5 Gallon Tank Ick.

[Channti]

I started at university on Monday, and set up a 5 gallon fish tank in my room. After filling it, I headed off to the local pet store to pick up some fish.

After much debating, I decided on a Betta and 3 neon tetras.

The Betta and tetras tolerate each other.

This morning I awoke to find the Tetras had ick.

As I haven't kept a Betta in a while, I don't know what treatment should be like to treat the Tetras with the Betta in the tank too.

Are Bettas more sensitive to the medication? Should I half-dose the tank? I will also be treating with Bettafix for some minor fin issues on the Betta from the LFS.

--C

 

[WILDER]

Neon tetra need mature tanks of 6 months.
They won't survive the cycling tank as there very sensitive to water quality.

Also betta and neons don't mix.
Research the fish before you buy. Tank size, adult size, compatability.
Read up on the nitrogen cycle.

Yes you half dose with neon tetra.
Increase aeration as the meds and high temp reduce 02 in the water.
Raise temp to 30.

 

[kelly528]

Yupp, treating the whole tank might be the safest route-- ich is highly contagious and your other fish are most likely incubating.

Also, a note on neon tetras:
I had them as a starter fish when I was a kid without any problems. Cardinal Tertas, a close relative, are fussier about water quality (or so I hear), but your neons should hang tight until the tank cycles.

Also, tetras are schooling fish that NEED so be kept in schools of 6 or more. They nip each other to establish a social order, so when there are not enough neons they will begin to treat your other fish like neons, chasing and nipping them relentlessly, sometimes to death. They will eventually turn to harassing your betta (if they aren't already!) when kept in small, isolated groups.

 

[GuppyGoddess]

Hi,

In your situation, I would take the betta out and stick him in a small 2-gallon bowl, treat him with medication, and cross my fingers he hasn't contracted ich.

Best of luck.