Concerned About My Synodontis

[TraceyB]

I moved my tank yesterday. (75L)

In order to do this I moved all my fish into a 80L container with pump, air stone


They were in the container for no more than an hour and half

Lightly cleaned the tank, I probably replaced about 40% of their water (transferring the majority of old water back in)

My concern is this.

My always docile synodontis multipunctata is all over the tank swimming up and down the front of the glass. H e is not interested in food, I know they usually come out at night, but If I put out a tablet in the morning he would venture out and nibble...He was like that last night but I put it down to moving him about and expected him to settle by this morning.

Water test readings

Ammonia 0.00ppm
Nitrites 0.00ppm
Nitrates 20-40ppm
PH 7.4

Temp 27c

I have added some aquarium salts this morning and some nutrafin plus to see of that would calm things


Has anyone had a similar experience? am I worrying about nothing and he should settle down?

 

[Tizer]

The fact that you have a single Syno, that should be kept in a group of at least 3 or 4 (but will thrive in bigger) and in at least a 4 foot tank is probably more cause for concern than anything else.

These guys like low lighting, hard water and dozens of hidey holes to lurk around in during the day and only really show their faces at night to feed when they feel safe. I would say hes stressed out because hes alone and the environment he is in, is not suitable. You might want to have a think about returning him to the local fish shop and picking something that's more suitable. Sorry, it probably sounds harsh, but thems the breaks.

I should also point out, when he gets older, he will go for any small fish you might have, i.e. neon's could be a nice little snack. Its not that they proactively hunt for small fish, but if they get close and brush past him, he might consider it a fair game meal.

Also, adding aquarium salt isn't something you should do "willynilly" its a last resort treatment, as many fish can suffer from its use.

Edit: I noticed from your other post your syno looks like a bit of a cross breed? No real way of telling you what his behaviour might be like, hes very cute though!

 

[TraceyB]

The fact that you have a single Syno, that should be kept in a group of at least 3 or 4 (but will thrive in bigger) and in at least a 4 foot tank is probably more cause for concern than anything else.

These guys like low lighting, hard water and dozens of hidey holes to lurk around in during the day and only really show their faces at night to feed when they feel safe. I would say hes stressed out because hes alone and the environment he is in, is not suitable. You might want to have a think about returning him to the local fish shop and picking something that's more suitable. Sorry, it probably sounds harsh, but thems the breaks.

I should also point out, when he gets older, he will go for any small fish you might have, i.e. neon's could be a nice little snack. Its not that they proactively hunt for small fish, but if they get close and brush past him, he might consider it a fair game meal.

Also, adding aquarium salt isn't something you should do "willynilly" its a last resort treatment, as many fish can suffer from its use.

Edit: I noticed from your other post your syno looks like a bit of a cross breed? No real way of telling you what his behaviour might be like, hes very cute though!

Yes I am aware of that thanks, Currently doing a fishless cycle on a bigger tank to re house him, and think of stocking more'mates then'........ His behaviour has changed since yesterday........ Was really looking for advice ....

 

[Tizer]

Hes maturing, hes been stressed out, he has no buddies to calm him down, hes not got enough space, he needs to be left alone, perhaps with the lights off for a while and you could even cover the tank with a sheet.

Your water readings are fine, you've not made any mention of any growths, red gills or other oddities which indicates any illness other than him going bananas all over the place, which, most of the time is stress.

Considered moving your current filter over to the new tank and moving the fish over too?

Then you could cycle the new filter using the small tank

 

[TraceyB]

I have a trickle filter system which prevents me from moving the whole system over. have moved some filter media over and its in another pump working away (currently nitrites and nitrates off the chart and ammonia managing to cycle in 12 hours) ...... I put it down to stress ...... No redness noted. Just see how it goes overnight.....

 

[Tizer]

sounds like a plan, he will benefit from lights out and an early night though! ;0