Do Neon Tetras Need A Filter? (Complete Information)

Neon tetras are freshwater fish species that do not need a water filter in their natural habitat. But when placed in captivity, will neon tetras require a water filter to survive? Let us find out.

Neon tetras need a water filter as it helps maintain water quality by removing uneaten food and waste materials from the water column. It also helps break down ammonia which can cause harm to your fish. Consider adding a sound filtration system to your tetra’s tank for their well-being.

The below article discusses the benefits of a water filter in your neon tetras. In addition, we will also learn how to keep your neon tetras without a water filter.

Why do neon tetras require filters in their tank?

Neon tetras are freshwater fish species that prefer to live in adequate water conditions, as poor water conditions in the tank can lead to significant health issues like loss of appetite and stress in your fish.

A water filter in the tank helps to eliminate harmful toxins like ammonia from the water and keep it clean.

Not placing a water filter in your neon tetras tank can make your fish suffer from significant health issues, weakening them and making them prone to several diseases and parasites.

So, we recommend you add a water filter to your neon tetra’s tank to ensure its well-being and a longer lifespan.

Neon tetras water requirements

Particulars	Neon Tetras
Water Temperature	75-80°F
Ph Level	6.0-7.0
Ammonia Level	0ppm
Nitrite Level	0ppm
Nitrate Level	Below 20ppm

What are the advantages of a water filter in your neon tetras tank?

Below are the advantages of a water filter in your neon tetras tank

1. A water filter helps to eliminate all the harmful chemicals like ammonia from the water and keep it clean.
2. The water filter also helps maintain the tank’s oxygen level, which helps your neon tetras to stay fit and active.
3. Adding a water filter to your neon tetra’s tank eliminates the need for frequent water changes.
4. A water filter allows the carbon dioxide to leave the water and oxygen to enter, which helps maintain enough oxygen in your neon tetras tank. 
5. A water filter helps to remove the leftover food, decaying matter, and other chemicals from your neon tetras tank.

The above are some advantages of adding a water filter to your neon tetras tank.

How does a water filter work?

A water filter works in three stages to keep your tank’s water clean. 

Mechanical Filtration 

Mechanical filtration is the primary filtration stage.

In this process, the untreated water goes through a cartridge or mesh filter that carries the eliminated particles on the surface or within the filter.

Large particles like uneaten food and organic matter get eliminated from the tank making mechanical filtration vital for your neon tetra’s proper health.

Chemical Filtration 

Chemical Filtration is the next stage of filtration. In this process, a water filter ensures chemicals are in the tank’s water and protects your neon tetra from toxic chemicals.

We advise removing the chemical filtration if you need to provide any treatment to your neon tetras. 

Activated charcoal is the most common chemical filter as it removes toxins from the water without eliminating the beneficiary salts and minerals.

Biological Filtration 

Biological filtration is the last stage of the filtration process.

In this process, the beneficial bacteria clean the water in the tank.

When the water goes through the biological filter, the beneficial bacteria feed upon any nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia removing them from your fish tank.

What are the cons of placing your neon tetras without a water filter?

A water filter helps to maintain the tank’s water quality by eliminating all the leftovers and toxic chemicals like nitrite and ammonia from the water and keeping it clean.

Leftovers and fish waste in the tank can pollute the tank’s water quality, affecting the health of your neon tetras.

A lack of water filter in your neon tetras tank can contaminate your tank’s water rapidly, eventually leading to significant health issues in your fish.

Poor water quality in your neon tetra’s tank can lead to a drop in the tank’s oxygen level, eventually making your fish suffer from oxygen deficiency and gasp for air at the tank’s water surface.

In addition, contaminated water in the tank can also spike the tank’s ammonia and nitrite level, eventually making them suffer from significant health problems like ammonia poisoning.

So, placing your neon tetras in a well-filtered tank will be advisable to ensure their adequate development and a longer lifespan.

Consider adding a Fluval High-Performance water filter to your neon tetras tank, as it helps maintain the tank’s water quality by removing harmful chemicals. 

You can buy it from Amazon  Fluval High-Performance Aquarium Filter.

Also, read: 10 Signs Of Stress In Neon Tetras

How long can your neon tetras survive without a water filter?

Your neon tetras will not be able to survive for more than 4-5 days if you do not add a water filter to their tank.

A water filter helps eliminate harmful toxins like ammonia and nitrite, providing a safe environment for your tetras.

A lack of water filter in your neon tetras tank can expose your neon tetras to harmful chemicals like ammonia and nitrite, eventually making your fish suffer from significant health issues and pass away.

So, place your neon tetras in a well-filtered tank to provide them with a stress-free environment and a longer lifespan.

Types of water filters for your neon tetras tank?

Below are the types of water filters you can add to your neon tetras tank

Canister Filters

Canister filters are an ideal option for a big tank. Neon tetras are schooling fishes that require a minimum of 10-gallon tank for their development. So, you can add a canister filter to your neon tetras tank.

It is placed below the aquarium, where the water flow helps convert the contaminated water to good-quality water. In addition, it is also easy to clean as it is placed below the tank.

HOB Filters

HOB filters are another ideal filter option for your neon tetra tank. It is placed at the back of your tank, so it does not consume much space.

It is also cheaper than canister filters but holds fewer benefits than canister filters.

Internal Filters

Internal filters are placed inside the tank and consume a lot of space in your neon tetras tank.

The above are some ideal filter options for your neon tetras tank.

How to keep your neon tetras without a water filter?

Neon tetras are schooling fishes requiring a sound filtration system in their tank for adequate development.

However, if you do not want to add a water filter to your tetra’s tank, then below are the ways to keep your tetras to keep your tetra without a water filter.

Perform frequent water changes

You should perform frequent water changes in your neon tetras tank if you want to keep them without a water filter.

We advise you to perform a water change every three days to maintain the tank’s water quality.

Do not overfeed neon tetras

You should avoid overfeeding your neon tetras to maintain the tank’s water quality.

Overfeeding your neon tetras can lead to digestive issues in your fish, eventually leading to excessive waste in the tank and requiring more frequent water changes.

Therefore, you should always provide the amount your neon tetras can consume in under two minutes to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding your tetras.

Do not overcrowd your neon tetras tank.

Overcrowding your neon tetras tank can contaminate your tank’s water rapidly, eventually making you perform frequent water changes and leading to several health problems for your tetras.

We advise following the one-inch-one-gallon rule to provide ample space for your neon tetras and prevent overcrowding.

The above are some ways to keep your neon tetras without a water filter.

Also, read: How Many Neon Tetras In A 10-Gallon Tank?

Conclusion:

1. Neon tetras are freshwater fish species that prefer to live in good water conditions, as lousy water conditions can cause major health issues like loss of appetite and stress in your fish.
2. Contaminated water in the tank can also spike the tank’s ammonia and nitrite levels, making your neon tetras suffer from significant health problems like ammonia poisoning.
3. A water filter in the tank helps remove harmful toxins like ammonia from the water and keeps it clean.
4. You should perform frequent water changes and avoid overfeeding and overstocking if you want to keep your neon tetras without a water filter.
5.  Therefore always place your neon tetras in a well-filtered tank to provide them with a stress-free environment and a longer lifespan.

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Reference: NCBI