Cardinal tetra behavior?

[Chrona]

Hi all, this is my first time posting on these forums, but I've been raising fish for a few years now, and I'm stumped about cardinal tetras. My 15 gallon currently contains 1 quarter-sized angelfish (never seen any aggressive behavior), 1 platy, and a chinese algae eater (very small, going to transfer to my 55 gallon when/if he starts getting territorial. I started building up a small group (5) of cardinal tetras, with plans for getting maybe another 4 or 5 for a nice shoal. One of the smaller ones died about 4 day after I put them in the tank (wasn't eating anything), but health wise, all of the other tetras seem to be doing great...rich color and lots of energy. The problem, it seems, is that now, the four remaining fellas now essentially pick corners, and for the most part, stay at the bottom of the tank. If anyone goes in another corner, he/she is promptly chased away. Is this normal behavior for groups smaller than 6? Furthermore, they seem excessively jittery, as in, they will all dive into the cave for several minutes at the slightest outside disturbance (ie flakes being dropped into the tank), though they jump in and out to grab a bite to eat

All of the tetras are about an inch+. I've had them for 3 weeks or so, and have done two 25% water changes since then. The tank is fairly well planted, with some rock caves, and I'm using a 7 watt florescent tube.

I've never kept cardinal tetras before, so I just wanted to get this cleared up before I get any more of them. After all, they don't look very pretty guarding their corner most of the time ;)

Thanks very much for any help. I realize this was a fairly long read, hehe

[Lady Hobbs]

I would not be a bit surprised if that angel is terrorizing them at night.

[Chrona]

Thanks, I'll try quarantining the angelfish for a few days. Although he really is a small one, the angel's body is only as long as the cardinals.

Although, would having more cardinals also do the trick? Power in numbers? This is my first time with small shoaling fish. I've mostly had goldfish and angelfish

[Lady Hobbs]

Then, I wouldn't bother. Not likely a very small one would bother them. It may be just because there is so few of them that they don't feel safe. I have 6 neons that hang on the bottom all the time, too. I think if I had many more they'd be more active. Darned things cost $2.59 each. You'd think as small as they are, you could get them for a buck.

[Chrona]

Haha, I feel ya. Neons cost the same here in Connecticut. Cardinals are 2.99 though, and on a college students budget......I mean, each of those babies could buy 3 packs of ramen noodles!

I will get a few more and see how it turns out. Thanks again for the help!

[Drumachine09]

Haha, I feel ya. Neons cost the same here in Connecticut. Cardinals are 2.99 though, and on a college students budget......I mean, each of those babies could buy 3 packs of ramen noodles!

I will get a few more and see how it turns out. Thanks again for the help!

Ramen Noodles are the Friggen Bomb digitty. The Savior of all college kids!!!

I belive Jeff has had experiance with Cardinals, you might want to pm him.

[jeffs99dime]

welcome to a.c. first off. what is your ph, hardness?

[Drumachine09]

Oh yea, Welcom to the A.C.

[Severus]

Welcome to AC

[Chrona]

pH - about 6.2

Hardness - I haven't tested this in a while, but I always use those rechargeable softener pillows for water changes/replacements since I have hard well water. It should be very soft though, or else the minerals would buffer out the acid right?. I just tested the pH this morning.

Gonna run to the pet shop sometime this weekend. Hopefully they've got some decent size cardinals.

Oh, and thanks to all :)