Need Help Regarding Neon Tetras

I recently purchased an 18 gallon aquarium. I have 6 neon tetras and 6 gold zebra danios. My problem is that the neons won't eat anything. They don't seem unhealthy but just stay in the bottom half of the tank. When I feed the fish the super active danios eat away all the food and the neon don't seem to even notice the food. The danios are adults and the neons are a bit young. I don't know their exact age.
I have tried feeding dried blood worms and tetra bits but the situation is the same for both. I have no live plants in my tank. Should I worry about this thing or it is normal?
Both the fish seem to get along nicely and show no signs of stress other than the tetras not eating.

Thank you.

 

Did you cycle the tank? What are your water parameters? How long have you had the fish?

 

I worried terribly about my cardinal tetras for the first couple of weeks. They seemed too timid to eat with the other fish. After awhile they acclimated to their new surroundings and they ate a lot better. They are sensitive fish though, so it is important to know if you're tank is fully cycled and that your parameters are in check.

Also, they have very tiny mouths. Mine would not eat whole blood worms but did eat them when I started breaking them up. I was worried too, I know it's frustrating. I also used garlic to make food more enticing so that probably helped.

Edit: Also, I have heard they really enjoy gelatinized fish food. You can either buy something like Repashy or search up recipes to make your own. I've not tried this yet but it's something to consider.

 

The tank is undergoing the cycle. It has been only 3 days since I bought the fish. Water temperature is 28 ℃ and pH is around 7-7.5. I have not tested the nitrate or nitrite levels.

 

The fish are likely just settling in, but it could also be water parameters. A fish in cycle is not really recommended. Luckily, you got some fairly hardy fish making it easier as they are better at tolerating it. Neons aren't the best for cycling though. What are your ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? Since the tank is cycling, they're likely off.

 

I'm sorry to say it, but that's not good. From what I've read, Neons are known to be sensitive to shifts in water parameters and not a fish that is usually recommended for a fish-in cycle. You really need to be able to test the water. I'd highly recommend getting the API Freshwater Master Kit. It can sell for twice the price in stores as it does online, if you can, I'd get it on Amazon.

 

Most new fish, take some time to adapt. I recently added 6 Black neons, Not eating, similiar instance their tank mates would gobble everything up. I decided to feed the brood on 1 side of the tank, and the neons on the other. But what I eventually found out they needed the food really ground up to tiny bits. Comments before seeing the tank was not cycled.

 

I was freaking out thinking I was going to have to retype my post until I managed to find it. Nitrite, Ammonia, and Nitrate are the most important elements of cycling.

 

The tank is undergoing the cycle. It has been only 3 days since I bought the fish. Water temperature is 28 ℃ and pH is around 7-7.5. I have not tested the nitrate or nitrite levels.

Your PH is decent. They are tough to keep alive over a year in my water. Get on top of your water parameter game. I love them but they are not forgiving.

 

Neon tetras are pretty sensitive, and will gather at the bottom if more rowdy fish are around at feeding time.

Try feeding .5mm sinking pellets by North Fin

I found that my Neons would stay out of that way of the rowdier fish at feeding time, and wait for the pellets to come to them- my minnows ate at the top, and the neons ate near the bottom. They are, after all, Middle-feeders...so if you cater to Nature, they should eat

 

T

The fish are likely just settling in, but it could also be water parameters. A fish in cycle is not really recommended. Luckily, you got some fairly hardy fish making it easier as they are better at tolerating it. Neons aren't the best for cycling though. What are your ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates? Since the tank is cycling, they're likely off.

Thank you for your help. I will buy a test kit and try to keep the parameters in check.☺️

 

Neon tetras are pretty sensitive, and will gather at the bottom if more rowdy fish are around at feeding time.

Try feeding .5mm sinking pellets by North Fin

I found that my Neons would stay out of that way of the rowdier fish at feeding time, and wait for the pellets to come to them- my minnows ate at the top, and the neons ate near the bottom. They are, after all, Middle-feeders...so if you cater to Nature, they should eat

Thank you.. I will try the sinking tablets and see if they eat.✌️

 

Thanks✌️

 

If you can, I'd also pick up Prime water conditioner by SeaChem. It is a conditions water by removing chlorine like the rest but the difference with Prime is that it also detoxifies ammonia up to 1ppm for 24-48 hours, and you can add it to the tank daily. It is invaluable when cycling with fish-in. I've seen some standard instructions for the safest way to do a fish in cycle, but I'm not sure if I remember them exactly enough to pass along the info. I believe AngelTheGypsy and/or AllieSten can better help you with that.

 

T

Most new fish, take some time to adapt. I recently added 6 Black neons, Not eating, similiar instance their tank mates would gobble everything up. I decided to feed the brood on 1 side of the tank, and the neons on the other. But what I eventually found out they needed the food really ground up to tiny bits. Comments before seeing the tank was not cycled.

Thank you... I will try breaking the food into small pieces

 

Daily water changes can help as well. They remove some of the ammonia/nitrites and are a good option especially if you can't get prime.

 

HI there. I would pick up some Seachem Prime & Seachem Stability to get your tank cycled. Along with the API liquid test kit.

Seachem Prime will protect your fish. Especially since you have sensitive guys, I would get this product as soon as possible. It will detoxify ammonia, nitrites, & nitrates. Plus is a water dechlorinator and stress coat all in one.

Stability is bottled bacteria. You can use this or another brand. Two other good ones are API QuickStart and dr Tim's one and Only. Do not use Tetra Safe Start. Your fish won't tolerate the fluctuations it can cause.

I would do 50% water changes every other day until you have the products to begin cycling.

Once you are ready, follow this formula:
Ammonia + nitrites = less than 1ppm dose full tank volume of Prime + bottled bacteria. Recheck parameters in 24 hours
Ammonia + nitrites = 1ppm or more do a 50% water change and dose Full tank volume of Prime and bottled bacteria. Recheck parameters in 24 hours.

Prime dose is 0.1ml per gallon. 1-2 drops per gallon. 1.8ml for 18 gallons. I would dose 2ml it is easier to measure.

The goal is to keep your Ammonia and nitrites below 0.5ppm with the water change, so you may need to do more than 50% to achieve that goal.

Good luck. Let us know if you need anything.

Welcome to Fishlore

 

I just want to add, seeing as no one else has mentioned, 28c is far to warm to keep zebra danios and neon tetras permanently. Even for a short period, that's HOT for these two species.