dozen potential drawbacks that small tanks could bring. Let me briefly go over them.

Your Neon Tetras Won’t School

Tetras love school. They don’t go to school just to show off their coordinated movements and body postures. They do it to defend themselves against predators, increase their foraging skills and swim more efficiently.

Tetras have an instinct to learn and schooling is a fundamental part of their nature. We are not allowed to take it away from them. Neon tetras should be kept in groups of at least 6-10 individuals in a 20-gallon tank to allow them to go to school.

They become stressed when they are unable to move in groups. I will tell you what happens to neon tetras when they are stressed.

Your Neon Tetras Will Be Stressed

Tetras are a tough species. However, they can be stressed at any inconvenience as other fish. Even if the tank is small, stress can increase.

These could be due to polluted water or lack of space, volatile temperatures or a lack of hiding spots.

Stress can cause certain hormones in fishes’ brains that help them relax. Your neon tetra is able to quickly escape stress in the wild. The hormones will then return to normal.

The fish can’t escape from trouble in an enclosed system such as a 5-gallon aquarium. If you don’t notice it, the hormonal imbalance will continue to stress your fish.

By the time you get to the rescue, the fish will have suffered a multitude of consequences, including compromised immunity, decreased metabolism, loss of appetite, and stunted growing.

These reasons, whether used alone or in combination, can stress fish.

Growth Can Be Stunted

Research has shown that fish release hormones that inhibit growth in other species of fish.

This isn’t a problem in large water bodies like rivers or oceans. These chemicals can be diluted and washed out without leaving a trace.

These pheromones can’t go anywhere in a closed system like a 5-gallon aquarium. They will continue to move in circles until they are absorbed into the fish’s bodies.

If you want your tiny Tetras to grow to their maximum potential size, you may consider switching to a larger tank.

Water Will Get Dirty Quickly

Neon tetras produce less waste than other tanks, but toxic buildup will occur much faster due to the tank’s small size.

The tank is very susceptible to high levels of toxic compounds such as ammonia, nitrogen, and nitrate. Even the slightest increase can be fatal if they aren’t dealt with quickly.

A small tank will also have more volatile water parameters. Even the smallest temperature change can feel through an entire aquarium.

You must be alert and on top of your game.

How To Keep Neon Tetras In A 5-Gallon Tank?

There are some things you can do if you’re not able to keep neon Tetras in 5-gallon tanks. Aquascaping is the key to success in this situation. At least two objects must be able to reach the mid-levels from 2 or more locations. This will give the fish security and entertainment.

While plants are the best option, driftwoods can also be used.

We will be discussing the steps you can take to ensure that your neon tetras are healthy in a 5-gallon tank.

Don’t Skip Water Changes

There is no single rule. Every hobbyist will have a different answer to the question of how often and when to change water.

A 5-gallon tank containing 3 neon Tetras would need to have 25-30% water changed each week.

As I mentioned, water can quickly get polluted in small tanks. You must keep an eye on them.

Don’t overdo it. You can quickly destroy the good bacteria colony in your tank by changing the water more frequently and at a higher percentage than necessary. This will lead to unpleasant side effects.

Don’t Add Too Many Decors

I’m sorry to be obvious but a 5-gallon tank can be quite small. It’s too small for fish to move around and even add decorations.

Don’t add too many decorations or plants to your tank’s aesthetic.

I would suggest two plants that rise to the mid-levels and adding a few cave-like rocks for fish to hide in when they are stressed.

It is not a good idea to interfere with the swimming areas of neon tetras. They are very active swimmers and prefer open spaces.

Get Reliable Equipment

Yes, even a 5-gallon fish aquarium has to have a heater, filter, and an air pump. This is something I can’t stress enough!

Proper filtration is essential for 5-gallon tanks. This is because small fish tanks will have more waste and impurities.

A reliable heater is also essential in order to maintain water temperatures between 72-76 degrees Fahrenheit (22-24 degrees Celsius).

