Hi all,

I have purchased cards from many suppliers over the years and is very hit or miss on the quality of them whether Web or LFS. LFS is also hit or miss even if I have them bring me 50 from the wholesaler, where they don't even acclimate them at the LFS, they go right to me in the bag from the wholesaler.

I want to buy 100-200 more cardinals. 100 at a time as that is all the quarantine room I have at one time............so 2 batches likely

Does anyone know of a good mail order supplier or LFS to their area that may ship that I can use for this?

Example of an LFS that ships would be World of Fish in Minnesota, good store that I purchased fish at years ago when I was doing some business travel there. Haven't been there in years, so unsure if the quality is still good.....

I have already used:

Arizona Aquatic Gardens
Fish2U.com
Dr Fosters and Smith's

Am looking for someone I have NOT used.

I am happy to pay more for quality or distance shipping if international, but would obviously prefer within the US, less shipping time=happier fish...............

Thanks,

Gerry,

My LFS does so well with cardinals that I haven't bothered looking elsewhere -- and the price is good: 12 for $25. I have bought 48 from them and never lost one single fish (not counting the ones I copper poisoned after having them for over a month). They are all very small, mind you, like 1/2" or so. All of my cardinals are huge now.

If it would help you, I would be willing to call them and ask who their supplier is. Perhaps they supply a store in your area. Anyway, let me know on that. I can't even be sure my LFS would be willing to tell me.

I found River Wonders at 50 @ 1.10 EACH USD, but have never used them before.

Anyone familiar with or use them ever with good results?

Thanks,

Thats going to be a hard problem to solve. I've always wondered how people gather schools of 500 tetras. Don't most wholesalers purposely not sell to individuals though? Most require a business license etc. . Maybe try to find an aquarium club that has done something similar. Good luck! I'll keep my eyes peeled for any leads.

I saw that price at river wonders and am curious how htey are as well. anyone?

You must acclimate the Cardinals very slowly.
After that, they do well.
Feed a lot, (frequently, small amounts) at least for the first 4-8 weeks till they fatten up.

82F is fine, they grow very well at this temp over long time frames.
Lots of water changes, med to low KH's.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Well, I placed an order for 100 cardinals from RW and will advise on my experience. Expect delivery this week.............

Tom,

My biggest issue is that one or more of the fish have the 'neon tetra' disease, or something similar and this runs like wildfire through the school.

Even those that were healthy can be struck by this and die. Death takes 2-3 days tops from first visible symptoms.........

Last 50 I purchased ended up with about 18 because of this......

This has happened with many batches over the last several years.......

Thanks for the help all.

Gerry,

Just read up on "neon tetra" disease, which I hadn't heard of ... scary stuff, especially because of no cure. Well, at least I have a quarantine tank now.

Is breeding them a possible alternative?

Creighton,

Read this and you'll see why it is probably cheaper to go to So. America and catch cardinals.

Finally I Made It: Cardinal Tetras by Rene Jez