EMERALD RASBORAS

Emerald Rasboras are a captivating species in the freshwater aquarium hobby due to their vibrant blue stripes coloration and small size. They are peaceful, active swimmers, and do well in community tanks. Here’s a comprehensive care guide to help ensure your Emerald Rasboras thrive:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school of Emerald Rasboras. Larger tanks are preferable if you want to keep them in larger groups or with other fish species.
• Aquascape: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of swimming space. Live plants such as Java moss, Anubias, and Vallisneria create a natural habitat and provide cover. Floating plants like duckweed or frogbit can help diffuse the lighting and create shaded areas.
• Substrate: A dark substrate can enhance their colors and make the tank look more natural. Fine gravel or sand is suitable.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal. They do not require intense lighting, and subdued lighting can help reduce stress and make them feel more secure.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Emerald Rasboras prefer water temperatures between 72-79°F (22-26°C). Stable temperatures within this range are important for their well-being.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A consistent pH is more important than hitting a specific number within this range.
• Hardness: Soft water is preferred, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-8 dGH. They can adapt to slightly harder water but do best in softer conditions.
• Water Quality: Maintaining good water quality is essential. Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels low. Use a water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.

3. Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system that provides both mechanical and biological filtration. A sponge filter, hang-on-back (HOB) filter, or a low-flow canister filter works well. Avoid filters that create a strong current, as Emerald Rasboras prefer calmer waters.
• Water Flow: Moderate to low water flow is ideal. They enjoy calm waters similar to their natural habitat and may become stressed if the flow is too strong.

Feeding

• Diet: Emerald Rasboras are omnivorous and have small mouths. A diet of high-quality micro pellets or flake food should form the basis of their diet.
• Supplemental Foods: Supplement their diet with small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro worms. These foods help enhance their coloration and overall health. They will also enjoy finely crushed vegetables, such as blanched spinach.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what they can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.