neon colours fading

[lisa F]

I have 4 neon tetras that are all fit and well but over the last week I noticed that one of the fish is losing its red colouring, the blue is still bright but the red is fading away. The other 3 neons colours are fine and all 4 fish are very healthy. Has anyone come across this before? It is just a young fish so I don't think its due to age.
Any suggestions?
Lisa

 

[William]

How much lighting does your tank have - how many hours per day, how long have you had these fish?

 

[Phantom Thief]

hmmm....

Never heard of this before. I have a couple of neons, but no such thing...yet. I hope it will never happen. Anyone can explain this?

P.T.

 

[lisa F]

I have had the fish about 6weeks, they must have been young as they have doubled in size in that time. The lights are on for approx 12hours a day. The bulbs are the 2x 18w bulbs that came with the tank when I got it. I have bought 1 reflector and will be getting a reflector and new fluorescent bulb that is better for plant growth after new year- the lfs had ran out just before xmas.

The blue bit on the faded fish is fine but the red bit has gone a maroon\browny red colur compared to the other neons. The fish are all well, the water params are good and the plants have grown loads since the tank was set up so I assume lighting is adequate.

thanks again

 

[Jaded_Pulse]

i don't know whether this has anything to do with it but my neon (yes bad me only has one - accidently overstocked, can't get any more at the moment ) ) completely fades when it's dark. it's absolutely bizarre - i'll come home, turn my light on & here's this ghostly pale neon, but within 5-10mins he's as bright & colourful as before!! anyways, maybe ur guy's stressed & trying to camouflage (yes i'm aware that's a crazy theory), or do neons lose colour over time maybe??

 

[kmurph]

Queen ... Many fish, including neons, will fade their colors at night. It's just a natural event. Which is why when the lights are turned back on they color up again after a few minutes. Nothing to worry about

 

[Jaded_Pulse]

thanx kmurph - i thought it must've been something like that, i just found it bizarre lol

anyways, hope ur neon's ok lisa, sorry i'm not much help )

 

[billy61788]

i have 4 neons and the same thing happens to them...theyll be dull and then awhile later there colors are bright again