Michigan Cichlid Association
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Saulosi77 on July 18, 2014, 09:49:53 PM
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It's been a few since I've had time to get on here much. I just purchased 3 fish I've always wanted two days ago. I set up a quarantine tank with a seeded sponge and hob filter. The fish havn't eaten since I got them and are very skiddish. If I walk in the room they hide and stay hidden. All three haps/peacocks look very healthy. Should I attemp to put the in my big tank to have other tank mates and hopefully make them less shy. Or should I ride it out and leave them in quarantine and hope they start eating. I just want to do what's best for the fish and don't want to loose any or get my main show tank sick. What should I do? Maybe I'm over thinking things. Thanks for any advice.
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Leave them in quarantine. The behavior they are displaying now seems to be normal until they adjust to their new environment.
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Saulosi, I agree with Frontboy7, the more you move or disturb the fish the more stressed they will become. Turn off the lights in the tank for a day or two, let the fish get used to their surroundings. The fish really don't need a light. Feed them a very little each day until you notice them eating regularly.
Just sharing my feelings on what I have learned while being a member of the MCA:
First off let me preface this by saying I have learned the hard way just like everyone else. I have done some very stupid things because I have over thought the situation. What I have learned more recently and will be my motto going forward: LESS IS ALWAYS BETTER. Unless you have no other option, you should try not to add anything to your water. Now there are situations where that does not apply - like using city water to fill your tank that is chlorinated, then you obviously need to add a de-chlorinater to the water.
So I never add any buffers, chemicals etc to my water. I simply do frequent water changes (every 2 to 3 weeks) and vacuum the gravel every other WC. Also something I learned from the Oyers that I never thought was OK, It is OK to transfer fish from a bag to a tank without first acclimating the fish in the tank. Just use a clean (fish only) 5 gallon bucket and a net, just dump the fish into the net and let the water go into the bucket and then release the fish into your tank. NEVER add fish and water to your tank. Now I have seen some more experienced people simply grab the fish with their hand from the bag and gently place the fish into the tank. I haven't gone there yet.
Also, I do not quarantine fish before putting them into my tank, first off I need to explain why, I NEVER buy a fish from a LFS if I see dead fish in their tanks, I simply walk out and try again later. I also NEVER buy fish from a BIG BOX pet supply. Now that I have found the MCA, I will only buy fish from a member or a trusted LFS where I have had no previous issues. We all know the more reputable LFS in the area, so I try to stick to them exclusively.
Good Luck and I hope your new fish adjust well to their new home.
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Thanks for everyone's advice I over think things because i really like all my pets and want the best. These fish I got from oyers and look amazing. She sold me a beautiful over 4" lwanda which I've been looking for. Oyers is downsizing and might be closing shop. Betty mentioned possibly moving to Ohio and selling off her stock and tanks. She told me her 120gallon tanks she will be selling for $100. Great deal I thought. I'm going to pick one up. Anyone looking for fish or large tanks from oyers call while you still can. Thanks everyone.
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Thanks for everyone's advice I over think things because i really like all my pets and want the best. These fish I got from oyers and look amazing. She sold me a beautiful over 4" lwanda which I've been looking for. Oyers is downsizing and might be closing shop. Betty mentioned possibly moving to Ohio and selling off her stock and tanks. She told me her 120gallon tanks she will be selling for $100. Great deal I thought. I'm going to pick one up. Anyone looking for fish or large tanks from oyers call while you still can. Thanks everyone.
OH CRAP !!!! I haven't even made it out there yet!!! I has been on my bucket list since I heard about "The Oyers" !!!