Black neon tetras are kept in soft acidic water.[3] Aquarists recommend that the water be kept clean at all times; that the tank contain live plants, a darker substrate and open water for swimming; and that the fish be kept in groups of at least 6, preferably more. The recommended minimum aquarium volume for a group of 6 is about 15 US gallons (60 L), and for a group of 8-10 fish, about 20 gallons.

Because black neon tetras swim at the top level of the aquarium, and do not feed from the bottom of the tank, aquarists keep them with bottom dwelling fish (such as pygmy corydoras) so that leftover food is then eaten up off the substrate and not left to waste.

Black neon tetras are fed a variety of foods, including flake, frozen and freeze dried food. Small live foods like worms and brine shrimp are said to bring out the fish's colours.