WTF??!? Are my tetras scuicidal???

Question

I have 2 neon tetras and a betta in a tank together. they get along fine. yesterday i bought some water treatment for cloudy water. it didnt work so i figured id stop being lazy and clean the tank myself. when i added the tetras to the clean water, they looked like they were having seizures and then they went belly up! i put them back in some old water and they came back to life... then one jumped... freakin JUMPED out of his cup and onto my desk! thats never happened with any of my fish before... was the new tank water to hot? would they "die" if they were put in too hot water? theyre all fine now btw.

Answer 1

It seems that the fish went into shock when you placed them in the new water. Fish are pretty tolerable to a wide range of water temps, but are very sensitive to "changes" in water temp. For example they may do well in water that is 82 degrees, but if you had them in 72 degree water and try to put them in 82 degree water they may go into shock and die.

As far a your other question, yes, water can also be too hot and it will kill them. Look on-line and you will find the temperature ranges for various fish.

I would suggest getting a thermometer, they have the glass kind that is submerged in the water and the strips that stick to the outside of the tank (usually cost about $1.00). Just read the temp before the water change and try make sure after the water change the temp is close to the same.

Another thing is that unless you have your own well, the tap water probably contains cholorine and various other chemicals. Pet stores sell water treatment products that will get rid of these chemicals. It is very easy and the product is not expensive.

Just another tip, never change all the water and don't rinse all the gravel. All tanks go through a nitrogen cycle and during the first two stages toxic ammonia and nitrites are produced and can kill you fish. By leaving some of the old water and not completely rinsing the gravel you are leaving beneficial bacteria that will prevent a spike in the levels of ammonia and nitrite and therefore will prevent starting the cycle over again wit every cleaning.

Good job on the rescue!

Best Wishes!