aquarium dunce

Ok so my tank is doing great. I have 3 albino cories boy are they the cutest! Little piggies too they really really like algae wafers lol. My question is about my cardinal tetras. I have 6. I don't think they are eating. I have used crushed tropical crisps and also micro granules. The cardinals are active and look healthy. Any ideas??

peacemaker92

What does your readings say when you test the water? Fish behaviour sometimes has something to do with water parameters.

jwokmuba2

how long have you had them, mine didnt eat for two days when i go them.

aquarium dunce

my readings are fine... amm 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 10. my pH is a little high at 7.6-7.8. I do have a nylon of crushed coral in my tank. should I take it out? would the ph affect the fishes eating?? I have had 4 of the tetras for 2 weeks almost, the other 2 since monday.

jwokmuba2

well cardinal tetras like a more acidic ph around 6.8 or 7.0, but it is kinda hard to see them eat, i cant usually tell if mine are eating, i feed them flakes and they chase the smallest of the flakes around, you really cant see the food they eat cause its so small. the crushed coral will raise your ph.

aquarist48

Hello. If you're fish aren't losing weight then I wouldn't worry too much just yet. Some fish take a while to acclimate to their new surroundings. Too, they could be foraging around for food at night or when the lights go out. Once you feed them it may be a good idea to walk away from the tank.
What is your pH levels from the tap? I assume they are low since you've added the crushed coral?
Keep us posted. I hope they are going to be alright.
Have a great weekend.
Ken

aquarium dunce

from the tap my ph is 7.2.... but during the cycle my ph dropped into the high 6's... so I added the coral.... would it hurt to remove it now?? I went to the LFS and bought some frozen food called freshwater frenzy... has blood worms, brine shrimp etc... I defrosted first piece and the fish loved it! Those little tetras were swarming after it lol.

aquarist48

I see. If your tank is newly cycled and if your crushed coral was in there longer than 2 weeks, I wouldn't remove it all at one time. The Cardinal Tetra profile I read says they like acidic, below 7 to neutral 7.0. I would think they would adapt to 7.2 no problems.
I'm glad to hear they're eating well! Surely a good sign.
Ken

Craig-D

Cardinals are notoriously sensitive. I had three that lasted about three days. I'm thinking my 7.3 pH was the culprit. 7.0 is supposed to be the high end of what they can handle, with closer to 6.5 preferred.