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On Sunday, I added 4 new neon tetras to the shoal of 9 in my 55g. I had purchased 3 of those 9 the week prior, adding to my 6 original from a couple months ago.

Tonite, I noticed that I had only two left, and found only three carcasses, two of which had been munched upon by other tankmates.

I can only assume that one of the new batches of neons brought some sort of crud into the tank that killed them all.

I checked parameters tonite as follows: Ammonia 0ppm, Nitrites 0ppm, Nitrates about 20+ppm, 78 degrees F ph 8.2. The tank is a recently established (fully cycled for about 2 mos now) 55g.

The other tankmates are three gouramis, 3 platys 1 guppy and the remaining 2 neons.

I had a bit of a bout with Ich, but had been treating that for about 3 weeks, had discontinued treatments for that over a week ago. I have seen no signs of spots for at least two weeks or more.

It seems like I have heard of some sort of neon tetra affliction that can wipe out entire populations??

Thanks!

Never assume, but did you buy the second and last lot from the same store. If so this is where the problem could be even though you bought them separately they could have still been from the same batch. This can also happen if they were bought from different LFS they could have the same supplier.

I would contact the LFS explain what has happened and see what they have to say.

This is one reason I have always stated that the Cardinals are a far better buy.
A friend who is an importer always only buys small tetras and has a far greater survival rate than buying larger tetras.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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"It seems like I have heard of some sort of neon tetra affliction that can wipe out entire populations??"

I think what you're referring to is NTD or Neon Tetra Disease so named because it was first noticed among NT's but I believe it's spread to other 'hardier' tetras such as cardinals simply because of how they're bred for mass LFS consumption. To my knowledge there is no cure for it.

Keith raises a very valid point, even if they're not from the same store, they're likely from the same supplier. This is where quarantine comes in very very useful. Always spend a good amount of time looking at your fish before you buy, check the whole tank not just the one or two that you may want. And always keep them in quarantine for a few weeks so they don't pass anything on.

I think you're right in assuming that the noobs did it, seeing as you had 6 healthy ones that's quite a blow .

^_^

well, to address a couple of excellent points...

I do not purchase fish from tanks with deceased fish, and I take great care to look over the entire stock of a tank carefully before purchasing any specimens from a particular tank.

I looked over the profile for NTD and these critters didn't exhibit any of the outward symptoms of that particular illness. They were simply here one day and gone the next, en masse.

So, I really have no clue what was introduced into my tank. So far one of the remaining two Neons has died but none of the other fish have shown any sort of signs of illness.

I will continue to do WC and watch the tank closely.

I do not purchase fish from tanks with deceased fish, and I take great care to look over the entire stock of a tank carefully before purchasing any specimens from a particular tank.

Some problems will not show up straight away it is like an incubation period.

As far as looking at tank stocks this is easily fixed all dead and sick fish are removed before the LFS opened.

I got caught on buying 3 Cardinal Tetras they just started to waste away for no reason but only those three. This might sound strange but an importer told me to raise the temp as they "could" have had TB. After doing this I have not lost any more and that was over one year ago.

As no other fish is infected it looks like tour problem is with the tetras only.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW