Tetras not moving?

Hey y'all. So I just set a second tank to put my tetras in. I moved them over, and left them in the bag for 15 minutes to get acclimated to the water, per usual. When I finally put them in, none of them really moved much, just kind of hovered there. I took it as stress, so I let them be. But it's been about an hour now, and most of my tetras aren't really swimming around. I'm probably being impatient, but I want to make sure I'm not messing things up. Nitrate and Nitrite are 0, ammonia is 0, temperature is around 78-80.

 

HI Cody,
Give it some time, hopefully they'll settle in.

What species of tetra?

To help, turn off any lights.

The fish may be suffering some osmotic shock as result of differences in the two tanks. Or may simply be trying to get a feel of things, water flows etc.

I would also consider your acclimation process, there's a bit more to it than just floating the bag.

For future fish, you can find tips/methods for acclimating your fish can be found at: https://www.fishlore.com/acclimating-tropicalfish.htm

Keep us posted.

 

If they were going from one tank to another then the bag and dump is fine. If they were from somewhere other than your own tanks then it might need a little acclimation help depending on water parameters. I know most of my local stores and do not use other acclimation processes by choice. When I get fish from different tanks that I do not know the parameters around then I will use drip or a variant there of.

To me thou it does sound likes stress, turn off the lights and let them be, sometimes ignorance is bliss. Let them relax and get settled in their new digs. Think of the first time you got into a place, you need some time to chill out and explore, well so do they.

 

Alright, so I am going to turn out the light then and leave them alone. It's the glowlight and rummy nosed tetras who are just stationary.

Oh, and thanks for the article! I was unaware of some of that stuff. Geez, I feel like I get a handle on things and then something else comes up haha

So, quick update. A couple of my fish are moving around, but my rummy nose have lost all their red. I hear that it's because of water conditions maybe? But the water is good

 

Hello! welcome to Fishlore

Don't worry about the learning curve, it does get less steep. IME tetras (I've got neons) can go pale and still when they are sleeping. I went in my lounge in the middle of the night and panicked, but as soon as they woke up the colour perked up. It's a defense mechanism against getting eaten in their sleep I believe! Some varieties of tetra change their colours with their mood too, and that can give you useful info about what's happening.

It would also be really helpful if you could fill out your tank info so we can see where you're at.

 

Alright, so just did a water test. My ammonia, nitrites, an nitrates are still all 0. The temperature is about 78. pH is 7.I have a guppy in the tank who seems healthy and happy, but my tetras are still not really moving. There are two that are hiding underneath a display thing I have.The glowlights seem the worst. Any ideas?

Ah! I found a glowlight tetra laying on the gravel on it's belly. It's not really trying to swim anymore. Help!

 

Have you tested the old tank to compare the two readings?

Can you test GH/KH?

 

Well, I was doing a water change on my 48 gallon and realized that to the touch, the water seemed much warmer than the 17 gallon. So I went out and bought another thermometer. Well, to my dismay the water was a chilly 71 degrees! I was a victI'm of an older, apparently faulty thermometer. So I think that was it. Thanks though!

 

Yes definitely could be a factor.

I remember forgetting to turn my heater once, and the water cooled to around 70-71, and yep, all my fish did what you've described.

Hopefully you've found the cause.

 

My fish are much more lively now that it's at 78 degrees. I have a Glowlight who is hiding in the corner, but I'm sure it's just stress. So far problem solved

 

glad to hear it was a simple solution. I'm sure he will relax by morning, if not he might need to be taken out to another tank for observation.

 

Tetras aren't exactly the most active of fish.

 

really?? mine never stop!

 

I assume you mean active in comparison to say something like Danios, as mine are always moving about the tank, just not with extreme speed or vigor all the time.

Thou put some food in and watch out haha.

 

The congos are by far the most active tetras I've had, but from there it's really a tie for last. I consider tetras to be filler fish. Barbs, danios, rainbows and loaches are all much more active on the whole.

 

Usually my fish seem lively. I have found that the Glofish are very active, and I will see them darting back and forth quite a bit. It's actually pretty cool