The neon (Paracheirodon innesi) is a small freshwater fish native to South America, specifically the Amazon River basin. It is perfect for those who are approaching the world of aquariums for the first time, but you must know that it is unable to take care of itself when it grows in captivity; it is therefore important to ensure proper management of the aquarium, to keep the fish healthy and to know what to do in the presence of diseases, in order to offer them a long and healthy life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Keeping the Aquarium in Ideal Condition
Step 1. Purchase a large tub
Neon fish need an aquarium with a capacity of at least 40 liters of fresh water to have enough space to hide and swim. Calculate one aquarium of this size for every 24 specimens you want to keep.
Step 2. Activate the nitrogen cycle without the presence of animals
You need to do this a few weeks before taking them home; the cycle cleans the aquarium and removes any harmful bacteria that could kill them. Purchase a water test at pet stores; Before adding the fish, check that the values are 0 ppm (parts per million) of ammonia (NH3), nitrites (NO-2) and nitrates (NO-3).
To start the nitrogen cycle, fill the aquarium with clean water and turn on the filter; add enough ammonia to reach 2 ppm. Analyze the water every day and keep track of the time it takes for ammonia to break down into NO-2 and no-3. When nitrite levels rise, add more ammonia to lower them again; eventually, the process encourages the growth of NO-forming bacteria-3 and that instead cause nitrite levels to drop. Continue analyzing the water until all three elements return to zero values.
Step 3. Cover the filter inlet
Neons are small, delicate fish and could be sucked up by the filter with fatal consequences. Use a net or sponge to cover the entrance to the device to protect the creatures without preventing the filter from doing its job.
Step 4. Add some organic material
In nature, neons are used to living in an aquatic environment rich in plants; then insert some aquatic and semi-aquatic ones that you can buy in pet shops. Leaf scraps and some wood scraps also help simulate the natural habitat of these fish.
In addition, plants and woody scraps provide animals with spaces to hide, which they greatly appreciate in nature
Step 5. Monitor the pH level
Neons prefer slightly acidic water, with a pH between 5, 5 and 6, 8. Buy litmus papers at the pet store and follow the directions on the label to read the test values correctly; you must perform this analysis every time you change the water.
If you want neon fish to breed, the pH needs to stay slightly lower, around 5.0-6.0
Step 6. Prepare a peat bag to lower the pH
Purchase tights and a bag of organic peat (also known as sphagnum) that you can purchase at home improvement stores. After washing your hands, fill the foot of the sock with peat, tie the upper end and cut off the "bundle"; put it in the water and squeeze it a little to release the filtered peat into the aquarium. Afterward, drop it to the bottom of the tub; replace the bag every few months.
This solution also allows you to soften the water, an important aspect for the survival of neon fish
Step 7. Dim the lights
In nature this fish lives in dark waters; you must therefore place the aquarium in a relatively dark place in the house. To create the desired effect, purchase low-power bulbs at the pet store; in addition, plants and other hiding places can also create shady spaces within the aquarium.
Step 8. Check the temperature
Generally speaking, that of the water should be around 21-27 ° C; buy an adjustable heater that you can find at major pet stores, while to monitor the temperature buy a specific thermometer for aquariums.
If you have chosen to keep fish for breeding purposes, the temperature should be around 24 ° C
Step 9. Clean the aquarium regularly
Neon fish need a clean environment with a low level of nitrates and phosphates to resist disease. Replace 25-50% of the water at least every 15 days and brush away any algae that builds up on the walls, filter or decorations.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping Fish Healthy
Step 1. Add more fish
Neon needs to live in a group of six or more, otherwise it could get stressed and sick. You don't have to include larger carnivorous species that might even eat neons. Some aquarium companions you can evaluate are other neons, algae-eating fish, such as otos and cories, and African dwarf frogs.
Step 2. Quarantine the new specimens
To do this, you need to buy another tub if you don't already have one available. Keep new isolated fish in this second tank for at least two weeks; this caution prevents the risk of transmitting contagious pathologies, such as neon disease (Pleistophora hyphessobryconis) and that of white dots (icthyophtyriasis).
Step 3. Feed them by offering them a varied diet 2 or 3 times a day
Neon fish are omnivores and in nature feed mainly on insects. You can offer them wingless fruit flies and live or freeze-dried American worms; you can also provide algae (fresh or dried), live or freeze-dried brine shrimp and pelleted fish feed. Collect these foods from the wild or buy them from specialty pet stores.
- From time to time they need frozen peas that have been thawed and peeled, as they help with the digestive process.
- These fish may sometimes be afraid to approach and eat or may not even notice the food; if you find that they are not eating, use a dropper to put the food next to them.
Part 3 of 3: Coping with Diseases
Step 1. Quarantine fish affected by neon disease
This is the most common problem that can affect these animals; the first symptom is the isolation of the diseased fish swimming away from its peers. It also loses its characteristic fluorescent streak and develops spots or cysts on the dorsal fins. As soon as you notice these early signs, immediately put him in a quarantine tank; the disease is almost always incurable, but it is still worth asking your vet for more advice.
It is quite normal that during the night the livery of the fish becomes a little opaque; this effect is due to specific skin cells, called chromatophores, which rest. However, if the dull appearance remains throughout the day and for several consecutive days, it means that the fish is sick
Step 2. Treat white spot disease by making environmental changes and administering medications
It is a very contagious infection that causes the development of white dots covered with hair all over the body of the animal. To combat it, you need to slowly raise the water temperature and bring it to at least 30 ° C for three days to kill the parasites.
- If after this time the dots do not disappear, place the fish in quarantine and add a copper solution to the water (you can ask your vet for more details), following the directions on the package. Keep the copper concentration at 0.2 ppm; to measure it use a specific kit that you can buy in aquarium stores.
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Kill parasites in the original tank with aquarium salts, available in pet stores. Add a teaspoon (5 g) for every 4 liters of water every 12 hours for 36 hours and leave the residual salt in the container for 7-10 days.
If you have placed plastic plants in the tub, be aware that the salts could cause them to melt; for the sake of your fish, you should get rid of them
Step 3. Research other diseases
If the fish is unhealthy, it can develop neobenedenia infestations, bacterial, parasitic and other diseases. Check with your vet or read books that detail the symptoms and treatments for all diseases that can affect fish. In many cases, detecting symptoms early and taking appropriate action early can save these animals' lives.
Advice
- New specimens that are added to the aquarium may be swimming up and down the walls in an attempt to get out; this is completely normal behavior.
- If the fish shows any signs of disease, place it directly in a quarantine tank, otherwise it could infect all other fish.
- Never give neon fish cucumbers.
