[Neil D]

So yesterday we got 21 giant neon tetras. Already 2 have died, and the third is displaying the same symptoms such as floating. He is still alive, but based on the other two he'll die within the hour. What could be going on?

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: less than 5ppm
pH: 7.8
dGH: ~7.5
Temp: 80F
Size: 38g
Not planted, artificial only

Food: NLS Small Fish Formula, and yes they are eating.

 

[KPainter]

Neon tetra disease?

 

[Neil D]

I considered that but from what I've read there's body deformation and bloating etc. that goes along with that. These tetras seem perfectly healthy except for the 2 that have died and this floating guy...They are chasing each other, swimming, for the most part not doing anything that would suggest an issue.

EDIT: well, the third one died. At this rate I wont have any tetras left...dang

 

[KPainter]

After just reading another thread about something similar, I have to wonder what your PH is vs what it was at the LFS where you got these guys. Maybe it's causing them to shock.

 

[Neil D]

I thought that shock happens within the first few minutes of putting them into the tank. It's possible there is a change, but my LFS is literally within walking distance of our house, so i wouldn't think there'd be that much of a difference.

 

[Byron]

This topic was in another thread, and from that thread you no longer have the neons, so I just wanted to "close" this topic off here so others don't think it is unresolved.

 

[jaysee]

I considered that but from what I've read there's body deformation and bloating etc. that goes along with that. These tetras seem perfectly healthy except for the 2 that have died and this floating guy...They are chasing each other, swimming, for the most part not doing anything that would suggest an issue.

EDIT: well, the third one died. At this rate I wont have any tetras left...dang

Not all fish are created equal. In my experience with neons, it's common for a few to die off in the first few days. I mean, you bought 20 of them - did you pick out all 20 individually? No, of course not (I hope...). They netted bunches at a time probably. Some of those fish are going to be healthy/higher quality than others and the stress of being bought and moved and all can be too much sometimes for weak fish.