No disease, but I am worried about my Tetras

[brogham]

Woop!

I found this site 2 days ago and have been reading posts almost non-stop.
I've found a lot of the advice/information both interesting and educating, and I have become very excited about my new tank. Although I have learned about the many mistakes I have already made, I look forward to learning more about the hobby/money pit.

You should see my tank setup in my sig.. Ya guys don't have to point these out because this is what I have done "wrong": I am cycling with fish, I am keeping goldfish with tropical fish, I don't have a water testkit yet, and I may have been feeding too much. Btw, I love my goldfish and can't part with them.

Other than that my tank has been up and running for 3 days. My goldfish have been moved from their original 1 gallon tank( I know, way too small). They appear VERY happy and well adjusted. They have a beautiful color and are very active and playful. The Tetra's, Neon and black neon, appear healthy, are schooling, and contrary to some articles I have read, they are getting along fine. This is what bothers me about the Tetras. While I have my hoodlight on, both schools stay very close to the bottom center of the tank. They will venture around, but not very much, and almost never any higher than about 5 inches above the bottom of the tank. That is until I turn the light off. Then they go wild. Swimming more around the mid and top of the tank, chasing each other, and looking very vibrant. I have read about 'shocking' the fish when turning on the light, however as I understand it the fish adjust to the light being on with time. It seems these are bothered by it the entire time the light is on. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought these guys were midtank dwellers, and should they be as active with the light on? Are they nocturnal?

Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[jimmihendrix]

I think it could actually be a good thing. If the fish are swiimin at the bottom i would imagine that means theres enough oxygen down there. My tiger barbs do the same thing durring the day. They hang out by the rocks and plants and dont venture out till the lights out. Just watched them. Watch your water parameters and u should be good. I would get rid of the goldfish though, and it aint a good mix putting coldwater with tropical.

 

[Phantom Thief]

I posted on your other thread. FYI, jimmihendrix, they are down there because neon tetras like shadows, and dislike being in overly bright lights.

P.T.

 

[jimmihendrix]

well thanks for the F.Y.I big guy but it wasnt my post i was just trying to help the guy. F.Y.I these ones arent hiding from the light. http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/tet-neon.htm

 

[Phantom Thief]

Do you have a full tank pic of that? I have had neons, rarely at the bottom of the tank.

P.T.

 

[brogham]

Thanks for the info. I will keep an eye on them, perhaps add a few more plants or other decorative items to the tank as it is pretty bare at the moment.

 

[exhibitx]

was having the same problems, took 3 or 4 days for a few of my black phantoms to start swimming around in my tank, but a few of them still wern't really coming out. a few days of water changes fixed that, the amonea was really high, they swim around with the light on and off now.