Sick neon tetras

[Freyfish]

I’ve had three neons die (no sign on them) two are fine and one is sick. It’s bloated with eye bulges and gasping for breath, there seems to be some discolouration as well. I’ve a well cycled tank, I do weekly 20% water changes and have stable parameters. I’ve given the fish two salt baths but it’s still isolated and unwell. I haven’t fed it for three days. Any ideas?

[plankton]

It could be columnaris, neons are relatively prone to it nowadays.
I would be feeding with garlic-soaked food alongside the treatment (I can't remember what the best one is). Crush a part clove of garlic, leave for 10 minutes for the enzymes to start producing the good stuff that boosts immune systems and put the food in it before feeding.

[Martinspuddle]

Greetings & welcome to

Agreed, as above.

[Freyfish]

Thanks, it’s on my list of things to rule out. I honestly didn’t think he’d still be going but I’ll try out the garlic (I was going to try and pea today so I’ll soak it) and see if it help!

[Martinspuddle]

What are your water parameters and how warm is your water?

[Freyfish]

No3- <20
NO1 - 0
PH- 7.5
GH ppm- 120
KH ppm - 180

I have hard water and have always had pretty similar readings- I keep the tank around 24/25 degrees

[Martinspuddle]

No3- <20
NO1 - 0
PH- 7.5
GH ppm- 120
KH ppm - 180

I have hard water and have always had pretty similar readings- I keep the tank around 24/25 degrees

Just a thought if this is Columnaris. You could also lower the aquarium temperature gradually a few degrees as Columnaris which is bacterial infection, thrives in warmer water temperatures.

[Freyfish]

Yes good idea, I’ll give it a try

[Freyfish]

He’s not looking great especially compared to the healthy ones