Neon Tetra Problem

I don't get it. Are you guys trying to imply that the filter I have right now is not doing it's job 100%?

What type of filter do you guys recommend then? I want to know what's wrong with my filter.

edit: Hmm... Okay... so because my bioload has increased it then means I need to upgrade my filter. I'm willing to do that then. What type of filter do you guys recommend then?

I am running my heater. Would it be best then if I try to aim for 78 degrees then?
 
I'm sure your filter is doing it's job, but adding another 150 would work or go to a larger filter. Do you have the power head just circulating water? your filter puts out 150gph, and you said your power head was putting out 400? that may me alot for your tank.

Heres a site on tetras http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/tetrafish/neontetra.php
I've seen many lists a lot of temperatures but 80 is at the high end of the scale. I would lower the temp because I know the LFS is not keeping the tanks that warm. Before people jump on me about "oh I keep my neons at 80", I'm would lower the temperature close the LFS for a week or more. Then if you want increase the temp you could.
As for the filter options, there are countless out there and depends on how much you want to spend.
 
Thanks.

What about the AquaClear filter model 50? I'm going to turn off my heater to lower the temp at 78.

****, I think I was right when I suspected my power head to being too strong. I paid $30 for that thing! Lol. I liked it too.

this is just horrible. I thought adding neon tetras would be wonderful and stuff.. and buying that power head wouldn't be a problem because my mollies were acting fine with it.. even my small red platy was okay with it. I wonder why the neon tetras were not having it or whatever.

Sorry... i'm just mumbling right now.
 
yes those aquaclear filters are awesome. And the 50 would be great for you. After you add that filter you'll find that you won't need the powerhead and the water flow will be fine. Goodluck with the neons.
 
Having worked for a LFS for 10 years, I can tell you that I have netted literally thousands of dead Neons out of tanks. The idea that they are hardy fish is inaccurate at best. These fish tend to harbor pathogens that have caused no end of trouble. We got used to "Neon Tetra Disease" in the 1980s and '90s that often caused up to 50-75% losses from every shipment. I am told that the Neon disease has been identified and that reputable wholesalers now have a coctail that they treat the fish with prior to selling. Angelfish had a similar problem with similar results. Petsmart is certainly NOT on this treatment program. They push through so many fish it is a wonder that anything survives... When I purchase neons (or cardinals), I make sure that they have been in the store for at least 2 weeks and/or I am buying them from someone I know and trust. I would suggest finding a small locally owned shop for your neon purchase! Out of semi-desperation, I recently bought some cardinal tetras a Petsmart that were mixed in with the neons as they were he only ones in stock in my whole city. They, of course, died off one by one over a week's time. I knew they would.
 
Hi Brently,

I figured. ****! I feel like I wasted my money. I feel so conflicted. I want to return all my fish now... even the dead ones.
 
On the bright side, he longer that they live in your tank, the better chance they have to survive long term. I used to add several free fish to each neon purchase at my store in hopes that the customer would have the desired number after a week. Do not despair! But DO find you a nice, small locally owned Fish Store! If I really thought about the number of fish I have seen die over the last 30 years, I would have nightmares. Not saying that I don't care, but it does happen and I applaud you for caring! Once you do find a good batch of neons, they should do fine. I always pick out the fat ones! :)
 
To Brentling and Everyone else that helped, I want to say thank you for your advice. I made the decision to return ALL of the neon tetras that I bought from PetSmart. I have learned my lesson and it's a good thing that PetSmart was kind enough to return my money back. I may add though, that the guy that was helping me was trying to assume that I have no clue about fish. Lol. I schooled him and shut him up.

I have one last thing to say though: Last night, I turned off my power head and my heater like I was recommended to do so only to find another neon tetra dead on my filter (the tip of my filter where it sucks in the water). I am assuming by this revelation that the batch I picked out of the store was an UNHEALTHY, BAD batch. I was bummed and that is when I decided to contact the store and see if they would return my money.

Anyways, again, thank you for your advice and help. Now, I'm going to start researching on other fish I can possibly put on my tank. Before I do that though, I think I am going to save up some money and get a new filter (AquaClear). I love my power head and I want to keep it. The fish I have right now-two mollies and a fry platy-have been doing well with both my power head and filter. I guess we'll see.
 
Brentling - NTD was identified years ago; it's Pleistophora, and there's no reliable cure or treatment.

False NTD is columnaris which is easily cured.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom