Can Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 48 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐠Family Group
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 48 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal

Behaviour & Temperament

Glowlight Tetra is a peaceful species (1/10), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Glowlight Tetra may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

In terms of spatial distribution, Glowlight Tetra prefers the Middle (Open Water) zone, whereas Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 48 litres with a minimum length of 45 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) live together?

Yes. Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

A minimum of 48 litres (tank length at least 45 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Glowlight Tetra or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Glowlight Tetra and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.


Related Comparisons

Glowlight Tetra & Black Neon Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Glowlight Tetra: PeacefulBlack Neon Tetra: Peaceful

Glowlight Tetra & Bleeding Heart Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Glowlight Tetra: PeacefulBleeding Heart Tetra: Peaceful

Glowlight Tetra & Congo Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Glowlight Tetra: PeacefulCongo Tetra: Peaceful

Glowlight Tetra & Diamond Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Glowlight Tetra: PeacefulDiamond Tetra: Peaceful

Glowlight Tetra & Emperor Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Glowlight Tetra: PeacefulEmperor Tetra: Peaceful

Glowlight Tetra & Lemon Tetra

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Glowlight Tetra: PeacefulLemon Tetra: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Apple Snail

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulApple Snail: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Assassin Snail

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulAssassin Snail: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)

·

🔴Not Recommended
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulBee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulBladder Snail (Pest Snail): Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Cherry Shrimp

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulCherry Shrimp: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Ghost Shrimp

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulGhost Shrimp: Peaceful