Established tank goes array w/ 1 new fish?

Question

Two days ago, I added a single orange-glo tetra (I have others) to my established 10 gallon tank. My small glass fish is currenlty laying on the bottom of the tank and keeps swimming weakly around in circles and upside down. He even got stuck to the intake on my filter because he couldn't swim strong enough to get away from it.

Did a partial water change prior to adding the new guy and my levels are good although I haven't made it through a full cycle yet.

What is going on and what can I do for my little glass fish?

Alright, bad news... my little glass fish bit the big one. I am closely monitering everyone else but all seems well. In fact, the others seem better off now that the little glass fish is gone.

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

most likely you just grabbed a bad tetra. ive switched tanks with mine i dont know how many times, without even treating the water sometimes. i find them fairly hardy for their size. there not that much, i suggest either donate to petco or some place and get a new one, or just hang onto it and get a new one as a ready replacement.

Answer 2

I am reading these answers, and now I am not sure if I am reading your question properly.

You added an orange-glo tetra and a different glass fish is ill and has died?

If this is the case, it probably didn't have anything to do with the adding of the tetra unless your other fish are starting to have problems. My guess is that the fish was probably on his way out anyway. Just keep an eye on the rest of the tank and call an aquarium shop if you notice any problems. They may be able to help you.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Was your glass fish dyed? Glass fish are pretty sensitive to any water condition change (even a "blip" you might have missed) and the stress can make them ill even to death. If it was painted, multiply by a factor of ten.

If you want to try again with glass fish, I recommend waiting until your tank finishes it's cycle, then buy in a quantity of at least three or four - they tend to thrive better in a group. Remember that painted glass fish get that way by having the colour injected with needles and those that survive the process are more prone to sickness and death, and if they live more than six months, their colour will fade anyway. Glass fish also like to have lots of hiding places (they're generally a shy fish).

Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't worry, it's not the new fish or you who caused your fish's sickness. One of the most common fish's sicknesses is problems with their bladder. Your fish had bladder problems, and as you can imagine they use that organ to float up or down and to keep balance. Your tetra (although it is a more common disease among goldfish) suffered from bladder problems which caused him to loose balance and float upside down.

Now there are tons of fish who live for years swimming upside down, but eventually they all die because they have a ver hard time feeding themselves.

R.I.P. your tetra. Don't worry about your other fish. It wouldn't hurt to add some drops of methylene blue to your tank though, just to make sure everyone is alright (try to not do this very often as it might disturb your fish and create resistance).

Answer 5

That is why I have always advocated "Hospital Tanks".A little ten gallon set up can be had on the cheap,to keep new fish isolated until you can be sure they havent weakened so much that disease is the result.Check out the link for diseases that can affect a fish's nervous system.In all probablility you have ich,and the other fish will probably get it.It is always present,but when you have a fish that is weak,watch out!

Answer 6

depending on how many fish you have in there to start with its not a real good idea to add any fish to the tank until the cycle is over, could it have been sick when you got it personally i would ring the pet store you bought it from(or go in) and ask them if they have had any problems with there fish , you are lucky he didnt die when he got stuck in the filter intake! did you let the bag sit in the water unopened for 10 - 20 min to adjust the temp when you bought him home and that sort of stuff, fish can get sick and die if the water around them changes tempreature too quickly ( or just changes too quickly for that matter) i highly recommend adding cycle to your tank to help with your levels or whatever levels you have(cycle can be bought from the pet store , it releases millions of good nitrifying bacteria into the water , and will benefit your system greatly .hope this helps !
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