Fish Are Affraid Of The Light

[JMcQueen]

I stocked a new tank yesterday with a couple of blackmoors. I deliberately left the tank lighting off to allow them to settle. However, today the light went on with the timer and they immediately swam and hid under the filter. They're both sitting there together hiding in what they assume to be cover.

Do I just leave the light on and allow them to get used to the fact that theyre not going to get eaten by anything?

 

[fluttermoth]

They should soon get used to it. If you can, feed them when the light comes on and they'll soon learn that the light coming on is a good thing

Also, make sure you have plenty of cover, like floating plants or something, which will help them feel more secure.

 

[JMcQueen]

Well they've now been in for about 10 days and they're still much happier with the light off. When its on they tend to swim low to the bottom and hide behind the rocks and filter. When its off they're much happier. They'll swim to the tank wall to look at you (whos watching who?), go up to the surface and dive and generally play around.

Guess I just need to stick with it and hope they get used to it.

 

[Uriel]

You could add floating plants like frogbits or similar. This will give them a lot of shade and might make them a bit happier.

 

[JMcQueen]

You could add floating plants like frogbits or similar. This will give them a lot of shade and might make them a bit happier.

I have thought about doing that but I'd need to find a plant that was suitable to cold water environments and that goldfish dont like to eat! My other concern would be the reduced amount of light that would then hit the annubias at the bottom of the tank. Im already classed as 'low light'.

 

[Curiosity101]

Anubias should be fine even in quite a shaded environment.

Water wisteria might be suitable and goldfish proof... and that can be left floating.

 

[OldMan47]

Frogbit or that dreaded duckweed make great cover for fish that are afraid of light. Unfortunately, goldfish think plants are food and the floating plants will not last long in their tank. If you want to provide cover for them, a great idea, you will end up using one or more of the plastic or silk plants. That way it will still be there after the first week.

 

[JMcQueen]

Silk waterlily pads it is then!