Minnow care guide

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bowsar
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Minnow care guide

Post by bowsar »

I've got a small school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 10 gallon tank, but they seem kinda skittish. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 72F. Any tips to help 'em chill out?
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finleydive
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by finleydive »

White Clouds are usually pretty hardy, but they can get spooked if the tank's too open. Try adding some floating plants or taller decor to break up sightlines. Also, what's your lighting like? Bright lights can freak 'em out.
mintox
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by mintox »

bowsar wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:22 am I've got a small school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 10 gallon tank, but they seem kinda skittish. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 72F. Any tips to help 'em chill out?
How many minnows do you have? A school of less than six might make them feel exposed. Also, 72F is on the lower end for them, bumping it to 75F could help.
artistix
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by artistix »

I've got mine with some java moss and they love hiding in it. Maybe try adding some live plants? Makes the tank feel more natural.
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bowsar
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by bowsar »

mintox wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 4:11 am
bowsar wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:22 am I've got a small school of White Cloud Mountain Minnows in a 10 gallon tank, but they seem kinda skittish. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 72F. Any tips to help 'em chill out?
How many minnows do you have? A school of less than six might make them feel exposed. Also, 72F is on the lower end for them, bumping it to 75F could help.
Got five right now. I'll try adding one more and tweaking the temp. Thanks!
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finleydive
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by finleydive »

Yep, more buddies and a bit warmer should do the trick. Also, if you're using a hang-on-back filter, the flow might be too strong. These guys prefer calmer water.
mintox
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by mintox »

finleydive wrote: Wed Apr 23, 2025 5:09 am Yep, more buddies and a bit warmer should do the trick. Also, if you're using a hang-on-back filter, the flow might be too strong. These guys prefer calmer water.
Good point. If the flow's too high, you can baffle it with a sponge or even just point the output at the tank wall.
artistix
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Re: Minnow care guide

Post by artistix »

Mine also got less jumpy after I started feeding them smaller amounts more often. Maybe try splitting their meals into two or three times a day?
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