new rummy nose tetras

[tedr108]

I've been wanting to get some RNTs (rummy nose tetras) and bought 6 of the "true" variety at the LFS last week (only $3 each) -- they are now in my 50G planted tank with 25 cardinals, 18 galaxy rasboras, 4-6 panda corys, 1 ember tetra, 9 RCS, & 2 amano shrimp.

Not sure if RNTs do not ship well or what, but the guy at the LFS told me flat out that they will be getting ick. Every shipment of RNTs he gets, gets ick. I thought, "Well, I keep my water around 82 degrees, that shouldn't be a problem." Sure enough, next day all 6 of them had a few spots of ick ... 2nd day they were covered. I was concerned, but didn't panic, just cranked up my water to 83 degrees -- all signs of ick were gone in a couple of days. Sigh of relief.

A few things that I have found:

1) RNTs can eat! I'm sure most of you have seen zebra danios eat. Well, RNTs are only one notch below them in speed and agility at feeding time. My other fish are having a tough time getting any food at all. I've been working on techniques to get my other fish fed, such as spreading flakes around a larger area and dropping in big pellets that sit on the bottom for all to share. Live BBS feedings also help ... seems most fish get at least some of those little fellas.

2) My RNTs, even though they are bigger than my other fish, are total sweethearts towards the other fish and critters in my tank (except for hogging all of the food, of course). They literally go out of their way to avoid touching the other inhabitants, even during a feeding frenzy. If a cory cat or shrimp is nibbling on something on the substrate, an RNT may come and pick around them, but they totally avoid bothering them in any way. At this stage of my aquatic hobby evolution, I am into peaceful fish -- when my SAEs got bigger and got too agressive during feeding time, I took them back to the LFS. Nobody messes with my panda corys.

3) I'm used to my cardinals and galaxies hiding when I come into the room, especially if I come near the tank (even though I've had them for several months -- the little ingrates! ). The RNTs, on the other hand, see me and come to the front of the tank -- yes, I know it's all about the food and not me. The best thing is that since the RNTs come to front of the tank, my other fish all come out now too.

Anyway, I'm glad I got the RNTs...they are very cool.

 

[Gerryd]

Hi Ted,

Congrats on your new fish!

Many tetras are susceptible to ick, especially those I find that you can't see before you buy lol.

I cannot strongly recommend a quarantine tank, no matter how small.

I had them years ago and liked them as well. Always moving and always together in a nice school.

They were twice the size of the false rummy nose I also had at the time.

Yes, are good eaters and quick.

Good luck.

 

[tedr108]

Thanks, Gerry.

Yeah, the rummies are the best schooling fish I have owned. They are like a 6-fish synchronized swimming team 24/7.

Well, I have an established quarantine tank and told the LFS guy I was going to put the RNTs there, especially since they are ick prone. He said, "Well, you'll put them in the quarantine, they'll get ick and you'll cure it. Then, you'll put them in your display tank, and they'll get ick again." That may have been bad advice, but I take responsibility for not going with my instincts. I lowered the temp too soon and ick has come back (mildly at this point), now some of my cardinals have mild cases too. This is a PITA. I've never had any diseases in my tank since I got most of these fish sometime around January. My temp is now back up to 83 and I'll go longer before lowering it next time. I'm also going to start doing small water changes often to see if that helps.

All of my fish are happy and eating well, so I think all will be fine long term -- I'm hoping.

 

[VaughnH]

If you can borrow a UV filter and use that for awhile, you might have a better chance of wiping out the ich problem. I have been lucky (knock on wood) and haven't had that problem with any of my fish. But, I haven't had rummy nose tetras either. That is the next fish I plan to use.

 

[tedr108]

Thanks for the tip, Hoppy. I did not realize that UV filters help with ich.

 

[prophetess]

Rummy Nose Tetras

Hi I am pretty new to fish keeping, I have had two RNT for the past 4 months
a couple of days ago i bought another 6 tonight i found one of the new ones dead and the other new ones look like they have white spots on them is this Ick that i have read about in the forum and what do i do,
could someone help please

 

[bigfoot]

Yes, that is ick. Raise the temp to 31-32C, 50% WC everyday. The white spots should be gone in a couple of days, you can lower the temp to 30-31C for a week. This is based on my actual experience, have done this 2-3x with success and 0 casualties. Others may have their own methods.