Neon tetras are native to South America and the Amazon River basin.They are great for first-time fish parents, but they can't care for themselves in captivity.It's important to know how to respond to diseases in order to live a long and healthy life.
Step 1: You can buy a large aquarium.
Neon tetras need an aquarium that holds at least 10 gallons of water.This will allow for hiding and swimming.For every 6 fish you want to keep, estimate about 10 gallons.If you have too many in a small tank, the ammonia and nitrate levels will get to high and could kill your fish.Stress is a big reason why fish die after being introduced to a persons tank.
Step 2: No fish in your tank.
It's a good idea to do this a few weeks before you bring your kids home.The aquarium will be cleaned and any harmfulbacteria removed.The pet store has a water testing kit.Before adding your fish, make sure the water reads zero parts per million of ammonia, NO2, and nitrate.If you fill the tank with fresh water, you can cycle it.NH3 should be added to raise its measurement to 2 parts per million.Keep a record of how long it takes for the NH3 to break down.Adding more NH3 will bring the NO2 levels down.The process will encourage the growth of NO3-formingbacteria.The NO2 level will fall.Continue to test the water until the three compounds fall to zero.
Step 3: Put the intake filter down.
Neon tetras are small, delicate fish whose bodies can get sucked into a filter with deadly results.To cover the intake, use mesh or foam.The filter will allow it to regulate thebacteria in the water.
Step 4: Add some organic matter.
The waters of the wild are rich in plant life.Plants that are semi-aquatic can be found in the pet store.The leaf litter and driftwood are replicas of natural habitats.The hiding places they enjoy in the wild are provided by plants and driftwood.
Step 5: You should monitor the pH.
The tegus thrive in mildly acidic water.Purchase pH testing strips at your local pet supply store.To read the test results, follow the instructions on the label.The water should be tested every time you change it.If you want to breed your animals, keep the pH under 6.0.
Step 6: If necessary, make a bag to lower the pH.
Buy nylon pantyhose and a bag of organic peat from your local big box store.Put the peat into the panty hose after washing your hands.Cut off the foot with a hose after it's stuffed.Put the bag into the water and squeeze it.Drop it in the tank.It should be replaced every few months.Peat bags will help to make the water softer.Peat is not harmful and regular partial water changes will make sure your water does not look like it came from a swamp.
Step 7: The lighting needs to be Dimmed.
In the wild, they live in dark waters.The aquarium should be kept in a dark corner of the house.Purchase low-wattage bulbs in your pet supply store.Plants and hiding places will help to shade the inside of the aquarium.
Step 8: Don't let the temperature get too high.
Your tank should stay around 70–80 F.Most pet supply stores have an aquarium heater that you can buy.An aquarium thermometer is required to monitor the temperature.The temperature for breeding is 75 F.
Step 9: It's done frequently.
Neon tetras need clean water to resist diseases.The water in the tank needs to be replaced at least once a week.Algae can grow on the tank, filter, or décor.
Step 10: Add tankmates.
Neon tetras should be in groups of six or more.They will get stressed and become ill if they don't.Other fish like otos and cories and African dwarf are acceptable tankmates.
Step 11: New arrivals should be kept away from new arrivals.
If you don't already have a tank, you'll have to buy one.They should be in the tank for at least two weeks.This will prevent diseases from spreading.
Step 12: Feed your fish a varied diet multiple times daily.
Neon fish live mostly on insects in the wild.Live or freeze-dried bloodworms can be fed to them.They should be supplied with live or in wafer form algae, brine shrimp, and fish pellets.You can buy these foods in a pet supply store.There are times when frozen peas need to be thawed and shelled.This will help with digestion.Neon tetras may not notice their food, or may be scared to come up and eat.Put the food near them if they aren't eating.
Step 13: Fish with a disease.
The most common disease is this one.Swimming away from tankmates is the first sign.Affected tetras will lose their neon stripe and have spots or cysts on their fins.If you see early symptoms, move the fish to a tank that is free of parasites.It's always a good idea to ask the vet for advice on the disease.Neon tetras become dull in color at night.The skin cells are taking a rest.The fish may be sick if the dullness continues for several days in a row.
Step 14: Ich can be treated through environmental changes and medicine.
There are small white spots on the fish's body that look like salt from the Ich parasites.If you want to fight it, raise the tank temperature for three days.The parasites should be killed by this.Cupramine can be added to the water if the spots don't disappear after three days.The instructions are on the label.Keep the copper levels low.You can measure copper levels with a salifert test kit.You can buy aquarium salts in pet supply stores to kill the Ich.For 36 hours, add 5 g of water every 12 hours.The salt should stay in the tank for 7 to 10 days.Aquarium salts will melt plastic plants.For the sake of your animals, throw the plants.
Step 15: There are other diseases to research.
Neon tetras can develop diseases and infections.The symptoms and treatments of all the diseases your fish might have can be found in books.If you catch the early symptoms, you can save your fish.