Neon Tetra: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A small, peaceful schooling fish with a bright blue stripe. Keep at least six in a mature tank of 10 gallons or more.
- Minimum tank
- 10 gallons
- Temperature
- 70–79°F
- Group size
- 6 or more
- Adult size
- 1.5 inMiddle of the tank
- Add them to a tank that has finished cycling; neons are sensitive to new-tank water swings.
- A bigger school (8 to 10) shows better colour and less hiding.
Paracheirodon innesi. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many neon tetras per tank size
The most you could keep if neon tetras were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Neon tetra, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 10+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Up to 7 | Plan this tank |
| 20 gallon | Up to 18 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 29 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 40 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 55 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 75 | Plan this tank |
What you need for neon tetras in a 10-gallon tank
A starting setup: 6 neon tetras in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
10-gallon tank
- These fit a 10-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 75°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Neon tetra tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with neon tetras, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: angelfish, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around neon tetras
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderNeon tetra questions
What size tank does a neon tetra need?
At least 10 gallons for a group of 6. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many neon tetras can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?
Up to about 7 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do neon tetras need a heater?
Usually yes. Neon tetra does best at 70–79°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 10-gallon tank needs about 50 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with neon tetras?
Good matches include bettas, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras, guppies. They share a temperature range and temperament with neon tetras.