Neon Tetra Died

[BenVernon]

About 2 years ago I bought a 6 gallon fluval edge and put 6 neon tetras in it. I was very inexperienced and I didn't really see the harm in putting neons a 6 gallon as the pet shop told me that it was 1 inch of fish per gallon however I now have a lot more knowledge about tropical fish and I realise that this was a huge mistake. Over the period of 2 years I have lost 5 of the 6 neons. One of them died this morning leaving me with only one neon tetra remaining. I am currently cycling a 10 gallon tank which I was going to move the two neon tetras into however after the death of one this morning I am considering not to and I am thinking about leaving the last one to die so I can start again with a completely different species of fish. The worry is... I also have a betta fish in the 6 gallon fluval edge which I added 4 weeks ago. I am worried that the neon tetra that died this morning had a disease which might also wipe out my betta. Do you think that it was a disease that killed him or just stress? Also, what should I do with the remaining neon tetra?
 
The neon tetra that died this morning has been sucked into the filter guard. I feel that he may still be half alive (put is past the point of saving him from death). Should I remove him now? Should I do a water change after I have removed him?
 
If someone could get back to me ASAP then that would be much appreciated. Thanks for your help.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Was there anything unusual on the neon tetra that died? Did it act oddly at all before that? Check to see if it's gills are moving if you're not sure if it's alive or not. I'd do a water change.
You can take the remaining neon tetra to your LFS or re-home it on a secondhand site if you like.

 

[BenVernon]

Was there anything unusual on the neon tetra that died? Did it act oddly at all before that? Check to see if it's gills are moving if you're not sure if it's alive or not. I'd do a water change.
You can take the remaining neon tetra to your LFS or re-home it on a secondhand site if you like.

 
Nope the appearance of the fish looked completely normal. The behaviour also seemed normal; it would eat food without a problem. I guess it's just stress. Nope, the gills aren't moving so I'll go ahead and remove it then do a 20% water change. I'm not sure if my LFS accepts fish. I don't think any UK stores accept them. I'll research it.
 
Thanks for your help.

Was there anything unusual on the neon tetra that died? Did it act oddly at all before that? Check to see if it's gills are moving if you're not sure if it's alive or not. I'd do a water change.
You can take the remaining neon tetra to your LFS or re-home it on a secondhand site if you like.

 
Actually, a second look shows that his gills are still moving. I have turned the filter off and he sank to the bottom of tank. He is still alive but he is suffering and half his tail is missing (my guess is that it eroded away). What should I do? Take him out and let him die of suffocation? Or just leave him to suffer? 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Ah, does not sounds good
 
Sorry to hear of this.
 
I would suggest perhaps you should euthanise the poor guy.
 
Either by clove oil which is one of the more humane way of doing this. 
Or you could put some crushed ice in a small container with small amount of water, put the guy in there and he will quickly pass.
If you're not queasy or srong enough, a quick tap / flick to head while will kill him quickly but i have never tried this method with tropical fish.
 
These methods are always debatable as to whether they are actually humane ways of euthanising.
But better to end suffering quickly rather than letting this go on for a day or two.

 

[BenVernon]

Ah, does not sounds good

 
Sorry to hear of this.
 
I would suggest perhaps you should euthanise the poor guy.
 
Either by clove oil which is one of the more humane way of doing this. 
Or you could put some crushed ice in a small container with small amount of water, put the guy in there and he will quickly pass.
If you're not queasy or srong enough, a quick tap / flick to head while will kill him quickly but i have never tried this method with tropical fish.
 
These methods are always debatable as to whether they are actually humane ways of euthanising.
But better to end suffering quickly rather than letting this go on for a day or two.

 
I took him out of the tank, put him in a shallow glass and got the filter running again so I wouldn't loose the bacteria. I crushed his head using a stone, it was instant and probably the most humane way (doesn't sound it though) as I didn't have any of the oil you suggested or any ice in my freezer. Anyway, glad it's over and he's probably quite glad too! That's the last time I'll be putting neon tetras in 6 gallon and anything else for that matter (other than a betta). Still not sure what I'm going to do with the remaining tetra. Seems a bit pointless to take him into my LFS. Besides, thanks for the help.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Sounds best thing you did under circumstances.
 
Sorry