Urgent Help/advice Please

[carney]

Hi

I am still requiring some help please

I bought a new bigger tank and transferred my fish into the new one.

Into my old tank (18 months established) I have bought a mixture of tetras and barbs. All peaceful breeds/types.
Of these fish 5 are colombian tetras. When the tank lights are off, tehy are out and happy, but as soon as i turn the lights on the scurry back and hide, never coming back out until the lights come back on. If i feed them with the lights on they venture out at lightning speed grab some food and speed back into hiding. These were the first fish put into the tank along with my neons that are fine

They have been in the tank 7 days now and nothing has changed.

Any ideas please?

 

[minxfishy]

They are still settling and with some fish it can take time, have you tested your water since adding the fish to ensure you havent had a mini cycle from the move? Just to rule out any other problem 1st.

Are the lights going on in the tank from dark, ie, is there natural light in the room first before turning on the lights, as sometimes the shock of going from dark to light can stress some fish.

Have you considered adding some floating plants, to lessen the brightness of the lights, some fish like floating plants for this reason and it gives them more sense of security.

 

[carney]

Thanks, I'll try the floating plants

The tank is in my bedroom. I have blinds that are open during the day, however not a great deal of light.
If they were spooked by that wouldnt they get used to teh light and then come out??

all my other fish are fine.

strange....

also, the day i put the fish in, my lid fell off breaking the condensation plastic top, so the lights will probably be more brighter than they should be....

i could get a new conmdensation sheet

could this be the prob?

 

[minxfishy]

Possibly, I think its just more shock of the brightness when they are not expecting it, try making sure they know your about before turning the light on too, you know move around in front of the tank, the others are more used to it dont forget, whereas the new tetras arent, they will in time.

 

[carney]

just been "spying" on the tank from near my bedroom door and the colombians were out.
as soon as i walked up to the tank they hid again, as did my black neons

is it me??

 

[minxfishy]

I dont think its you as in its you they dont like, I think (and Im guessing) that because the tank is in your bedroom, then it doesnt get much normal everyday movement, say like a lounge would. So most of the time they are swimming around minding their own business when suddenley something moves around them, naturally they go for cover.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi carney

If you have a heavy footstep they might even feel the vibrations before they actually see you.

 

[carney]

ah, i see

i dont think im heavy footed, my my floor is wood flooring, not carpet...

will teh fish get acustomed to teh fact that there isnt much movement.
my other tank (bigger one) with all my cihlids in is fine and the fish come to the front when i coem in wanting to be fed??