neon tetra info needed

[Crissyloach]

I got some neon tetras for my new 16 gallon. I have read on different sites that they should be fed 2-3 times a day. However, my 3 dont even notice the food at all. I have tried feeding themn a variety of fish food- including tetra brand and even bloodworms. I expect that they wouldnt eat for the first little while, and I tried again the next day. I had to put a feeding ring in there, because my filter pulled the food down to the bottom of the tank. I am trying in the morning and at night, and I end up netting out sunken fish food. I figured that since they were from the petstore, that they would usually eat while the light is off, before closing time. Their colour is fully red, and they dont show and signs of illness.

Also, when should I add more fish? I have heard wait 4 days, wait till the ammonia level is down, and wait at least a month. What should I do?

My current amonia level is 0.
My level yesterday was: 0.25

If there are any more results that I should record, I will.

thx

[starsplitter7]

Is your tank truely cycled? Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0 and Nitrate showing a little? How long have you had the tank cycled? Neons are very sensitive, and I find them difficult in a well matured tank.

I wouldn't add any more fish until you find out if there is a problem with the Neons, and if you tank truly is cycled.

When I have the extra money I buy cardinals because they seem to be a bit stronger than Neons.

[Crissyloach]

i like the cardinals more than the neons- but you cant find them at all here.

[starsplitter7]

That does make it really difficult. Here I can get them at Petsmart, but Neons are $1 and Cardinals are almost $5. I have a much better chance of keeping Cardinals alive though.

Are your levels stil 0 for Ammonia and nitrite?

[Crissyloach]

really??? our neons are 5 dollars...EACH!!! Our rummynose tetras are $10 each...our prices are awful!!! rarely we will have some nice deals at our local aquarium shop.

my neons are eating now.

my ammonia level is 0. my nitrite level is 0.2.

[starsplitter7]

If your ammonia is 0 and Nitrite is .2, you may not be cycled. Nitrite should be 0 and Nitrate should be a trace for a new tank. Make sure you increase the air in the water, because the Nitrite will compromise their breathing.

[Crissyloach]

all levels are still the same. they are still eating and look even better now.

[starsplitter7]

That sounds good. Where do you live? I have been watching my new neons. I have had them about 2 weeks,a dn I don't trust them to make it a month, but they have been doing okay.

[Crissyloach]

i live in atlantic canada.

hope your neons make it. what do you think is wrong with them?

[starsplitter7]

Neons are badly overbred, so we get terrible stock. They are always weak and very susceptible to everything. If they survive the first month, I am usually good for the next couple years.

My Grandma and Mama are from Nova Scotia. I guess that's close to Atlantic Canada. I was just wondering, because location makes a difference in stock. Where I live in Florida I am surrounded by fish farms. You would think that we would have better fish and a better variety, but we don't.

[Crissyloach]

The fish are doing good. i Have been checking them, and they look nice and healthy. My nitrite level is 0-nitrate is now showing.

When it becomes time to add more fish I would like to get more neons, rummynoses, some dwarf neon rainbows, some african dwarf frogs, and some yoyos. I need some combos so that I can plan and make sure I have the right things for them. I am thinking 6 neons, 6 rummynoses, 2 yoyos and a couple of frogs.- I really want some schools of fish. If anyone could come up with some working combos- that use the fish listed above, I would really appreciate it.

[starsplitter7]

That may be too many fish for a 15 gallon? Yoyos can't spend their lives in a 15. But you could certainly have a good group of Neons and a few Dwarf frogs.

It sounds like you are fully cycled.

[Crissyloach]

Okay. Thanks for all of your help. One more question...When could i get more fish?

[starsplitter7]

I would wait a week or two and then add only a couple fish at a time. Of course, putting new fish into a Q tank is always recommended.

[Crissyloach]

Thx.