Cardinal Tetras And Neon Tetra Disease?

[FishHobbyist1564]

hi i was just wondering if cardinal tetras can cause neon tetra disease... since they are so close to the neon tetra. If i have a tank with just cardinal tetras and no neons, can neon tetra disease occur in my tank?

 

[SuperColey1]

I wouldn't worry too much. It is an often spoken about problem but rarely seen.

As far as I know there are batches of fish with the problem and some people experience a 'wipeout' within weeks of buying a batch and then the next batch have no problems at all and no casualties.

Andy

 

[FishHobbyist1564]

thanks for the quick reply andy, i appreciate it a bunch.

I'm just concerned about cardinals though... if i only have cardinals in my tank, can neon tetra disease occur (with no neons whatsoever)

 

[SuperColey1]

I think Neon Tetra disease is just a name given after all Neons were one of the first tropicals to be kept. As far as I know it can occur in various tetras.

I've never had problems with it though and don't know anyone else who has.

I have read a bit about several batches being bad a couple of years ago where people would get 20 and be left with 1 or 2 after only a few weeks.

I guess its a sporadic thing.

The effect of a school of cardinals is second to none IMO. They can make a tank look spectacular.

Some of mine

Andy

 

[FishHobbyist1564]

So cardinals can get this disease even though there are no neons in their tank? I just want to know if cardinals, silver dollars, angels, etc. can get neon tetra disease even if there are no neon tetras around

 

[Colin_T]

your cardinals will only catch the disease if you introduce it with some sick fish.
If your cardinals are ok and you haven't added any new fish to the tank in the last few weeks then they won't develop it on their own.
If you quarantine any new fish for a few weeks before you add them to your tank you will be able to prevent this and most other diseases fro getting into your tank.
Neon disease can affect any tetra and some barb species but is uncommon in a clean healthy tank. Regular water changes and gravel cleans help to prevent all diseases.
Most infections that neons get are minor bacterial infections and not neon disease.