2" cichla kirkin' out, need some advice

[silverdragon]

looks normal...just stress colors.
my babies are showing them right now.
btw,nice two-spot.

agreed... just stress colours, itll pass.

 

[Rebel Souljah]

keep us updated

 

[jimmie1974]

how long was the tank setup before you put the fish in it? There could be a lack of bacteria in the water which would cause your water not to cycle properly, causing your nitrates and ammonia to be out of wack. There's a product I use that is very cheap for new setups called " Aquasafe by tetra aqua with bioextract which will convert any solids in the tank and allow proper cycling of the water. The more water changes you keep doing, the more bacteria you are removing to help your tank water cycle properly. The swimming out of control problem sounds like a swim bladder issue, which can lead to its death.

 

[ado124]

how long was the tank setup before you put the fish in it? There could be a lack of bacteria in the water which would cause your water not to cycle properly, causing your nitrates and ammonia to be out of wack. There's a product I use that is very cheap for new setups called " Aquasafe by tetra aqua with bioextract which will convert any solids in the tank and allow proper cycling of the water. The more water changes you keep doing, the more bacteria you are removing to help your tank water cycle properly. The swimming out of control problem sounds like a swim bladder issue, which can lead to its death.

Tank was set up 4 weeks prior to the introduction of the cichla. I've cut back on the water changes since first posting this thread and everything seems to be going well. I just fed them a few guppies and they all have full bellies.
The erratic swimming has stopped completely, at least from what I've observed from sitting in front of the tank for a few hours.

Is that stuff Tetra stuff safe to use while there are fish in the tank? I'm thinking of just throwing some more bio media into the filter or even tossing a bag into the tank directly. Bad idea?

 

[jimmie1974]

you can add fish ASAP once its added, if everything is fine though, let it go, but I would get your water tested for that ammonia problem.

 

[Marius]

Here's the guy in question (bottom right in both pix):

The other guys in the tank:

Can you see the blotching and barring? So doctor, am I going to make it?

Yes, he'll be a beautiful butterfly, ignore the ugly duckling stage . You need a prescription for that sarcasm too?!?

He's probably getting picked on by the others, once he gets some muscles he'll feel more comfortable.

 

[ado124]

jimmie1974, I don't think I have an ammonia problem. Water parameters are 0, 0, and >40 ppm for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates respectively. I'll just leave the fish a lone for now.

Marius, Thanks man. He was in a tank with some bigger cichla last week and I think they picked on him. His current cichla tankmates don't pick on him at all! Workin on beefin him up so he can go back in the larger growout with the others.

 

[Houdini89]

I feel ya, i purchased smaller P-Bass in the past, and always had problems, thats why now i purchase them 4 inches or larger, they seem to be less sensitive, and can handle more.....good luck