Glowlight tetra Care Guide

The glowlight tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus), an affordable and popular choice among aquarists, is admired for its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature. Being resilient and easy to care for, they are a great addition to community aquariums. Proper care, feeding, and tank setup are essential for their wellbeing.

Tank Setup

Glowlight tetras are suitable for tanks with a minimum capacity of 60 liters (approximately 15 gallons) when keeping a school of six. Being social, they thrive in groups, which helps reduce stress and showcase natural behaviors. The recommended water temperature is between 24-28°C with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. To recreate their natural habitat, use a substrate of fine gravel or sand with live plants, creating hiding spots and open areas for swimming. Ensure moderate lighting to highlight their distinct glow.

Tank Habitat

Consider tank mates that are peaceful and occupy different tank levels. Glowlight tetras prefer dwelling in the mid and upper levels. Potential companions include other tetras, peaceful small barbs, danios, and non-aggressive bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish. It's advisable to avoid larger, aggressive, or predatory fish to prevent stress or injury.

Feeding

Glowlight tetras are omnivores, requiring a balanced diet consisting of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods. Supplement their diet with high-quality flakes, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Feeding twice daily in small quantities prevents overfeeding and maintains water quality. Their diet should occasionally include vegetable matter and color-enhancing foods to ensure complete nutrition and vibrant coloration.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for sustaining a healthy environment. Glowlight tetras require low maintenance compared to other species. Perform weekly water changes of 10-15% to maintain clean conditions, and monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels frequently. A reliable filtration system and periodic gravel vacuuming are necessary to remove debris and prevent the buildup of waste materials.

Behavior and Compatibility

Glowlight tetras are peaceful and mildly territorial, displaying schooling behavior, which should be considered when selecting tank mates. They exhibit no increased aggression during breeding. Providing a well-planned aquarium environment will keep your glowlight tetras content and active, allowing for harmonious interaction with other inhabitants.

With the appropriate care and attention, glowlight tetras can live healthily for several years, adding beauty and enjoyment to your home aquarium. Their vibrant colors and engaging behavior make them a delightful choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.