Fat Neon Tetra

[big_fresh]

Hey all,

I currently have 3 neon tetras, I wanted to get a couple more but I am worried of fatalities due to the current high pH (7.2 !!!!) in my tank.

but this is currently the least of my worries at the moment.

I have one Neon tetra that can't stop eating!!! it is always alert and looking for a feed. Each time it is feeding time, it will head to the top of the tank and grab as much food as it can get..

Now this fish is extremely fat, almost looking like IT WILL EXPLODE!! and it still WANTS TO EAT!

any suggestions on slowing its voracious appetite?

 

[Lateral Line]

Your pH is not high. There are vast numbers of aquarists that would really like to have a pH that low. Most neons are farm bred now and will live in tapwater over pH 8. As long as your tank is well cycled, I would suggest you get some more.

A good apetite is a sign of a healthy fish. As long as you do not overfeed, I wouldn't worry about that. If the fish is fat, but "symetric" i.e. the abdomen is a round shape, no bulges or lumps, again I wouldn't worry. A voracious apetite and lumpy outline may suggest internal parasites, but that would be unusual.

 

[EX-AmP]

how many times do you feed a day? if they swim awkward they are bloated. let them fast for a few days or cut a bit on the feedings

 

[Myfishdied]

Beeeaannnnn! to the max

 

[big_fresh]

thank u 4 the comments!!!

especially Lateral line's reply regarding pH. My very hungry neon tetra is symmetric and has no lumps.

to answer EX-amp...I feed once a day. The fish swims normally and is very quick to the mark when it is after food!!!

re: pH is high for most aquarists...is this true? I don't alter the pH of my tanks coz i've read that it's not a wise thing to play with pH. (does this also include sticking peat in my filter to lower pH?)

It's really encouraging to hear that I can get more neon's because I felt so bad when only 50% of the neon's i initially bought lived. (Also the lfs said my pH was too high). and the 3 I have now doesn't seem enough for them to school