HELP.. 2nd time buying a EBJD on day 2 and still not eating

[crxlsturbo]

I figured I would get another EBJD from the LFS. My other one died 2 weeks ago and only lasted a week. The first one wouldn't eat anything. I feed him nls flakes, small pellets, algae wafers and Hikari bloodworms. He would not eat. My setup is a 120g with 2 Emperor 400 filters, 2 300watt heaters set at 79F. The EBJD I have right now is only 1-1.5. His tank mates are 1 rainbow shark, 1 bala shark, 1 Red Texas/Midas hybrid fry and 1 reg Jack Dempsey. All are smaller than the EBJD. He seems to be the bully of all the fish so he is not shy. This second one I have seems to be more active and not hiding as much as the first one. All of my water parameters are good. All of the other fish are eating except for him. I tried all the things above but he is not eating at all. Do you think he might have some type of parasite in him? This would be the second time if this one dies. I am almost about to give him on him and just take it back to the LFS store and get my $40 back.

Any advice on what to feed him? Or should I treat the tank with a parasite guard? I am stumped. I know these fish are not all hearty but damn I must just have bad luck. I will not pay another $40 for this type of fish. Please help. Thanks

 

[macframalama]

I wouldnt panic fish can go a while without eating, for starters i would pump up your temp to like 82, if nothing else it will speed up your fishies metabolism and get the blood pumping...

#2 I would try feeding smaller amounts more frequently, if your dumping that much food in has to be reaking havok on your parameters/

#3 ebjd's are weaker than other new worlds because of the genetics to achieve the colouration. if I were you i would try not to freak out just carry on as normal unless the ebjd has white worms hanging out the backdoor or becomes immobile or acting as though it is dying chances are it is fine and just adjusting , sometimes it takes a few weeks before they get on board with what your feeding , but if you desperate to get it to eat go get a juicy earth worm rince it off and take some scissors and chop it into bite sized pieces over the tank, or some market shrimp/prawns , thw out in cold water and rip it up with your hands, also soaking some food in garlic "juice" extract can also help encourage a feeding response

and finally #4 stop wasting $40 a crack on a fancy jd and buy a damn flowerhorn already way more fun and easy to hybridize

 

[crxlsturbo]

I wouldnt panic fish can go a while without eating, for starters i would pump up your temp to like 82, if nothing else it will speed up your fishies metabolism and get the blood pumping...

#2 I would try feeding smaller amounts more frequently, if your dumping that much food in has to be reaking havok on your parameters/

#3 ebjd's are weaker than other new worlds because of the genetics to achieve the colouration. if I were you i would try not to freak out just carry on as normal unless the ebjd has white worms hanging out the backdoor or becomes immobile or acting as though it is dying chances are it is fine and just adjusting , sometimes it takes a few weeks before they get on board with what your feeding , but if you desperate to get it to eat go get a juicy earth worm rince it off and take some scissors and chop it into bite sized pieces over the tank, or some market shrimp/prawns , thw out in cold water and rip it up with your hands, also soaking some food in garlic "juice" extract can also help encourage a feeding response

and finally #4 stop wasting $40 a crack on a fancy jd and buy a damn flowerhorn already way more fun and easy to hybridize

I'll try raising the temp up a little. I know about wasting $40 on a ebjd but I really love those fish. Flower horns, to me are not my kind of fish. Ugly... This will be the last straw on this fish. If this one doesn't make it. Forget it. I just now did a 50% water change cause I noticed some of my fish are scratching themselves on the rocks like something is itching them. Also, graveled the whole substrate in the tank. I'll raise the temp also to speed up the metabolism. Thanks for the input

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[Aquanero]

As we've discussed EBJDs at this size are somewhat fragile. They require warm, clean water. I would up the temp, 84-85 is not too warm for young fish and treat for IPs with some Prazi-pro it is mild and effective you can treat the whole tank. These guys stress very easly and should not be bullied or out competed for food as they will quickly begin to fade. At 1-1.5" they can not go too long without eating. Get the temp up, this is very important 79 is too cool for them and keep the tank clean.

I would aslo feed a diet higher in vegitable matter. Some sprulina flakes/pellets and if you can find NLS growth fromula in .5mm pellets. Stay away from too much animal protean until it hits the 3"+ mark which seems to be when they pass critical stage and become a little more durable.