Neon sick?

[Breakthecycle2]

Im not sure whats wrong, if anything. His belly is a bit big and he seems to have lost coloration a bit and is hanging out in the plants. MY tank is in the 3rd week of cycling. The ammonia is 0, Nitrite is 2 or 3 and the PH is 7.8. Could it be NTD?

 

[breezer40]

I'd say yes. Neons are not a cycling fish

 

[WILDER]

Well neons need a mature tank of six months, they are not very good at all in a cycling tank, the colouration loss is probably down to poor water quality, the bloating of the stomach can be a numbers of things, what do you feed the fish, can he maintain his balance in the water, what does it look like when the fish goes to the toilet, all i can suggest is a shelled pea and some frozen daphnia, but with him losing his colour not sounding to good the cycling of the tank is taking it''s toll on the poor fish.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

The water quality is very good. I did not know any better when I got them..I have 3 regular and 6 black neons, all seem healthy with this exception. He eats and swims normal, but theres some type of what looks to be fungus on him, that you can really only see when the fish is sideways. I really havent lost any fish since the tank was started, Any ideas? Any ideas of what I can do?

 

[annka5]

Nitrite should be zero ppm. Otherwise, the water quality is not at all good for the fish. I'd suggest you do 25% water changes at least once a day to keep the levels of nitrite lower, until the tank is fully cycled.
The toxicity of ammonia and nitrite vary with the acidity of the water, so it could be that they managed the higher ammonia of the early stages of the tank due to that.
I think black neons are slightly hardier than neons are. Also, some fish are healthier than others -so this could be why only one is affected so far.

 

[Lateral Line]

Tolerance of pollution varies from individual to individual. Sounds to me like one of your Neons, a species notoriously sensitive to pollution, is in a polluted tank and loosing it. Nitrite greater then zero is a polluted tank.

Pollution sensitive fish in polluted conditions will have their immune systems compromised. They will be subject to all and any pathogen that comes along.

Black Neons are a totally different species and are much tougher.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

I've been doing water changes from 30-50% every day or every other day. What should i do for the fish?

 

[annka5]

The symptoms you describe "His belly is a bit big and he seems to have lost coloration a bit and is hanging out in the plants" - sound like he is suffering as a result of the toxic water he's in. Therefore, the best thing you can do is improve the water.
You mention a possible faint fungus -could you describe it any more than that? You can't really treat him with medication when you don't know what the disease is. If he has any other symptoms, pls post them.
Keep an eye on him, and keep doing water changes -try for 25% twice a day until your nitrites are at a better level.

 

[IMCL85]

It can also be stressed. I notice that when I doing water change my neon and cardinal color will looks a little lighter then they usually does. If it continue to fade in color and not schooling with the others then it probably is ntd. Which is pretty much fatle but any ways good luck to ya and ur little neon.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

Hes really bloated and there appears to be a few white spots. Not like Ich, There only about 4 towards his tail and anal fins. Imagine taking a wet fish and droping him ona white carpet, thats sort of what he looks like, although not as sever as something like that would be. it sort of looks like he has a clearish, white "lint" on him. It's 100% not ICH. I've had to deal with that before and pretty recently.

 

[WILDER]

Read this just to make sure.

http/www.nippyfish.net/flexibacter.html

 

[Breakthecycle2]

That could verywell be it, but it doesn't explain the bloating.

 

[WILDER]

Feed some peas, the med should help with the bloating if the bacteria desease hasn't progressed to far, good luck.

 

[Lateral Line]

It does sound like a bacterial infection. In such adverse water conditions, I doubt the immune system can be prompted back into life. I suspect the case is terminal. A broad spectrum anti bacterial may help, at least the other fish.

You didn't know, it is not your fault. Your lfs has failed you. You'll know better next time.

 

[mattbeau]

you can also try feeding him daphnia, it is supposted to be good for there digestive system, and they generally love the stuff, makes them happy.

the discoloration could be a number of factors, generally if they arent happy, there colors will fade, the color also fades at night when the lights go off. If his color is faded, it probably means theres something wrong. and is a good indicator that there is a problem with the water.

I made the same mistake when I first started and bought 5 neon tetras to cycle the water. woops bad Idea, they all died.