Feeding Question

[BubbleBlower]

I added my first lot of fish to my aquarium yesterday. I purchased 3 Black Phantom Tetras and 3 Columbian Red Fin Tetras. The Phantoms were a little shy yesterday and after an initial cautious exploration they mostly stayed behind one of the ornaments. The Columbians were fine though, exploring everywhere. I gave them a little food which the Columbians got most of. They are a quicker species anyway it seems.

This morning the Phantoms are a lot livelier and swimming about quite happily. I gave them some flakes and the Columbians seemed to get most of it. The Phantoms were going mad as well but seemed to miss the food even when it floated right by them. I am worried that they aren't getting any.

Is this normal? Should I get a pellet food or something for them?

They are my first tropical fish and I don't want to loose them.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

did you cycle the tank before adding fish?

if not have a read of the topic 'what's cycling?' in my sig which should tell you what to do.

you need 6 of each kind of tetra and they will not be happy in smaller groups, this is why they are a little shy and you sould try and increase the numbers soon (although only when the water stats are fine if it's not cycled).

all tetra's should take flake but they do need a nice varied diet so you need to get some other foods as well. get 2/3 types of flake, tetra prima, frozen bloodworms, daphnia etc and give them veggies like peas once in a while too.

don't panic if fish don't eat straight away, they sometimes take a day or two to adjust to a new environment and therefore feel comfortable enough to start eating. only worry if it's still going on in a few days

 

[BubbleBlower]

Thanks, yes the water is fine I have checked it. Also the temperature is fine for them.

They were shy yesterday but seem to be mixing a bit better now. I don't want to add anymore at the moment until the filter has adjusted so was planning on leaving it about 2 weeks. I wanted to leave enough room for a couple of other types of fish ideally, maybe Gourami or Guppies - would they get on fine? I suppose a lot of it is adjusting to their new environment. I'm just being anxious that they are OK!

I will get them some other foods today and give them something different tonight. Thanks for that

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I don't want to add anymore at the moment until the filter has adjusted so was planning on leaving it about 2 weeks. I wanted to leave enough room for a couple of other types of fish ideally, maybe Gourami or Guppies - would they get on fine? I suppose a lot of it is adjusting to their new environment. I'm just being anxious that they are OK!

I will get them some other foods today and give them something different tonight. Thanks for that

good plan, keep an eye on water conditions for the next few days

i'm not 100% sure but i think gourami's or guppies should be ok, providing of course that there is enough space in the tank for them.

there is a definate period of adjustment, some fish just take a little longer to settle in. don't panic for a day or so but post back again if they've not taken anything in a few days.

 

[BubbleBlower]

OK, thanks for your help