New Fish, Odd Behaviour?

[jonathand]

Hello, I've got a 6 glowlight tetra I think might be acting a bit strange.
They mostly just hang around together in one lower corner of the tank, rather than swim around freely.

Thought they might have been afraid of the light at first, but I've had them for two weeks now.
Every so often one will swim off by itself with its face pressed close to the glass, going up and down in a circular sort of motion.

Their colours are all good but they don't always seem interested in food, though I do see them eating when they want to.
One has a bad dorsal fin (nipped or fin rot) but it was like this when I got him home, and seems to be growing back.

It's a 60l tank (kindly got given enough mature media to instantly cycle my filter from another member on here)

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
pH 6.5
Temp 25-25C

I've looked up these common problems but can't really spot anything wrong.
http/www.fishlore.com/Disease.htm

Anybody got any ideas? maybe I'm worrying over nothing!

 

[kribensis12]

Is there anywhere for them to hide? They may be stressed out and scared.

 

[Squidward]

Yup, they sound a bit stressed.

Do you have plants or some tall pieces of wood in the tank?

 

[jonathand]

I've got some mopani wood, over 12 inches long but not very tall, probably about two inches high.

Plant wise I have a couple of potted plants and grasses at the back and marimo moss balls at the front.
Also some cabomba floating on the surface of the water on each side.

 

[jonathand]

I moved the grasses to the front and they seem a little more confident now.
Also been feeding them less and they seem more interested when I do feed.

Not seen any rubbing against the glass for two days but they still hang around in formation together!

Do you think it could be whitespot?

In the early stages of the disease, fish are likely to flash and rub against objects because of the irritation.
At a later, advanced stage they will become lethargic and spend most of their time sitting on the bottom.

Four of the six have a tiny white dot like this but its in the same place so not sure...

 

[daleboy]

I had exactly the same thing happen with my Glowlights when I bought them.
All it took was time for them to get used to their surrounding and tank mates and now they explore the tank all the time.
Took about a month for them to settle.

 

[jonathand]

That's good to know. Do any of yours have a white dot like that?

I want to add 6 cardinal tetra next, but not if the glowlights are ill...
More fish should help make them more comfortable though!

I don't want to treat them for something they haven't got either as I imagine it could do more harm than good

 

[BPB]

Can't comment on the white dot. I would just say keep an eye on it and if it starts to spread over the next few days, quarantine and treat. If not, could just simply be a spot. About the activity level...classic stress. Every single time I've purchased a fish there is a stressful break in period. The only fish I've ever purchased that didn't instantly hide for like 2 weeks straight were zebra danios. Otherwise most fish freak out when put in a new environment and may not act right for as much as a couple weeks. Give it some time and try to keep the lights low, and water very clean.

 

[daleboy]

Mine dont have the white dot.
If it were my tank I would keep an eye on them to see if it gets any worse.
I would hold off adding more fish until sure it isnt something nasty.
That way you keep the stress to a minimum and dont risk your new fish.

Hope it sorts itself soon.