Neons Chomping

[bailey0789]

Ok, new behavior ive never seen from my neon tetras. Pretty much the whole group is, idk how to describe, chomping or chewing their mouths at nothing. And they are doing it constantly. Ive seen fish do it a few times but they wont stop. Anyone know why. Just added a couple skirt tetras, i think one may have bit half the tail off of one of the neons cause he sits there kinda pointed up and another neon seems to be protecting him. Will the top half of his tail grow back? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[LondonguyJ]

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it seems you have a problem in your aquarium. I can't be specific about whats wrong with them but I'm sure it's not a good sign!

 

[Gilli]

First thing you should do is test your water quality and post the stats ?

 

[Defiance]

As Gilli said, If you can get the water readings up

Also, has it been pretty hot today where you are ?? if so make sure plenty of air/oxygen is getting in the water, and also see if the water temp has risen somewhat

Tony

 

[bailey0789]

Thats one thing i was wondering about? The guy at Petsmart said the filter oxygenates the water. Is that enough? Should I have something else and what would that be.

 

[Corleone]

If there's some surface movement, it should be enough - air stones aren't very good at oxygenating because the bubbles just rush to the surface and dissipate. However, if the tank gets hot, hot water holds less oxygen and it can be rough on fish sometimes.

Anyway, much more important are ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and to a lesser extent pH. You mention Pet Smart, they carry the API freshwater master test kit, which is recommended by a lot of people around here, including myself. Pet Smart will do tests for you, but a lot of people have found them to be inaccurate in doing so, and their advice is pretty terrible - they'll tell you near lethal levels are "a little high" and sell you something that probably won't help. The most standard solution is just a partial water change.

While you're there, if you don't have one, pick up a gravel vac for doing those water changes. They have cheap ones for a few dollars.

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, agree with the suggestions above for checking water chems, surface movement etc. carefully. Additionally I'd not that black skirt tetras can be really aggressive - its possible this is causing stress in the neon shoal.

~~waterdrop~~