Shivering Tetras Afraid Of The Invisible Alligator!

[notg2009]

Hi all, I setup a 10 gallon fish tank (Aqua Culture fish tank kit) a few weeks ago, and now after some returns and buys, I have 2 red platies, 1 female guppy, and 3 bloodfin tetras. Platies are a bit larger than tetras, and the guppy is the smallest. Here are my questions:
1) The thing is that the 3 tetras just stay at the bottom of the tank, shivering like they are scared from a giant alligator in the tank (which is obvously not there!!). They hide behind decorations and are really sensitive to anyone moving past the tank. Is this something that this kind of tetra does? are they scared of something? I know they are healthy since over the past 3 weeks they have not had any changes in color, habits, body shape, swimming pattern, etc. The thing that is kinda bothering me is that they are not coming to the surface to eat and only eat little things that sink to the bottom, so I have to add more food to the surface so that they get something to eat down there (platies and the guppy are vacuum cleaners on the top!!).
2) How much should I feed this number of fish?? I don't want food particles to sink to the bottom, and make the water cloudy.

I am actively searching for answers on other forums and sites as well, but I think this forum should have many knowledgeable people. I appreciate any help that you can provide.

Omid

PS. I have uploaded a video of my tank in 2 formats:
http/www.fileserve.com/file/JYVYxdk (FLV file 1.7 MB)
http/www.fileserve.com/file/AeVgQ5g (MOV file 35.5 MB)

 

[Katty]

1. To me it sounds like you don't have enough of the tetras. Tetras are schooling fish and will feel more secure (less scared) if they are in a bigger group. They feel like easy targets for predators if there is only a few of them and so they will hide.

You could add more tetras and see if that makes them come out, but since your tank is pretty new it might be a good idea to test your water to see if it's OK (0 ammonia and 0 nitrite) to add more fish first.

2. There really is no set amount for how much to feed since there are different sizes and types of food and different types and sizes of fish. You have to experiment a little at first. A good amount to start with though is a small pinch between your finger and your thumb. All of the food should be gone in about 5 minutes. If it's all gone instantly and some fish still aren't fed, add a little bit more. If there are leftovers after 5 minutes, feed less the next day. They aren't horses, you don't need to feed them a ton. Don't give in if they beg for more.

(I didn't watch the video because you have to download it...)

 

[Uriel]

Tetras are shoaling fish so them only being in a group of 3 maybe making them nervous ?

 

[notg2009]

Thanks for replying.
So how many tetras do you think I should get? maybe 2 more?
I think they will get their food somehow and I should not stress over feeding them

 

[Katty]

Personally I'd say at least three more. A minimum of six fish is what I've seen recommended before, but the more schooling fish the happier they will be (as long as you don't overstock the tank).
But I'm not sure what the maximum number would be for that size tank, or if you even really want a tank full of tetras for that matter...

 

[notg2009]

Thanks for the help. At least now I know they are not sick. As for the feeding, are there any type of fish, or other organism that eat the food remains at the bottom of the tank? I think shrimps are prone to attacks from larger fish; any alternatives?

 

[I Keep Fish]

Catfish and Plecs will eat stuff that reaches the bottom of the tank, and plecs will also eat algae from surfaces.
For your tank i'd add the following:
3+ more Bloodfin Tetra
6 Pygmy Corydoras (catfish)
1 Bulldog plec (maybe 2?)

That would have all areas of your tank quite active, the corydoras are bottom feeding fish, and are quite active as a shoal, the bulldog plec, not the most active of fish, but keeps things clean

 

[the_lock_man]

Thanks for the help. At least now I know they are not sick. As for the feeding, are there any type of fish, or other organism that eat the food remains at the bottom of the tank? I think shrimps are prone to attacks from larger fish; any alternatives?

I've never had any problems with my Amano Shrimps - the odd investigative prod from my biggest molly, but nothing more. I guess it depends how big the difference in size between fish and shrimps is.

 

[BethK]

Catfish and Plecs will eat stuff that reaches the bottom of the tank, and plecs will also eat algae from surfaces.
For your tank i'd add the following:
3+ more Bloodfin Tetra
6 Pygmy Corydoras (catfish)
1 Bulldog plec (maybe 2?)

That would have all areas of your tank quite active, the corydoras are bottom feeding fish, and are quite active as a shoal, the bulldog plec, not the most active of fish, but keeps things clean

Ontop of what the OP already has? That would be overstocked, the OP only has a 10gal

 

[I Keep Fish]

Catfish and Plecs will eat stuff that reaches the bottom of the tank, and plecs will also eat algae from surfaces.
For your tank i'd add the following:
3+ more Bloodfin Tetra
6 Pygmy Corydoras (catfish)
1 Bulldog plec (maybe 2?)

That would have all areas of your tank quite active, the corydoras are bottom feeding fish, and are quite active as a shoal, the bulldog plec, not the most active of fish, but keeps things clean

Ontop of what the OP already has? That would be overstocked, the OP only has a 10gal

For some reason i had it in my head it was a 20 Gallon
In that case, i'd ditch the corys, not sure what to add instead?

Thanks for the help. At least now I know they are not sick. As for the feeding, are there any type of fish, or other organism that eat the food remains at the bottom of the tank? I think shrimps are prone to attacks from larger fish; any alternatives?

I've never had any problems with my Amano Shrimps - the odd investigative prod from my biggest molly, but nothing more. I guess it depends how big the difference in size between fish and shrimps is.

I don't think the OP would have to worry about their current fish attacking the shrimp, the Tetra will avoid them, and i doubt the platties or guppys would bother them either. some catfish do though

 

[notg2009]

thanks guys for your help. So I went to the pet store and got a water test (free @Petco of Mission Viejo, CA) and they told me that my nitrogen cycle has not kicked in yet. So for now I will wait a week or two to make sure the cycle is done, and then I will add 3 more tetras. I'm feeding the fish one a day now in little amounts and doing a 10-20% water change every other day. I added a heater as well and the temp is around 78 now. The tetras are more active now!!

I also got a couple of plant bulbs. Do you think it's ok to put them in the tank while the nitrogen cycle is still in progress?? will that affect anything?

Again thanks for your help.