Cave

[G_Thing]

I bought a skull shapped cave today for cover for my fish, 2 sword tail, 3 guppy's and 5 neons. The holes in the cave are really quite big as is the cave , it takes up quite a bit of room. But the thing is the fish wont go near it, they just swim at the top of the tank now and occasionally come down for a look, but other than that they dont bother. The main reason i bought it was cover for my male sword tail because he was hiding under my filter for shade, i know this because soon as i turn the light of he comes out. But he's just under the filter again now, i did wash the cave before i put it in, is there any thing i can do to get them to swim through the cave??
Thanks

 

[celaeno]

fish are usually afraid of changes in their environment, particularly new ornaments. give it a week or two and they should start using it. but i wouldn't be surprised if they don't, since only cichlids and bottom feeders tend to use caves.

 

[J4MES]

Hmm well the fish you have dont really hide out a lot.

J4MES

 

[penguin22]

I bought a skull shapped cave today for cover for my fish, 2 sword tail, 3 guppy's and 5 neons. The holes in the cave are really quite big as is the cave , it takes up quite a bit of room. But the thing is the fish wont go near it, they just swim at the top of the tank now and occasionally come down for a look, but other than that they dont bother. The main reason i bought it was cover for my male sword tail because he was hiding under my filter for shade, i know this because soon as i turn the light of he comes out. But he's just under the filter again now, i did wash the cave before i put it in, is there any thing i can do to get them to swim through the cave??
Thanks

I would just give them a little time its probably a good thing they havent all rushed inside it

 

[loachman]

Hmm well the fish you have dont really hide out a lot.

J4MES

Yeah, it's likely a result of the fish you have. They are all fish that prefer plant-type cover and more open spaces (at least spaces they won't feel confined in) IME. I've never had a common livebearer or neon tetra go anywhere near a "cave"