Change in Cherry Barb behavior and missing guppy

[armour72]

Hi there. On 12/5 I removed all of my fish into a tote with tank water and removed the Eco-Complete substrate I had as a bottom layer. I washed the entire tank and rinsed the Fluorite that was the top layer of substrate then returned only the Fluorite. I planted mostly new plants. I did this because the substrate was too thick and I have had no luck reducing my ph even with RO/well 50/50. It hovers around 8.4. I planned to add CO2 next. Having only one substrate is easier for me to pin down and fix my problem...I think. Anyway, after putting everything back together and returning my fish I started testing my water every 3-6 hrs for a few days. I also did 50% water changes for 3 days. My water parameters have been good since I put it all back together. My pH has not changed. On 12/12, one of my guppies was missing. I haven't seen her since and cannot find her in my tank. Today, I have 2 cherry barbs chasing everyone around and stressing all the fish. All of these fish have been together since February. They have been peaceful together and none of them have behaved like this until today. I can't figure out what is happening and I am afraid to make another change by adding CO2. Is it possible that the cherry barbs killed my guppy and ate her? Why the sudden change in behavior? Today was the day I planned to add CO2. I'm not sure what to do. I welcome and appreciate any advice. Thank you.
I have a Fluval Flex 32.5g
5 guppies (now 4)
5 cherry barbs
3 mollies
2 neon terra
3 reticulated hillstream loaches

 

[jaylach]

Have you checked your water parameters? With a complete cleaning and breakdown of the tank you may have killed off the good bacteria.

 

[armour72]

Have you checked your water parameters? With a complete cleaning and breakdown of the tank you may have killed off the good bacteria.

Hi. Thanks for responding. Yes, I have been checking my water frequently because I was afraid I would cause my tank to cycle again. I have also been doing frequent water changes. I have been watching them closely today and it seems like they are fighting over a new hiding spot under driftwood. That really stinks because it is a huge, beautiful piece of wood. I have no idea if that is really the reason. It's very frustrating. I caught the 2 offenders and isolated them. Then another male started chasing the remaining 2 barbs. I haven't been able to catch him yet.

 

[MaloK]

Distress is the main driver of comportment changes. But at the moment they are probably getting used to their new environment.

Without the initial reason why you removed your eco-complete. And moved the fishes to a tote...

I would think that you have not rinsed your media / or waited, enough at initial setup.

Water changes could be required before anything, without disturbing your newly installed substrate.

It is rich stuff.

You will also hope for the fishes not disturb it too much after... And cover the thing with plants.

Ph is not really a factor after a proper introduction, if you can maintain a good stable general hardness.

 

[armour72]

Thank you. I appreciate your input. In the beginning I made the substrate way to thick and was advised to remove the bottom layer. I was under the impression that the thick substrate made a healthier tank. I never considered how much water it would displace. Many people had told me to remove half of it. I've been dreading it and had put it off since early spring because I wasn't sure if I really wanted to do that. But eventually I realized I needed to fix it.

I don't have a spare tank large enough for that many fish so I bought a new 55g tote that I could drain most of the tank water into and place the rocks and driftwood in as well. I was trying to keep the beneficial bacteria alive. I drained the remaining tank water into a bucket and put my filter and pump submerged in there. I had air stones, 2 heaters, and mini wave maker in the tote with the fish along with other tank items. The Flourite that I put back in the tank was the original top layer of substrate. The Eco-Complete had been under it. I rinsed the Flourite real well before I put it back.
Today the fish are a little calmer. I think you are right that they are still getting used to the new setup. Unfortunately, I now realize that I took too much out. I'm having a hard time keeping plants down even with weights because the fish can knock them loose. The substrate is about 2" now. I want to buy more Flourite, rinse it very well, and put it in areas where I have heavy planting...but I don't dare. I'm really disappointed in how this project turned out.