55 gallon hiding fish :(

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mwurdeman07

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 31, 2010
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winona mn
Hey guys been a while since I have posted on here but I have a question.

I currently own a 55 gallon tank that houses a Jack Dempsey (5") female, a Salvini (3.5"), 3 silver dollars (2"), and a polypterus bichir (4"). The tank has 2 hang on back filters, 1 heater, 2 power filters turned on low pointing at the surface on opposite sides of eachother, gravel on the bottom, a Large piece of driftwood and misc plants and rocks. Here is my problem I have had these fish in the same tank for over 3 years, they ALWAYS hide, with the exception of the polypterus bichir who swims all the time. I got the silver dollars to be dither fish but even they sit on the bottom behind the driftwood along with the jack dempsey and salvini. I have re arranged the tank several times and they swim around for 20 min or so exploring (Which i LOVE, actually watching my fish swim is really cool, lame I know but I never get to see it) anyways after they are done exploring they hide in a new place and wont move for months. I am really considering selling them and getting more interesting fish, any ideas on how to solve my current problem? If not what fish are friendly and always out and about and NOT shy. Fire eels look really cool and I would upgrade my tank for one but what else?

Thanks guys!
 
how often do you feed and how often do just stand in front of the tank?
 
I feed them once a day, sometimes 2. Even when i feed they just wait until it falls to the bottom and/or wait until I leave. And the tank is in our living room where people often spend time so I would assume they would be used to people. Nobody taps the glass or ever tries to scare them
 
This is very unusual- they sound quite unhappy! :(
What is the temperature and what are the water parameters? Hopefully we can work out the problem!
 
Water temp is 78* as for the parameters im not sure, how do I check? I know that pet stores sell kits, is that what I need? What are good numbers?
 
im not sure if your fish stores do it but the ones over here do.. you can just bring a sample of your water (1cup) and they will test everything for free
 
Basic parameters should be Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 10-20 ppm is acceptable the lower the better. You could try bumping the temp up a little 80-82 to see if gets them going. Another question is you said two power heads, how much current do you have? The fish could be hiding behind the driftwood to get out of the current.
 
The powerheads are turned down to almost nothing and I actually just got those a week ago to try to get more oxygen into the tank to liven them up. As you can see I really want to see these fish be active, I will test the parameters soon. All other ideas are welcome too.
 
Sorry your fish are so shy :(

I had this problem with juvenile red devils....but it lasted less then a week. You could try removing all decorations...plants....drift wood....etc....

More then likely your fish will huddle up in a corner...but it is worth a try.
 
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