Moving Rock Around

[Ginge]

Does this make the fish more active because the guys at my lfs told me if i move the rock with every water change it stops the fish setting up their own sections of the tank. My fish have all found their places and stay there if i move rock every so often will they be more active swimming around as mine stay in alot and come out to eat.

 

[rixy]

i move my ocean rock every week or 2 because i get bored with the look.my fish are always active.the never hide during the day.

 

[Marshall]

It depends on the type of cichlid really. Mbuna's will become more active if the rocks are moved around as they establish new territory. However, Tanganyikans like Julidochromis and Gobies who form a pairing bond do not like to be disturbed, especially if you are fortunate to have a breeding pair. They have been known to break their bond if the territory is lost.

I find it better to create little niches in my display tank so each species has its hide out and I know which don't mind be disturbed and which do.

 

[mamafish68]

You want active??
Get a gerbil and a wheel

in the wild theres no giant hand reaching in the lake to disrupt the substrate, I dont get why we think were so special and have to screw with their house all the time.