Does changing things around in your tank

[Elisabeth83]

I got new plants recently and I've been messing with my tank trying to make it look good. I'm just wondering though am I stressing my fish out too much?

Thanks!

 

[corrosive]

I got new plants recently and I've been messing with my tank trying to make it look good. I'm just wondering though am I stressing my fish out too much?

Thanks!

Possibly in the short term yes, but in the end im sure they will love it because they can go explore once again .

I know with my fish though they seem to be fine lol, i mean every time i put the water container in my tank to do some water tests they all go up to my hand and try swimming in the little container and just swim around my hand lol.

 

[Elisabeth83]

Also because I have to move the gravel to get the plants stuck down....am I stirring up the tank too much....messing up the benificial bateria that lives in the gravel?

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

If your fishes are swimming madly around the tank and looking for somewhere to hide, then yes, but if you're quick about it, they'll enjoy the new bit of scenery. It might even help with keeping their 'simple' mind's stimulated. I change my tank appearance around every fortnight/month.

 

[clutterydrawer]

my fish start to shoal when i stick my hand in the tank and start moving stuff round, indicating theyre a little worried, cos they don't shoal normally.however i dont think it does any long-term harm. jsut try to cause minimum disruption.

corrosive: i dipped the test tube into my tank the other day, to get some water to do my nitrate test, and one of the fish swam into it!!

 

[BRS]

they should be fine

 

[Elisabeth83]

Yeah, They seem pretty calm while I do it....so I guess I won't worry

Thanks for all your replies!!

 

[Snowie]

I've heard a goldfish has a 3 second memory span...

Guess its exciting every time they swim around the tank.

But no I don think its dangerous for your fish. If you are going to redecorate completley take them out of the tank. I've never heard of or had any problems with the beneficial bacteria from "messing around" so I wouldn't worry.

 

[Aquascaper]

Also because I have to move the gravel to get the plants stuck down....am I stirring up the tank too much....messing up the benificial bateria that lives in the gravel?

The bacteria lives on the gravel not in it so moving it around won't cause problems.

 

[Elisabeth83]

Oh I am happy to hear that the baterial lives on the gravel and not in it.

I swear everyday I learn something new while on this forum Very glad I came across it

Snowie: Can't believe goldfish only have a 3 second memory span...reminds me of that fish off finding nemo who's always forgetting things

 

[FishDan]

I've heard a goldfish has a 3 second memory span...

I heard that before too.

It is, however, untrue.

"Scientists have known for a long time that fish - even goldfish - have more than a three-second memory. In fact research has shown that fish have a memory span of at least three months."

Source

Not to hijack, I'll just say that I agree. Your fish won't be overy stressed in the long run and your bacteria will be fine.

\Dan

 

[Red]

My fish also swim into my hand or anything else that's in the water but only when I don't want them to... I HATE touching fish!

But if I put a net in they all r-r-r-run-around. Especially one Danio - he seems to recognise the net and he wants NOTHIN to do with it. perhaps it's the blue colour?

 

[Elisabeth83]

Well that's good to know that fish have a memory span of 2-3 months and not 3 seconds...now at least I can feel they know me

My fish don't really seem to mind when I am in there cept when I move too fast....and yes once I put a net is in the tank...they go crazy.....some don't seem to mind but I have a female swordtail and she seems to know that I want just her or something The others are all at the top and she is always hiding.... She makes me mess up all the decorations and plants!!!!

The reason why I have to catch her up sometimes is to put her in the breeding net.

 

[aloaring]

Moving stuff around will stress them in the short term but the they get revenge on me when they move around my carefully placed stones, dig massive holes in the gravel and eat my new plants LOL