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Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 6:49 am
by 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?
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 6:58 am
by 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.
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 7:15 am
by 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.
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 8:13 am
by jaxler
floridan wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 6:49 am
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.
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 9:00 am
by 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.
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 9:53 am
by 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?
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:15 am
by 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.
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 10:40 am
by Kalixa9
Sakurako wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 9:53 am
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?
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 11:03 am
by 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.
Re: Strange aquarium issue discussion
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2025 11:16 am
by buddy1
I'd also look at the tankmates. Anything new or aggressive in there? Even small fish can stress Tetras if they're nippy.