All Cichlids At Bottom?

[callaghan]

So I have about 6 cichlids in a 55gal aquarium

I have noticed that twice now, they have ALL been sitting at the bottom not really doing much at all, and their colours look faded.
I have a bunch of different cichlids varying from a jack dempsey, bumblebee, to jewel cichlids..

I am just concerned because they only do this for a little bit and during, they will not eat but then afterwards, the colour comes back... and there swimming around like normal and eating fine

Could it be because I introduced 2 new cichlids to the tank and maybe they werent comfortable yet??

Thanks!
Lee

 

[Rainbowneil]

Have you tested the water?

What are the levels? Ph Ammonia etc

My Geophagus does this sometimes. A good water change should help

 

[kj23502]

They really shouldn't be sitting on the bottom faded Need more stats.

 

[callaghan]

ahhhh
well i did a quick ammonia test and it seemed to be okay
other than that, for other tests i would have to take the water to the store

seems to be more so at night though???

 

[dcarmor927]

What exactly is the ammonia stat, Ive seen ppl on here say that LFS have advised .5-1 ppm ammonia being non toxic

Are theyre alot of places to hide in the tank? maybe they feel like they have no where to run to...

And i would really invest in Nitrite/ate test kits as well

 

[callaghan]

ok. I'm going to look into it today.
I can't give exact levels but no, there aren't alot of places to hide I'm still working on that. But it seems to be at night. Usually if I have the light off for a bit then feel like taking a look at them before bed they will be like that.

 

[dcarmor927]

idk, maybe they are "sleeping" but still none of mine sit on the bottom when they "sleep"

 

[Bert]

well first off a JD isn't going to go over well with some africans. Also with a lack of places to hide they may be stressed. Fish do sleep at night so maybe you're feel more comfortable at the bottom?

 

[skittz]

yes amonia would play a part in the prob but also what is the bacteria like in the tank they need a good amount of it live plants gravel etc will help with it stress zymes will build up a healthy amount in ur tank but i say the same as a few who commented do a half water change then test the levels also try using some melafix as well