Something Wrong With My Tank?

[twodoctors]

Hi guys,

Been away for a while.

I've having real trouble with my small tank. Bought it from one of the forumers back in April (I think). Initially had my 11 tiger barbs in it (transferred from my 55G planted)... but they kept hiding amongst the plants. Managed to trade them in for some golden barbs and odessa barbs. Initially they were quite brave, and would stay out most of the time. As time goes by they started hiding when I approach (until food is deposited!). I moved them into the big tank when they got a bit bigger. They are doing great now and stay out most of the time. They are also the first ones to come to the front of the tank when I approach (stark contrast to what they were before).

I then got myself some smaller barbs. Cherry barbs to be precise. I got 20 of them (1 or 2 died since). Again they were brave to start with but then started hiding a few weeks since having them. Recently added 2 bolivian rams. Initially they were quite brave, but few days down the line they started hiding as well. So I recently got even more plants (the patch of twisted grass - forgot the name). Still no change. My 3 lined-cories, which have been there since day 1 (transferred from the big tank) are even more frigidty. They don't stay out long.

I'm out of ideas. Could it be the 3D background that they don't like? There certainly are enough hiding place so surely they are not stressed... I'm out of ideas... to a point where I might just move them all to the big tank (which is already a bit crowded) and change it to a Malawi tank (hopefully being more aggressive would means they are a bit more brave too).

Any constructive comment welcome.

Adrian

 

[minnnt]

Twisted Vallis...

 

[nurglespuss]

If they are hiding, then perhaps the light is a little bright?

 

[twodoctors]

I'll try switching one of the lights off then. Would there be enough likes for my plants if I do that? I'm not an expert with plants.... only got what I've got because they were £9 for 10 bunches!

Adrian

 

[nurglespuss]

not sure an lights/plants, though your tank is fairly small, so should be OK

 

[twodoctors]

I don't think the light is the reason.

I know cherry barbs are shy fishes, but I thought a big school like mine I should be ok. They do come out after a minute or so of me looking at the tank. I guess it's in their nature. What I don't understand is why my odessa barbs also did that, and after moving to the big tank they are almost always in the front of the tank, regardless of who approaches the tank. Same with the tiger barbs, where they became very shy after moving into the small tank.

Does anyone want any of my gouramis? I think my big tank can accommodate the barbs and pleco (and maybe cories) but not sure the honey and 3-spot will mix though...

Adrian