Cardinal tetras keep dying?

Question

I just added 22 cardinal tetras to my 40 gallon tank. 2 died on the way home and they just keep dropping dead . So far 4 have died in the tank. I did every thing i was supposed to do like float the bag etc. None of the other fish have this problem and they Havent hurt the tetras at all. Why do the tetras keep dying?

Answer 1

If two died before you even added them to the tank, it's possible they were already sick when you bought them. Is their color normal, or is it faded? If faded, they might be suffering from Pleistophora ("neon tetra disease", although it affects more than just neons!): http://www.fish-disease.net/diseases.htm

You may also have had too many fish in a single bag (if that's how the store packaged them for you), and they were affected by ammonia poisoning as well: http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/ammoniapoison.htm

Answer 2

The 2 that died in on the way home could have died from just about anything (too many variables involved ).

For the ones that have died in the tank - did you check the PH of the tank they came out of and compared it to the PH in your tank ? Fish can safely tolerate a 1 or 2 point difference (For instance 6.8 to 7.0 would be a 2 point difference ). Beyond 2 points and you stress the fish. Did you check the temperature of the tank they came out of ? Again, it should be within 2 degrees of the tank they are going into.

When you have more than a 2 point and/or a 2 degree difference, your best bet is to put the new fish in a separate tank adjusted to the temperature AND ph of the tank they came out of. Then over several days adjust the temperature and PH to what your main tank is. DO NOT CHANGE THE PH MORE THAN 1 POINT IN 24 HOURS, and do not do more than a 2 degree temperature change in 24 hours.

Other things to consider - About how old were the fish ? Cardinals, Neons and Zebras have ABOUT a 3 year life span.

Answer 3

Cardinal tetras are very touchy to changes even minor ones. UIless your tank has been set up fro at least a year I would hold off on puurchasing them, do not buy them in cold or hot weather get them around the same temp outside as the tanks of the shop you are buying from, this will help to some degree, but you may still have loss due to the stress of the net and bagging process. Sometimes using stress coat in the bag can help as well.

Answer 4

Cardinal tetras are one of the more delicate freshwater fish to keep. They need soft water, I'd be willing to bet your water is just too hard for them.

Answer 5

Well, Cardinal Tetras are generally sensitive to quick changes in environment. Although they are less sensitive than the neons, they aren't as hardy as mollies or guppies.

Answer 6

nicely,it may likely be an over stocking challenge, yet I surprisingly doubt that too. Your tank isn't as over-stocked as different peoples tanks could nicely be, and different peoples tanks are well being-smart superb. Im not likely to rant to you about it. So the following is what the challenge could nicely be: Ich: White fungus on fish is maximum likely ich. anyplace you're paying for the neons, supply up paying for there- because the keep must have an ich epidemic, particularly no matter if it truly is departmental keep. Ich could nicely be solved with the right quantity of medication, found at very nearly any keep that sells fish products. Ich is a parasite latest in dirty water, or presented with bringing new fish in. Fungi: Your neons could nicely be stricken by using a fungus. have they were given cotton-like, cluody, gray-white colored boom on their bodies? if so, you've a fungus. If left untreated it is going to eat away on the fish until eventually it dies. you are able to quarintine the fish, then upload a tiny quantity of aquarium salt to get rid of it. to not purchase sick, lack of life fish in a chain keep, save on with those rules: by no skill ever: -purchase a Fish Floating on proper of the water -purchase a Fish with useless Tank associates -purchase a fish with white spots (ich) -purchase a fish with a wide body function (Droopsy Fish affliction) -purchase a slow, unactive fish -purchase an awkwardly swimming fish -purchase a fish without understanding something -purchase a fish that changed into bullied -purchase a fish With a foul-searching tail or fins -purchase a fish with sick tankmates Your fish could have also Died from wonder, your fish have indications of wonder. have you ever tansported the fish top? i'm exceptionally particular you've, yet to substantiate they don't die of wonder be particular you save on with those rules: do not: -open the bag -leave the fish contained in the bag -leave the fish in warmth -leave the fish in chilly -leave the fish on your automobile -Play with the bag -Shake the bag once you convey the bag domicile, purely set the unopened bag on proper of the aquarium water. Wait 20-1/2-hour for the hot fish to get used to the water, then enable them out. also, ascertain the temperature is an same.

Answer 7

don't get them from wal mart. god do i have to tell everyone this. lol. jk yeah there probably sick man. try a different store and pay attention to the conditions of the water your taking them from(at the store). i went to petland discount and the water was dark green and had bugs and fish parts floating in it.

Answer 8

there over crowded....try going to a pet store with sum knowledge not a store that just wants to make a sale

Answer 9

lol