My Neon Tetras Have Turned Into Botom Feeders!!

from what i read, a tank takes 3-6 weeks to fully cycle... i dont think yours has already cycled in 1 week.... did you test for all 3: ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? Also, what is the temperature of the tank? some fish, when cold, tend to stay at the bottom...

:idea:

check out this great FAQ on "setting up your first tank" - also , make sure to read the "cycling" section !

http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/begin.asp

I've had my school of neons for about a month and they still won't go more than a couple inches off the bottom. They seem to be constantly under a shady spot behind some plants. However, they will go up to get flakes that are floating on the surface. I think your fish are still adjusting to their new environment and a little stress since it's only been 1 day. Give them a couple days and I'm sure they will be normal doing what tetras do.

spurious said:

Yeah I did do all the tests... nitrite, nitrates, ph levels etc. and all was fine.

The water temp is 28 degrees according to my outside stick-on thermometer.

Could it be that they're stressed 'cos they're new?

I have read for just about every source I've researched, that a tank that has been on a 'wet run' for a week with no fish and a bacteria enhancer solution added is ready for fish.

Click to expand...

This "bacteria enhancer", what is it? What did you add to the tank? Most of the "enhancers" that are sold are worthless. The only good enhancer, if you read through the boards, that has been found is called "bio-spira" and is added immediatly with fish (sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't, depends on the store you buy it from and if it stay refridgerated). 28 degrees C is a little high IMO. Try dropping it down to 26 or 27. I'm not sure how you figured a "wet run" for a week cycled your tank (or who told you that load of bologne), but I can assure you your tank is not cycled. Neons are not the hardiest of fish to cycle with, so check water parameters daily as your ammonia and nitrites will spike, its just a matter of time. Once they start rising, do daily water changes to keep them down, and use a product called "prime" to help convert them into less-toxic substances for your fish. I'm not really sure why your neons are swimming on the bottom, only that it may be cooler on the bottom. I have 4 danios in a 10 gallon and from the moment I put them in the love to play follow the leader all over the tank. They always come up for their food, and sometimes steal the food from my cories (bad bad fisies). LOL.

I would suggest to you, as others have, to read up on this website about cycling. I have 3 tanks that are cycling, 2 using fish and 1 im doing a fishless cycle in. I keep a close eye on ALL my tanks, and I do daily tests on them all to see where my water parameters are. I have had to do 50% water changes every day on my two 10 gallon tanks (one I used bio-spira on but it doesn't seem to have worked) for the last week. My 20T fishless cycle tank, thank god, I wont have to do water changes, but just wait for the cycle to complete itself. Good luck!

Sandy

My neons were put into an already established tank and they still prefer to be near the bottom... they swim under leaves and such and just hang out down there. They do come up to feed sometimes but mainly stay mid level.

Lots of good advice has been given to you about cycling so I won't repeat it. Good luck with your tank!

my baby neons stay mostly in the bottom half of the tank.after about a week in with the bigger fish they got really good at taken care of the falling food

i know his is probably a dumb questionbut what is IMO ive seen it around and i just cant fgure it out >_<