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Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 3:02 pm
by _jester9
My tank's been running for three months, but my Neon Tetras keep dying one by one. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's at 78F, got a sponge filter and a HOB. What's the deal?
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 4:40 pm
by minigold
That's sketchy, dude. You check for any weird vibes with the tankmates? Sometimes other fish mess with Neons. Also, how often you doing water changes?
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:26 pm
by universitykid
Neon Tetras are sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Even if your params read fine, small changes can stress them. How's your pH stability? Also, what's your water change routine? Frequent small changes are better than infrequent large ones.
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 9:33 pm
by flametrek
Yep, Neons are finicky. You got any plants in there? They help stabilize things. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality even if tests look good.
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 1:31 am
by jubilant
universitykid wrote: ↑Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:26 pm
Neon Tetras are sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Even if your params read fine, small changes can stress them. How's your pH stability? Also, what's your water change routine? Frequent small changes are better than infrequent large ones.
I agree. Neon Tetras thrive in stable conditions. What's your tap water like? Sometimes chloramines or heavy metals are the culprit.
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 4:27 am
by tider
Gonna throw this out there, but how's your acclimation process? Neons can get shocked if you don't drip acclimate 'em properly. Also, what's your tank size? Crowding might be an issue.
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:14 am
by warrior1
I had the same problem with my Neons. Turned out my tap water had high chloramine levels. Started using Seachem Prime, and it made a huge difference. Maybe give that a shot?
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 8:09 am
by Nutmegs
warrior1 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 06, 2025 5:14 am
I had the same problem with my Neons. Turned out my tap water had high chloramine levels. Started using Seachem Prime, and it made a huge difference. Maybe give that a shot?
Exactly. Water conditioners are crucial. Also, consider adding Indian Almond Leaves. They release tannins that mimic the Neons' natural habitat and reduce stress.
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 12:31 pm
by lunos
Man, Neons are such drama queens. But yeah, check your water source. Also, any recent tank changes? Sometimes even moving decor around can stress 'em out.
Re: Am I doing this wrong?
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2025 1:48 pm
by starix
What's your lighting schedule? Too much light can stress Neons. Also, any aggressive tankmates? Even peaceful fish can turn territorial in small spaces.