Caribes afraid of light

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C

corino

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 18, 2012
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New jersey
I have had my 4 caribes for around 4 months and they only swim around when the light is off. They stay under a piece if driftwood root. I rescued another caribe yest. That is about an inch bigger then my guys but he did swim around at first but now he hides with all if them. I have around 5-6 inches from top of tank to water could the light be to bright? It's a reg light from petsmart. Please help


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corino said:
I have had my 4 caribes for around 4 months and they only swim around when the light is off. They stay under a piece if driftwood root. I rescued another caribe yest. That is about an inch bigger then my guys but he did swim around at first but now he hides with all if them. I have around 5-6 inches from top of tank to water could the light be to bright? It's a reg light from petsmart. Please help


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Click to expand...

Some piranhas prefer dim light to mock their natural conditions of the Amazon! I've noticed my pygos prefer dim light with blackwater. Microbe lift Amazon extract is good stuff, it will make the water a tan color:
IMAG1311_zps90ee0683.jpg


Piranhas are naturally skiddish as well, they like to hide, what is your temp at, what size is the tank? And pictures please!


Here's my 125 blackwater setup with 5 adult rbp
IMAG1313_zps1608c012.jpg


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I had no problem with my piranha with bright lights one, from MH to T5HO they were all fine the lights on
dimming the light will help but it's not really necessary unless you prefer the dim light look as well then by all means.
 
jp80911 said:
I had no problem with my piranha with bright lights one, from MH to T5HO they were all fine the lights on
dimming the light will help but it's not really necessary unless you prefer the dim light look as well then by all means.
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Then what exactly do you suggest he does on making his caribes less afraid of lights? The point was already established that his are skittish of lights. Dimming seems like a good solution........?

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http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?504763-Cheap-plants-less-nitrate!-POTHOS

*Go S. Vettel #1 RBR! 3 BACK TO BACK WDC AND CONSTRUCTERS! :cheers:
 
One way to break them out of the habit of hiding from the light is to only feed them with the light on. They'll associate the light with food, so they'll start swimming freely with it on.

It's also a good time to get them on pellets if they're not already. Drop a few in there with the light off and see if they'll take them. Remove the pellets if they don't eat them after 10 mins. Continue this until they start eating the pellets. Once they get used to eating pellets drop two or three pellets in there every time you walk by the tank. This will help them not be skittish and associate you with food as well. Hope this helps.
 
F1 VET said:
Then what exactly do you suggest he does on making his caribes less afraid of lights? The point was already established that his are skittish of lights. Dimming seems like a good solution........?
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it is possible that his caribas are not afraid of lights but afraid of him instead.
maybe he noticed the fish swimming around when light is off then he walks up to the tank then turn the light on and they all freaked out with the sudden brightness and a huge object standing in front of the tank then they all went into hiding.
if he doesn't have the light on a timer it's a good idea to get one, light comes on and off on a set time and fish will eventually get use to the schedule and most importantly when he approach the tank the light will be on already (hopefully) and his cariba won't freak out or at least not as much.

even when they get used to the light, how they behave with and without someone standing in front of the tank is very different.
I have watched mine when I'm in front of the tank and via IP camera, it can be very different even if they are not skittish with a people standing in front of the tank.

will dimming the light work? sure it'll help. will turn the water into black water help? i'm sure it does too but either way can compromise the viewing pleasure. I'm sure some people prefer the way black water looks but if that's not your cup of tea you shouldn't have to do it.
 
^ great point your making JP, I totally agree with that. My pygos hate it when I approach the tank and turn on the light. Having a timer will definitely make them feel more comfortable once the light goes on. Can you recommend a good brand/product? Thanks in advance and to OP.
 
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