Skirt Tetra Help!!!!!

[Rei]

Hi, everyone.

I have just started my first aquarium! I did a lot of research beforehand; it’s a 10 gallon tank with a 20 gallon filter, a heater, and it’s cycled for a month. The water parameters have been tested (nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, alkalinity, pH, and ammonia) and everything is good.

Just a few days ago, I purchased 5 GloFish tetras (genetically modified skirt tetras) and a nerite snail and introduced them to the tank. I’m unfamiliar with the breed as my family only had danios and a betta fish before. Overall, I’ve gotten mixed reviews about skirt tetra temperament and I’m concerned that there’s something wrong with mine.

All but one seem to be breathing heavily; 3 are hiding in plants and staying near the glass while the other 2 swim around and seem territorial. I’ve seen one seemingly try to eat off of the ground and one swam in circles for a few hours. I’ve also not seen them school. I also see a white cloudy fuzz on some ornaments, but I think it’s algae?

Can you guys tell me how fast they’re supposed to breath and what their general temperament is like? What have yours been like?

 

[Aiken Drum]

Is the tank cycled?

Do you know your water parameters?

Have you tried a water change to see if things improve?

 

[heidigirl99]

Hi, Where did you purchase the fish?

I can’t answer for the GloFish variety but I have 4 black skirt tetras I purchased from a reputable local fish store and they have been great! I actually was still cycling my 29 gallon tank at the time I bought them, and they have been through that (hell) and have lasted almost a year so far. They are relatively chill. Not too much personality but super hardy; eat everything I give them, and get along well with all their tank mates (mainly mollies and 2 plecos).

I would do daily water changes to start. If you feel like they may have brought something home from the store, and all of your water parameters look good, I would try those three quarantine meds that the aquarium co-op recommends (Maracyn; Paracleanse; IchX)

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/faqs/how-to-use-quaratine-med-trio

 

[heidigirl99]

Also, IMHO they should not be hiding or swimming in circles after tank assimilation (few days). Mine will school quite often, even though there are only 4. Initially, when I saw one of them breathing heavily, I discovered high ammonia in the tank; luckily, I got to it fast. Nowadays, I rely on an Ammonia Alert patch.

 

[Rei]

Yes, it cycled for a month. I just tested the water and everything is at a normal level. I’ve been trying to wait a few days before a water change so that I won’t stress them further.

 

[Rei]

Also, IMHO they should not be hiding or swimming in circles after tank assimilation (few days). Mine will school quite often, even though there are only 4. Initially, when I saw one of them breathing heavily, I discovered high ammonia in the tank; luckily, I got to it fast. Nowadays, I rely on an Ammonia Alert patch.

I’ll definitely get one of those patches; I didn’t know they existed! However, I checked the ammonia and everything is fine on that front.

 

[Rei]

Hi, Where did you purchase the fish?

I can’t answer for the GloFish variety but I have 4 black skirt tetras I purchased from a reputable local fish store and they have been great! I actually was still cycling my 29 gallon tank at the time I bought them, and they have been through that (hell) and have lasted almost a year so far. They are relatively chill. Not too much personality but super hardy; eat everything I give them, and get along well with all their tank mates (mainly mollies and 2 plecos).

I would do daily water changes to start. If you feel like they may have brought something home from the store, and all of your water parameters look good, I would try those three quarantine meds that the aquarium co-op recommends (Maracyn; Paracleanse; IchX)

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/faqs/how-to-use-quaratine-med-trio

I also got my fish from a local fish store! Thank you for giving me insight on their personality. I’m so used to danios, who are bursting at the seams with personality and vigor. I believe they have brought some sort of bacterial infection from the pet store and I’m going to buy some medicine to put in the tank. Thank you so much!!!