Neon Tetra

Question
I just got 3 neon tetra fish at the store.  We already had a 10 gallon aquarium set up for them and tested the water pH and everything else before purchasing them.  When I put them in the aquarium after floating the bag for 15 minutes to regulate the temperature of the water, the one tetra sat on the bottom for awhile.  After it started moving, it swam with its tail down towards the gravel.  The other 2 tetra's weren't even swimming with this one either.  I wasn't sure if there was something wrong with it.

Answer
Hi Alicia!

Since you have a 10 Gallon aquarium, 3 Neon Tetras are not enough. Neon Tetras need to swim together in one big swarm. You have a fairly large tank so I'd recommend you buy and add about 8-10 more of them. Temp. could also be a problem, they do best between 73F and 79F degrees, but can live for short periods with temperatures in the 60F's. Over the long term, 68F to 82F will do. They prefer a pH of about 6 but can live in a pH from 5 to 7. While Neons can adapt to water with a pH greater than 7, they will not breed in alkaline water. The water should be clear and clean so frequent water changes are needed. The water should also be very soft. Neons eat most flake foods and small live, freeze-dried, and frozen foods. Like most small tropical fish, they really enjoy small live (or frozen or freeze dried) animals like brine shrimp, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, blackworms, etc. Most neons swim in the middle and lower portions of the tank.
Since you bought them at a store they are still exploring their new home and can be stresed out because of the change in environment. They also enjoy living in an environment with aquatic plants.
If you drove them back home they will feel stress because their natural habitats are in calm waters. You can try the API Stress Coat and Stress Zyme. They will remove up to 40% of stress from your fish and can lower the pH levels. Stress Zyme improves the development of the biological filter and helps clean a dirty aquarium. Contains over 300 million live bacteria per teaspoonful. It breaks down organic compounds that cause dangerous conditions such as ammonia and nitrite poisoning and low oxygen levels. Continuous use assures an active biological filter, cleaner aquarium, healthier fish and good water quality. No refrigeration necessary. But becare not to OVER-USE these items. You can buy these items online or at your local pet store.

Hope this helps! xD
~Sam