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Fish guides / Rummy-nose tetra
Schooling fish

Rummy-nose Tetra: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup

A tight-schooling tetra with a red nose that fades when water quality drops. Keep six or more in 20 gallons or larger.

Minimum tank
20 gallons
Temperature
75–81°F
Group size
6 or more
Adult size
2 inMiddle of the tank
  • Schools more tightly than most tetras, so it looks best in a longer tank.

Petitella rhodostoma. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.

How many rummy-nose tetras per tank size

The most you could keep if rummy-nose tetras were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.

TankRummy-nose tetra, kept alone
5 gallonToo small (needs 20+ gal)
10 gallonToo small (needs 20+ gal)
20 gallonUp to 13Plan this tank
29 gallonUp to 21Plan this tank
40 gallonUp to 30Plan this tank
55 gallonUp to 41Plan this tank
75 gallonUp to 56Plan this tank

What you need for rummy-nose tetras in a 20-gallon tank

A starting setup: 6 rummy-nose tetras in the smallest standard tank that suits them.

Your blueprint

20-gallon tank

6 rummy-nose tetras
Stocking level40% · Good
  • These fit a 20-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 78°F.

Equipment, sized for this tank

Tank: 20 gallons
Standard size: 24 × 12 × 16 inches, about 225 lbs when full.
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Heater: 100 watts
Holds 20 gallons at 78°F in a 68°F room.
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Hang-on-back filter: 100+ gallons per hour
Turns the tank over about 5 times an hour.
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Gravel or sand: 25 lbs
Enough for a 1.5-inch layer in this tank.
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LED light and lid: 24 inches long
A lid cuts evaporation and stops fish and snails getting out.
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Starter supplies

Water conditioner
Removes chlorine from tap water. Roughly 2 mL per full fill; follow your bottle's label.
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Liquid water test kit
For cycling the tank before fish go in, and for checking water after.
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Thermometer
A heater's dial is only a rough guide.
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Gravel vacuum
For weekly water changes of about 5 gallons (25%).
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Micro pellets for small fish
For your rummy-nose tetras.
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Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, TankStarter earns from qualifying purchases. Sizes are estimates from published care guidelines, not hands-on testing.

Rummy-nose tetra tank mates

These share a temperature range and temperament with rummy-nose tetras, with no warnings from our checks.

Use caution with: white cloud minnow, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.

Plan a tank around rummy-nose tetras

Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.

Open the tank builder

Rummy-nose tetra questions

What size tank does a rummy-nose tetra need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 6. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.

How many rummy-nose tetras can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?

Up to about 13 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.

Do rummy-nose tetras need a heater?

Usually yes. Rummy-nose tetra does best at 75–81°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 20-gallon tank needs about 100 watts in a 68°F room.

What fish can live with rummy-nose tetras?

Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, black skirt tetras, guppies. They share a temperature range and temperament with rummy-nose tetras.