Tetras Not Feeding From Surface

[dishyfishy]

Hey all, I have 4 tetras in a 10gal who are very active and happy but my problem is they won't feed from the surface. I don't like to feed them with the filter on b/c most of the food just ends up on the bottom making a mess out of the tank. I've only had them 3 days, so will they eventually get over this, or should I buy them some sinking pellets or something? They definitely eat when the food sinks, like I said just most of it ends up on the bottom

Thanks!

 

[sarah40011]

my tetra are the same. im trying to grow the plants higher to create a bit of shade, they seem happier to come higher when the bright lights arent beaming down on them. also when i put the flake in i swish it a bit and they go mad grabbing at it as it sinks down a bit. i use hikari semi sinking small mouthed fish food (cant remember its proper name ) they like to grab that too. maybe your fish need time to settle a bit, get a bit braver.

 

[nicolaisam]

Mine were like that for a few weeks,once they realize they are safe they will. I added some Frogbit floating plants,to shade them from the bright lights.

 

[Fishy friend2]

My fish were like that for a while after I first got them then they just realized that it was safe and started coming to the top

 

[dishyfishy]

Oh ok thanks very much! I was looking into getting some shading plants but alas the stores around here are out so maybe I'll try ordering online, sounds like that will make a difference.

 

[Fishy friend2]

Your welcome!

 

[ZoddyZod]

my neons wont go near the surface and I've had some for over 2yrs.

I presume you are feeding them flake? If so, crush it up a little and try and to 'throw' it in the tank with a bit of force. This should help it break the surface energy of the water and make it sink.

most tetra are not natual surface feeders.

 

[nicolaisam]

You also might want to add a few more,they are a shoaling fish,and will feel safer in numbers.