Rummy Nose Tetra Care Guide | Best Schooling Fish

In this video I will cover one of my absolute favorite schooling fish. The Rummy Nose Tetra. If you are looking for a schooling fish then definitely consider these little guys. They are an affordable, hardy species, that looks great, and schools tight. This fish appreciates a planted tank with habitat complexity so keep that in mind. Watch the video to learn more :)
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[@AquariumPlantLab]

I grow and sell aquarium plants. Consider purchasing some plants to help support the channel! 🌱 nwaquahobby.com Make sure to like and subscribe!

[@vaskitheinsane3985]

Love these guys I have a school of them and as soon they see me wake and stir across the room they all gather and are ready to eat! Once they are cozy and established they really like to interact with you and check you out what you are doing! They have amazing little personalities I love them so much!

[@alexey2901]

Awwww that’s too cute! I have some on the way and I can’t wait yo put them in their new home!

[@AquariumPlantLab]

😁

[@brodystone]

I absolutly LOVE that tank, that is one of my favorite decorated tanks ive seen, great job👍

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thank you!!! :)

[@breannebitar7790]

I send my little sister these videos because she is super interested in learning more about aquariums! Great video, Will! 😊

[@AquariumPlantLab]

That’s awesome, I hope she has learned a thing or two :)! Thanks 🙏, I hope you are doing well!

[@driinun8433]

Just stocked my 20 long with 13 of these guys, definitely my favorite fish I've ever kept

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Aren’t they cool! I love their colors and schooling behaviors

[@marlonlising6321]

Great video. I just picked up 15 of these rummy's for my 20 gallon planted tank. They are definitely fun and interactive!

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Enjoy! They are an excellent choice!!

[@adalberto.valdez]

Perfect, just in time! I have a 20g planter tank, and I was debating on getting these. You just sold me on them haha

[@AquariumPlantLab]

An excellent choice! Let me know how they work out :)

[@DashDrones]

They prefer a longer tank and hate water changes. Love these guys

[@thomasholden500]

When I started in the hobby in the mid 1970s, rummy nose tetras were considered a difficult fish to keep. Only wild caught RNTs were available and they were expensive.

[@abandonedchannel1159]

So, what fish are considered difficult to keep now?

[@airbornepizza]

One of my favorite fish. If you get some and they die, don't give up. You should find a quality fish store. I lost two groups of rummynose very soon after bringing them home, before I discovered a good fish store. My current rummynoses from my new fish store are 2 years old and thriving. Discus Madness in Union NJ, best freshwater fish store in the area by far.

[@cichlidscrazer]

Awesome dude

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thanks man!!!

[@JhunDumsTVXj]

Wow beautiful fishes.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Aren't they!

[@moeg7540]

Thanks for sharing! I'd try to move the landscape to the middle of the tank to get better schooling rooming around it.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

That’s an interesting idea 💡 I need to rescape my tanks!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

They will definitely move your water around 😊👍

[@NTJ666]

Great video I'm thinking of getting these. My 180 litre has been up for 10 years and I've owned most large and decided to go cardinals and rummy with a few Corry. I'm thinking of maybe 30 of each.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Couldn't go wrong with that!!!!

[@zackon6933]

IF anyone is considering getting a group of these amazing fish - Please note that they're sensitive to changing water conditions so be careful when adding them to your tank in particular. Take the time to acclimate them from the bag properly and you'll have the best chance of the whole group surviving.

[@karencobleigh1164]

Thanks three did not make it. Sad...

[@abandonedchannel1159]

I can say from my experience that, though the best thing to do is to acclimate them properly, some of them can be really resistant. Once I had to put 15 RNT in the aquarium without acclimating them because of a personal problem (if I hadn't done it fast, they would have had to stay in the bag for many hours, maybe a day) and nothing happend to them, they are still healthy. I wouldn't recommend trying that in normal conditions anyway.

[@KN_MA]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and information with us! I might have to get some myself! Have a great day my friend

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Gotta love Rummy Nose Tetras!!

[@wtfmrb293]

The funny thing with rummynose tetras is. If they have a vibrant red nose they are happy. If not red nosed something is up. This is true with most fish. But the rummynose is lika a beacon. Making it very easy for you as a human keeping them. You bring this up in the video that’s great mate

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thank you! Gotta love the indicator nose 👃 of the tummy nose tetra haha 🤣

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Same, most fish lose their colors at night, nothing to worry about there. If they aren’t colored during the day then that’s when you might have issues to look into! 👍

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Sounds like happy fish to me :)

[@Eyk113]

Your tank looks amazing I wish I had one like that

[@AquariumPlantLab]

You can have something like this! The setup is super easy :)

[@jameshenderson8569]

I got 6 today, couldn't wait, I got my water acclimated and everything

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Congrats!