Finally, an air pump that produces at least 0.165 liters per hour is required.

You should not skimp on equipment because small tanks can be subject to sudden changes in parameters.

Don’t Add Other Fish

A 5-gallon tank will not have enough room to hold more than three tetras. It is not possible to add any other fish or crustaceans to the 5-gallon tank.

Neon tetras don’t have a reputation for being aggressive. If they are stressed or uneasy, they can be quite territorial and mean.

They will resort to their best instincts when they are anxious – nip Fins. A 5-gallon neon Tetra tank is too small to accommodate any additional fish.

Below are some answers I received from hobbyists who have posted on various forums. I am trying to make it easy for you to make informed decisions without having to search through dozens of forums.

How Many Neon Tetras In A 5-Gallon Tank? Real Answers By Real People!

Note: All quotes below are the sole property of their respective authors.

Neon Tetras are social schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more. A minimum of 10 gallons is required for them to be kept. Three fish is better than one fish, as they are more likely to be stressed and develop diseases such as ich strong>

Neon Tetras want more horizontal swimming space than a 5-gallon tank. You should increase the tank’s capacity to at least 10 gallons. A 20-gallon tank strong> would be even better.

“I would never keep less than five neon tetras in my display tank.” They want to be in school, and their beauty lies within their schooling strong>

“I don’t think neon tetras can be kept in a 5-gallon tank. A minimum of a 10-gallon tank should be used, but a 20-gallon tank can bring out their best. A school of 8 strong> is also recommended.

“I wouldn’t try to keep neons within a 5-gallon aquarium.” strong>A slower-moving species would be better

According to different sources, neon tetras should not be kept in 5-gallon tanks.

However, don’t feel disheartened. You won’t find many hobbyists that have enjoyed pleasant experiences.

Here are his words:

I had kept three neon tetras for six months in a 1.5-gallon aquarium. I then upgraded to a 3-gallon tank that contained a snail, two more neons and an albino succkerfish. They are all happy. Sometimes the neons lay eggs, which I remove. Two decors have been added for them to hide in and a moss ball keeps the water regulated. An LED light and whisper filter are my only tools. My 3-gallon tank is thriving with five tetras, one suckerfish and one snail. Although everyone says this violates the “one inch per gallon” rule, each fish is unique and it doesn’t always apply to all tanks. However, I am extremely careful with my tank.

Below are quotes that support and oppose adding neon tetras to a 5-gallon tank. As I stated above, I want you to make an informed choice.

As you can see, even though it is not recommended, it is possible if you are familiar with small tanks.

Frequently Asked Question

How Many Neon Tetras In A 5-Gallon Tank With Betta?

In a 5-gallon tank, bettas and neon Tetras can’t cohabit. Bettas require at least 5-10 gallons to make a single fish feel comfortable.

Bettas are territorial and highly social. Your neon tetras can have a great time playing with the bettas’ long, flowing fins.

Unfortunately, this is not possible.

How Much Does A 5-Gallon Fish Tank Weigh?

A 5-gallon fish tank empty weighs 7 lbs. When filled with water, it will be 62 lbs. This is almost nine times more.

How Big Is A 5-Gallon Fish Tank?

A 5-gallon fish tank is 16’’ x 8’’ x 10’’ (L x W. x H)

This article will provide information on the dimensions and weight of tanks that range from 2 and 1/2 gallons up to 225 gal.

Final Words: How Many Neon Tetras In A 5-Gallon Tank?

A 5-gallon tank can hold only 3 neon Tetras.

These fish must be kept in a small group of six to feel safe and to be able school. A 5-gallon tank is not big enough to accommodate this.

If you wish to observe their unique schooling behaviors, we recommend that they be kept in a 20 gallon tank.

If you have a 5-gallon tank, be sure to monitor the water parameters. Even minor fluctuations can cause catastrophic damage to small tanks.