Strange aquarium issue discussion

[floridan]

My tank's got this weird vibe lately. The water's clear, but my Neon Tetras are acting sketchy, like they're stressed. Parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank's a 20-gallon with a sponge filter, planted with Anubias and Java Fern. Any ideas?

[paddyL]

Have you checked the temperature? Sudden swings can stress Tetras. Also, how's the flow from your sponge filter? Too much current might make them uneasy. I'd double-check the heater settings and maybe baffle the filter output if it's strong.

[floragenie]

Could be the lighting. How long are your lights on each day? I've seen fish get weird if the photoperiod's too long or inconsistent. Try cutting it back to 8 hours and see if they chill.

[jaxler]

My tank's got this weird vibe lately. The water's clear, but my Neon Tetras are acting sketchy, like they're stressed. Parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Tank's a 20-gallon with a sponge filter, planted with Anubias and Java Fern. Any ideas?

You mentioned Anubias and Java Fern. Any chance you've recently added new plants or moved stuff around? Fish can get spooked by changes in their environment.

[floridan]

Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna check the heater and reduce the light cycle. Didn't think about the flow, but I'll try baffling the filter too.

[Sakurako]

I had a similar issue last month. Turned out my tap water had a slight chlorine spike after the city did maintenance. Maybe test your tap water just in case?

[otter9]

How often do you do water changes? If it's been a while, maybe the dissolved organics are building up even if the nitrates are low. I'd do a small change, like 10%, and see if it helps.

[Kalixa9]

I had a similar issue last month. Turned out my tap water had a slight chlorine spike after the city did maintenance. Maybe test your tap water just in case?

Good point. I always use a dechlorinator, but sometimes it's not enough if the chlorine's really high. Maybe try a double dose next water change?

[fixit9]

Yo, check your tank at night with a flashlight. Could be some sneaky predator like a dragonfly nymph messing with your Tetras. Happened to me once, freaky stuff.

[buddy1]

I'd also look at the tankmates. Anything new or aggressive in there? Even small fish can stress Tetras if they're nippy.