[@yennamdevendrakumar5757]

Hey man, great video & info.. can i have 10 of these in 8 gallon cube tank? I got hang on filter & light planted aquascape with driftwood.. pls help

[@akrmki3389]

got our first 3 in tank today, thanks for the tips :) (more will follow of course)

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Congrats!!! 🐟

[@Dhruvpalle]

Hi that’s amazing but remember these amazing fish are schooling so please get at least 4 or more to from a proper scholl

[@akrmki3389]

@@Dhruvpalle oh yes of course, totally agree!!! We introduced them in batches of 3 to make sure there are no sudden spikes in parameters :) It's been 3 months now, they're all settled in and this morning I caught them eating some corydora eggs hehe, love em

[@Tango-_-]

​@@akrmki3389not joe

[@sarahalysefitness1442]

I have a 40 gallon tank- display is about 32 gallons (cube like). I wanted to have a community of fish with some rummy nosed tetra. How many would you suggest? It will be a planted tank and we wanted to bring in a bottom feeder and algae eater. Also looking at maybe the silver tip or carndinal tetras. Not totally sold on either of them quite yet. Thanks!! This video was great.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

You could easily do 20 rummies in a 32 gallon. Probably even more! Just keep an eye on your water parameters until everything is stable 👍

[@egoranonymous3223]

I have found this fish to be fin nippers. I had them in with my long fin, veil tail blue blushed angels but had to move them.

[@dannyboysaavedra4853]

En México lo llaman pez borrachito (In México we call It "Drunk fish", I dont know why).

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Haha I love it!

[@Somilasomi]

That’s what it means in English, too. A Rummy is one who drinks too much. Often a red nose is an outward sign of alcoholism.

[@David-si5fu]

Hi mate. I'm considering getting a school of these for my 20 gallon. Can you tell me how long your tank is? Great vid!

[@driinun8433]

A 29 gallon has the same footprint as a 20 gallon long, and gets its additional 9 gallons from height. It's 30.625 x 13.25 x 19 (Length x width x height).

[@David-si5fu]

@@driinun8433 Thanks! 👍

[@AquariumPlantLab]

20 gallon footprint indeed! That’s why I like to have 20g and 29g tanks. Lids are interchangeable. Thanks for jumping in here 👍

[@dogsaymoo7406]

I had a school of 6 and in three days it gone down to 3 all but two had really deep red noses I have them in a 17 gal with a overkill filter and overstocked with plants with four cherry barbs and 1 chillie rasbora do you have any idea on what is causing them to die I don’t see any bullying and the temp is stable all the other fish in the tank are doing really well and I’m getting a new test kit soon (I conviniantly ran out of drops for ammonia) but there is no sign of a spike if you have any advice it would be appreciated. (Also did a water change yesterday)

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Thats a tough one! I would do some pretty large water changes for awhile. Look for any sign of disease you can (fungus, spots, sores, etc). Then trouble shoot. Based on your description it sounds like a disease of some sort, unless water quality is off. Good luck!!

[@dogsaymoo7406]

Don’t worry the tank has stabilised pretty sure it was stress ass the fish store just got them in

[@michaelsanjunly6780]

hi i want to ask your opinion , is it possible to have 9 rummy nose in my cube planted tank with 2 hobs filter ? my tank size is 16"x16"x16" 17 gallon i also have another tank with size is 20"x12"x12" 11 gallon which one will suitable for 9 rummy? TIA

[@KeyboardWarriorOfTRUTH]

I'd say the 17 gallon! :)

[@erenefeler8149]

I can put same aquarium with angel fish

[@Smokeyddth]

Have you had any issues with the tummy nose bothering your shrimp? I have amanos. Thanks

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Dominique Daniels none at all! I’ve had the same Amano with these fish for at least a year now! Good to have some hiding places for the shrimp still, but I rarely see the fish harassing my shrimp :)

[@Smokeyddth]

NW Aquahobby thanks!

[@leo2o915]

How would they do with a 20 long planted right now don’t have my lid on it cause of my riser are they jumpers?

[@ay-qe9pk]

No I had some they don’t jump

[@petrostz5705]

@@ay-qe9pk maybe they don't listen to Van Halen! (haha)

[@kenzieputra1038]

there are a lot of anubias and water ferns

[@leo2o915]

I bought 6 juli Corys for my 20 long planted tank how many should I get of the rummynose and how to breed them

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I would get 6 minimum, the more the better! I don’t have experience breeding but I would look into spawning mops and the concept of removing the parents after eggs have been laid. Good luck!

[@leo2o915]

NW Aquahobby ok awesome thanks :) might end up doing guppies too but might be too much for that 20 long

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Both great options! Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@leo2o915]

NW Aquahobby great content

[@pipex4257]

How many would you say is the minimum to keep together?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I would say 5-6 minimum. The more the better! If you don’t have enough they will tend to hide more.

