Neon tetras died within hours

[newtofish1980]

We bought an aquarium on Tuesday, and conditioned and followed all instructions. It is Thursday and we bought 2 Dalmation fish, 3 Neon Tetras, and an albino frog. Within 3-4 hours the noen tetras were all dead, but the dalmation fish and frog are fine. Just wondering what could be the reason they died, but not the others????

 

[bettaowner]

Sounds like you added fish too quickly. You need to wait a month at least for nitrifying bacteria to build up. Could also be an acclimation issue.

 

[okapizebra]

Neon tetras are very sensitive to poor water conditions. It's likely the dalmatian fish (most likely a dalmatian molly?) is less sensitive to the water. If your tank is new, then your tank has not yet cycled. You need to read up on the nitrogen cycle. Your tank can not yet fully process all the waste your fish are producing and turn it into a less harmful form.

I don't have the link handy for cycling info but I'm sure someone will post it...

 

[okapizebra]

Found it!

I just learned about cycling but I already have fish. What now?! - Aquarium Advice

 

[bud29]

The link given to you will help. You need to cycle your tank, no matter what. It's really no fun having to wait a month but it's worth it when you have healthy fish.