Neon Tetras - Good beginner fish? I think NOT!

[Fish...TheySwim]

:mad2:
I was told by an "Expert" in a fish store that neon tetras are great fish for starting your tank. I got 6 and they all died, which I expected. When I had the water right, I went back and they told me to get some more, but those died as well. The water was perfect and I have since gotten 2 more batches, which have all died too!
:mad2:

 

[Fishieness]

you accidentaly posted in the SW forum. you might find more/better answers here :dance2:

 

[Mgamer20o0]

sounds like a typical fist store. neons are known to die off.

how long has the tank been set up?
whats in the tank?
have you tested the water? ammonia nitrates and nitrites

you might need to read up on cycling.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598

i wouldnt trust anyone at the LFS.

 

[Aquaken]

For a true beginner fish I think of danios and guppies.

 

[SmallFishi]

Did you buy the tiny tiny ones?
I bought some full grown ones and I havn't lost one yet out of 12 the first 6 have been with me through a big tank move too.
I'm sorry you are having trouble with them.

 

[skillful abbot]

I recently started a tank and went through several disasters. The tetras are surviving and I have since gotten more. I got the tiny tiny ones, they are all growing fine and well now. Could be a, "case by case" situation

 

[Angel98]

I lost my tiny tiny ones 2, my big ones are the only ones that have survived! I bought 6 more yesterday (made sure i got big ones though) they look really good all swimming together, hope they last!

 

[Sammie7]

You do know that angel fish are neon tetras' natural enemies in the wild. They will get eaten when the angels get big enough.

 

[asianhellokitty]

I was told before that neons were interbred or something to get their colors extra-bright so their immune systems are weak, maybe the store you were going to gets their fish from a bad breeder?

 

[Star_Rider]

You do know that angel fish are neon tetras' natural enemies in the wild. They will get eaten when the angels get big enough.

Neon tetras and angels are not natural enemies..as a matter of fact..angels love Neons..so much so they eat them(natural food)


asianhellokitty, yes neons have been bred to emphasize their colors..consequently many times it is at the cost of something else.
neons have been captive bred for so long..it is believed by some that it has been at the expense of the immune system and they may have become less hardy..
at one point in time they were quite hardy.