[@l.o.r410]

Man. I’m about to trade in my neon tetras for these! They school so nice! Ugh. They cost like 5 for one of them! 😭

[@AquariumPlantLab]

They can be pricy that’s for sure! I think I got mine for 3.99 a piece.

[@l.o.r410]

@@AquariumPlantLab Yeah. Now where I’m from is 5 for one. 🤦🏻‍♂️ You know it’s there’s any other right schooling fishes?

[@AF-dz4ty]

I have 6 rummynose in 10 gal. tank almost 1 year already. 😊 In my country this fish will only cost you about 2 for $1.25

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I am jealous! I want to get 15 more, going to cost me like $50+

[@manhos722]

how many can i put in a 10 gallon tank?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

If you were just keeping these fish alone and had a lightly planted tank then five would be a good number. If you have a dense planted tank then I would go as high as 10 to be honest. Some people might say a 10 gallon is too small, but in my opinion I feel that a 10 is a reasonable size for these little guys. Good luck!

[@dspinoy]

How did you acclimate your fish when you add it to your tank.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

There are a few ways to do this. I usually put the fish in a large container with the water they came in (in the bag) then I add small amounts of aquarium water over an hour or so until they are basically in a water that is the same as the tank. Then I net them out and add them to the tank. Hope that makes sense. Just add an ounce or so of water at a time over that hour period.

[@dspinoy]

@AquariumPlantLab would this be same as drip acclimation?. I bought 6 rummy nose tertas a month ago and they just died one every other day. I only have 1 left, i wanted to try it again.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

@@dspinoy drip acclimation is basically the same idea except even more gradual. Instead of adding an ounce at a time you are adding drops. I’ve never had issues with my approach but drip would be the most gradual and likely easiest on the fish. If they died overtime on you I would suspect that’s due to an uncycled tank. Did you cycle the tank first or put the tank together then add fish within a few days?

[@dspinoy]

@AquariumPlantLab yes the tank was cycled over 3 months already i had 8 zebra danios been there for about over a month before adding the rummy nose, i even took a sample of the water so the pet store can give me credit on the fish and said the water was ok. but I've read rummy nose are more delicate, but i will try your approach this time. Hopefully ill get success, if not ill try drip acclimation before giving up.on rummy nose. I just like them and my kid is hyping it up since he saw it schooling in the aquarium park. Thanks for taking your time to reply on my inquiries.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

@dspinoy hmmmm. I would invest in a water quality test kit (api master test kit). Worth the money. Test your water I wouldn’t rely on the pet stores assessment. Good to have the ability to test your own water anyhow. So I would do this. 1. Get a test kit. I used to recommend strips but I think the liquid api test kit is better after having used both. 2. Test your water check mainly for PH, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. 3. Once you can verify those are all in check get more fish. 4. Make sure the fish you’re buying look vibrant and healthy. This may mean you need to check a few stores. 4. Drip acclimate for the best acclimation or do the ounce by ounce for a faster approach (not as easy on the fish but I’ve had good luck with it). Good luck! I’ve had those same rummies for years now, they have been very hardy for me. Great fish for sure :)

[@raccooneyes2099]

These guys are always sold out when i go ANY fish store. I fear i'll never get to own these awesome looking fish.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Good luck on your hunt! Sometimes stores will custom order. May be worth asking if you can arrange something like that :)

[@katphish30]

Ask them what their fish day is and try to be there.

[@FireGoby102]

Can you put 6 in a 10 gallon tank with a Dwarf Gourami or any other fish?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

If you don't have any options you could do 6 in a 10 gallon, probably 8. Just make sure you have a good filter, stay up on your water testing/changes, and grow some plants if you can. I wouldn't recommend much more than that for stocking in a 10. Good luck!

[@FireGoby102]

@@AquariumPlantLab Thanks for the advice. I’ve had both the Gourami and Rummy Nose Tetras for a week now and the Rummy nose Tetras are bright red and happy.

[@winniehhhhh3418]

My rummy nose tetra are super sensitive to any sounds, movements, and even turning on the light in the morning......Started with 5 now down to 3 in 3 weeks.....

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Hmmm do you have hiding spots for them? sounds like they are stressed from a water quality issue perhaps?

[@winniehhhhh3418]

@@AquariumPlantLab yes I've added some plants. And got 3 new fishes, they are definitely feeling more comfortable within a group now.

[@ryanisright3559]

Can i get 8 in a 15 gallon? Together with a betta and corydoras?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Planted heavily? What kind of filter are you running? That would be pushing it, but probably doable with a good filter lots of plants and regular water changes. Just monitor your water quality until everything is very stable. Those would be my suggestions!

[@ryanisright3559]

@@AquariumPlantLab i decided to go with harlequin rasboras since they are also smaller. My tank is not heavily planted but i think regularly. I have a juwel bioflow one filter.

