Fish at top of water

FishN00b

My 4 white spotted tetras are sitting around the surface of the water. They're not gasping at the surface for air but is this a sign of poor chemistry?

I checked for nitrites the day before yesterday and there were low quantities.

Any advice is appreciated

Enzo

maybe they hungry or maybe they just feel like it

Amphitrite

A nitrite reading in your tank indicates that something is wrong. Have you recently added more fish, had any deaths or is the tank new?

What size is your tank, what else do you have in it, and how long has it been up and running?

I would suggest an immediate water change to bring down the nitrite reading, and can you also give readings for ammonia and nitrate?

Falina

I would recommend you get readings for amonia and nitrate as well.

Do a partial water change like Kate suggested to help dilute the nitrites and see if that helps at all. Do this every day or 2if your readings stay,until they are 0 (except nirtate which can be below 40ppm).

Kate, I love your signature. An excellent song, and so apt for the forum! :)

Lupin

What are these white-spotted tetras? I have not heard of them. Any pictures?

FishN00b

It may not be their proper name but thats what the sign said in the LFS.

they're a small tetra, silver in colour. white spot with a black outline just before the tail fin.

KishFeeper

They are red eye tetras, Mine are doing that but mine are sick.