New Chichlids Help!

[heavenlybody73]

I have just got myself started with a new tank (30 litre)to start off with. It came fully equipt with all I needed to get started. I treated the tank with stress zyme & stress coat as instructed, got my self some Api crystals for the filter, an air stone and a few plants. The tank was left for a week. I purchased 2 chichlids yesterday and followed instructions before putting them in the tank. Temp is at 25 degrees. When I woke this morning the fish were laying at the bottom of the tank? one has fed but theres not much activity coming from them. Im off to get the water tested shorty but would be greatful of any suggestions. Is this normal? are they just adapting to the tank?...

 

[fluttermoth]

Hi there and welcome to the forum.

No, that does't sound like normal behaviour at all. I expect you have a build up of ammonia from the fish's waste in your tank as it hasn't been cycled (ie; it hasn't got any good bacteria growing in the filter yet). Just letting a tank run for a week does not cycle it despite what they might have told you in the shop!

I expect you need to a do a large (at least 50%) water change with warm, dechlorinated water as a first, emergency action.

What kind of chiclids do you have? As there are many different kinds, some of which grow to easily a foot long! Even the smallest species really shouldn't be in a 30 litre tank though. I would honestly suggest you take those fish back and do a fishless cycle as detailed here in our beginner's resource centre http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/ and then restock your tank with some more suitable inhabitants

Hope this is of some help; please don't hesitate to ask any other questions; there's always someone about to help

 

[Skins]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
I see your in good hands with Fluttermoth.

Keith.

 

[heavenlybody73]

Thanks for the help guys ) I have just returned from the shop with a perfect condition water result? all levels are good. They are starting to move around a bit more so I'll see how it goes.

 

[rob158]

to the forum,

 

[woody88]

Thanks for the help guys ) I have just returned from the shop with a perfect condition water result? all levels are good. They are starting to move around a bit more so I'll see how it goes.

First rule! Don't believe everything they tell you in the lfs. [They're on commission]. They could have told you your waters fine if they thought you would buy another fish as a result.

I still believe what fluttermoth said is correct. If a fish is gasping for air, It stands a good chance your water params are out. Do a large water change and grab yourself a decent test kit [Stay away from test strips, they're crap] Go with API and start testing for Ammonia,Nitrate,Nitrite,PH and KH.

Cichlids are too big for your tank i'm afraid mate. Best to stick with guppies,tetras,mollys etc for that size tank.

What cichlids are they?

Good luck and welcome to TFF!

 

[heavenlybody73]

Thanks for the help guys ) I have just returned from the shop with a perfect condition water result? all levels are good. They are starting to move around a bit more so I'll see how it goes.

First rule! Don't believe everything they tell you in the lfs. [They're on commission]. They could have told you your waters fine if they thought you would buy another fish as a result.

I still believe what fluttermoth said is correct. If a fish is gasping for air, It stands a good chance your water params are out. Do a large water change and grab yourself a decent test kit [Stay away from test strips, they're crap] Go with API and start testing for Ammonia,Nitrate,Nitrite,PH and KH.

Cichlids are too big for your tank i'm afraid mate. Best to stick with guppies,tetras,mollys etc for that size tank.

What cichlids are they?

Good luck and welcome to TFF!

 

[heavenlybody73]

Got myself a couple of (tiny)Jack dempseys, The tank I have is small I know, Intend to get a larger one real soon. I think my problem was due to the transfer they are doing great now the fish wern't gasping for air , they were hanging out on the bottom not doing much. What size tank do you rekon I should be aiming for? Bear in mind Im just getting started.

 

[fluttermoth]

The rule of thumb for larger fish, like your JDs is; a tank at least four times their eventual adult size in length, and twice the width. A full grown JD should be 8 to 10 inches, so you'll need a tank about 48"x20".

I know you're just getting started, but you do need to provide those fish with a proper sized tank! They might be tiny now, but they should be growing at a tremendous rate.

Fish normally reach very nearly their full adult size within the first year, so it's not really good enough to say, "oh, I'll get them a larger tank when they outgrow this one"; by that time it's too late. If they stay too long in your 30 litre they'll end up very sick and stunted (so they never grow properly or they will very probably die )

Plus side is; larger fish tanks are actually much easier to look after; they're far more stable and you have a bit more time to catch any water quality problems before they become fatal

So, you have two choices; stick with the fish you have and upgrade the tank, or stay with the 30l and get some more suitable fish

In the meantime, you need to keep up your water changes; at least 50% daily using warm dechlorinated water to keep them in good health while you decide what you want to do

Best of luck; JDs are lovely, but you have perhaps not made the best choice for your 'starter' fish!

 

[heavenlybody73]

The rule of thumb for larger fish, like your JDs is; a tank at least four times their eventual adult size in length, and twice the width. A full grown JD should be 8 to 10 inches, so you'll need a tank about 48"x20".

I know you're just getting started, but you do need to provide those fish with a proper sized tank! They might be tiny now, but they should be growing at a tremendous rate.

Fish normally reach very nearly their full adult size within the first year, so it's not really good enough to say, "oh, I'll get them a larger tank when they outgrow this one"; by that time it's too late. If they stay too long in your 30 litre they'll end up very sick and stunted (so they never grow properly or they will very probably die )

Plus side is; larger fish tanks are actually much easier to look after; they're far more stable and you have a bit more time to catch any water quality problems before they become fatal

So, you have two choices; stick with the fish you have and upgrade the tank, or stay with the 30l and get some more suitable fish

In the meantime, you need to keep up your water changes; at least 50% daily using warm dechlorinated water to keep them in good health while you decide what you want to do

Best of luck; JDs are lovely, but you have perhaps not made the best choice for your 'starter' fish!

 

[heavenlybody73]

The rule of thumb for larger fish, like your JDs is; a tank at least four times their eventual adult size in length, and twice the width. A full grown JD should be 8 to 10 inches, so you'll need a tank about 48"x20".

I know you're just getting started, but you do need to provide those fish with a proper sized tank! They might be tiny now, but they should be growing at a tremendous rate.

Fish normally reach very nearly their full adult size within the first year, so it's not really good enough to say, "oh, I'll get them a larger tank when they outgrow this one"; by that time it's too late. If they stay too long in your 30 litre they'll end up very sick and stunted (so they never grow properly or they will very probably die )

Plus side is; larger fish tanks are actually much easier to look after; they're far more stable and you have a bit more time to catch any water quality problems before they become fatal

So, you have two choices; stick with the fish you have and upgrade the tank, or stay with the 30l and get some more suitable fish

In the meantime, you need to keep up your water changes; at least 50% daily using warm dechlorinated water to keep them in good health while you decide what you want to do

Best of luck; JDs are lovely, but you have perhaps not made the best choice for your 'starter' fish!

 

[heavenlybody73]

You'll be pleased to know I now have a Larger tank . I managed to snap up a bargain Rena 470L with stand ect...it came with a Fluval 405 which Im finding a little noisey? so Im waiting for delivery of A All Pond Solution 2000 external filter.

 

[fluttermoth]

Congratulations on your new tank! I know your baby JDs will look silly small in there at the moment, but they'll soon grow

I run APS filters on all but one of my tanks and highly recommend them. I've got one in my bedroom and it makes no more than a very quiet hum