[@roneilinegermar9609]

Can rummy nose and betta can live together?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Most would tell you no, however, in my opinion if you provide plenty of space and live plants then you should be able to. The betta might prey on weak fish though so be prepared for that!

[@kannadiga3644]

what are the water parameters for this? temprature TDS/hardness pH Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate anything else

[@AquariumPlantLab]

My main goal is to maintain stable parameters. I don't track all of those parameters myself but here is what I would say. Temperature I would shoot for 70-80 preferably 72-80. Hardness on the softer side if you can. I don't personally adjust hardness, I shoot for stability here and have never had issues. My water is on the harder side. PH 6-7 should be about right, though they can probably do okay pushing the extremes a bit. Ive kept mine slightly higher. Again here I would shoot for stability. Ammonia 0 Nitrite 0 Nitrate, I keep mine on up to 30ppm with no problems. But I have plants which need nitrate. If you don't have plants then no harm in getting nitrate as low as possible.

[@giantasiansticker8068]

My cousin saids I’m doing a bad job with tetras Bc he saids I’m under feeding them Bc their stomach does not stick out Like the other ones

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Their stomachs really shouldn't stick out that much IMO. Fish really do not need a whole lot of food. I feed once per day only enough that they can eat within 2 minutes.

[@josejuanrosales3614]

This fish really appreciate a tannin/blackwater aquarium. Peat filtration and pieces of driftwood really do the trick.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I am sure they would!!!

[@chiragtheonlyone8804]

Or we could use Indian almond leaf(catappa leaves)

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Absolutely! I love black water setups. Lots of materials can serve as excellent tannin sources. Alder grows naturally near me, that’s a great tannin source, too! Hope you are well! 🌱

[@glassnyc1176]

How many of these fish can I put in a 20 high

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Most people would say about 10, but if this is the only species of fish you intend to keep and you have a planted tank then I bet you go go up to 15 easily. Just keep an eye on your water parameters. Maybe start with less then gradually add and keep tabs on the water quality as you go.

[@glassnyc1176]

NW Aquahobby do you think I can have 4 rummy nose , 3 albino Corydoras, and 3 Congo tetras, and a dwarf gourami in the same tank

[@ay-qe9pk]

@@glassnyc1176 no I feel like that’s too little of each species, those schools aren’t big enough

[@bernard14HD]

Are they safe with shrimps?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

That is a great question. Honestly I am not exactly sure. I did have one Amano shrimp in with these guys for a few years though so, probably!

[@bhopipun4353]

In 10 gallon how many we can keep ??

[@AquariumPlantLab]

10 should be okay, monitor your water quality though!

[@SMOOVKILL1]

How often are you feeding them?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I generally feed once a day, just enough for them to completely eat in about 2 minutes. I fast them once a week or so for a day as well 👍

[@remhk6672]

@@AquariumPlantLab that's how I feed my school of rasboras hets and espeis. Once a day and fasting once a week.👍

[@minartiseptiani8485]

Do you use co2 injection?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Nope! I have never used CO2, although it would certainly help!

[@matejzvrskovec9123]

Hello! How big is your tank? Please give me sizes too ( length x width x height).

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Its a 29 gallon. I believe the dimensions are 30"x12"x18"

[@shubodas499]

How many year they live ? I am from India.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I would expect 4-7 years on average depending on the quality and care. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Welcome! And thanks for commenting 😎

[@davidgarcia8537]

why is there no filter on this tank?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I generally only run a sponge filter these days. Some tanks I don't run filters at all. Never had an issue! Well established tanks with plants have enough biological processes taking place to take care of biological filtration so long as the bio load is proportionate.

[@shubodas499]

In my city Kolkata this fishes are not easily available.

[@AquariumPlantLab]

That’s too bad, good luck!

[@bishopruger]

How big do they get?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

The big ones in this video are pretty much full grown 👍

[@bishopruger]

@@AquariumPlantLab so are they around 2 inches?

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I’ve seen them close to that but more typically 1-1.5 or so 🐟

[@leo2o915]

They don’t do good in hard water huh

[@AquariumPlantLab]

Ive had them in hard water actually, never noticed them to be unhealthy in that type of water!

[@sonalichaudhary2677]

My rummy nose is not showing color, what to do?

[@christophercasanas386]

Faded colors are a sign of stress... Make sure that no other fish are bullying your rummy nose and test your water. A water change would be recommended.

[@humblebumble1328]

U need a filter

[@AquariumPlantLab]

I run most of my tanks filterless but I generally have floating plants too. This tank probably could have used a filter, that said I never had any issues and the water was regularly tested. Filters are often not necessary if bio load is minimal, feeding is kept to a minimum, and the tank is planted. But that’s just my opinion.

[@michaelloncaric7081]

Yawn

[@AquariumPlantLab]

😂