Tetras Go Mad When I Turn The Light Off

[nicolaisam]

When the light goes off the Cardinal and Black phantom Tetras in my tank go mad,they all swim to one end and swim into the glass like they want to get out,This must be stressful for the fish but i dont know why they are doing it.

Any ideas?

Some of the Cardinals and Phantoms were in my old tank and they never did it in there.

 

[primagen]

are they ok otherwise, like when the light is on during the day? you can try to gradually lower the brightness of the room before turning the room lights off completely. i just leave the room lights on for about 15-20 mins after turning off the tank light.

 

[nicolaisam]

It dosent seem to make any difference how bright or dull the room is,they still go mad.I have only had them in there a few days.

They seem to prefer it with the lights off,after about 5 minutes they all settle down and seem to swim all over the tank instead of staying in the bottom half.

I have wood and a lot of plants in there,so i do need the lights on for plant growth.

Water readings are

Ph 6.5
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 30-40

 

[fluttermoth]

I think they probably just need more time to settle in, although I've had my marbled hatchets for months, and I still hear them hitting the condensation tray when I put the room light out

 

[nicolaisam]

One of the Cardinals wedged itself inbetween the filter this evening when the lights went off,i had to rescue it.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I had something similiar (but not as prolific) when i introduced my Cardinals into my tank. They simply need more time to settle in. I would leave the tank lights off for a few days, providing any real plants you have will allow you to do this.


Terry.

 

[nicolaisam]

OK,Thanks

Will give them some time.

It stresses me out seeing them do it.

 

[matt_storey]

my tetras were doing this for a few months!!

i think it had something to do with the ellioti nipping at them at night though....

 

[nicolaisam]

Have removed the reflectors from the lights.
They didnt react as bad today,and are using more of the tank.
Some would take food from the surface.

Think this could need more settling in time.

Will give them a few weeks.