Fish are freaked when approaching the tank, how to rectify?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Ya just approach the tank real slowly and soon they will know that you are the one who brings food...try not to stress them out as much as possible when doing water changes. That's really all you can do...no sudden movements or loud noises until they get used to you being around them all the time.
 
If the lights aren't on a timer.. put them on one.. and visit often during the On time. a regular pattern is a great way to socialize them. they also won't associate lights with the "big thing approches!" and as said.. feed less more often.. aka whenever you go by the tank feed them, even if it's just a lil' treat.
 
Thanks for everyone's input, I don't think dithers would help, the fish aren't hiding and most of the standard dithers always seem to be nervous (Silver dollars). When I sit by the tank they all actually come up calmly and check me out, it's when I initially approach the tank....
 
Quality water helps, my ebjd was a wuss. I cleaned the gravel replaced half the water. Hes got balls now.

Another one i haev eats from my hands, the tank is on the floor so they get palenty feet waking around it and it got used to movement.

I think lighting helps also, if they can see u all the time thy get used to you more.
 
silver dollars are some of the most skiddish fish. they are good dithers for being chased around by a breeding pair, but not for showing that is it SAFE to come out and eat. Large barbs (tinfoil) would probably work better.

or now it seems like maybe your fish were sleeping with the lights of and just need a few minutes to warm up. try setting you lights on a timer and coming in a few minutes after the lights come on see if that helps.

and try feeding more often throughout the day, this seems to help the most
 
get ur board shorts on and swim with them for a little while. it does wonders!!!!
 
How is your tank situated when you walk into the room? If you walk in so that they suddenly see you, then I think any fish would dart away. If the tank is at the back wall of a room, where they see you approaching from the door, then they should be less skiddish initially.

As others have said, teaching your fish to associate you with food is the easiest way to not have them be scared of you. This normally occurs just by virtue of feeding them a couple times per day.
 
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