Hiding fish: could it be tank size or ???

[Newt]

I have all my CA's in a 55 right now. The fish are: a JD (3"), a Sal (6"), a FM (5"), a Rainbow Cichlid (5"), and a Nic (6").

The nic and sal are always hiding. The come out for food, but then dart back into the driftwood soon after. Their colors are also really washed out, but I figured it was because the substrate is light sand and the 130 watts of lighting I have over the tank. All the fish get pretty active in early morning and after lights out.

Do you guys think that once I move the fish into their 75 gallon this hiding will stop and the colors will come back?

 

[Newt]

Just wanted to post a pic of the tank I'm talking about.

 

[davidefc]

i think you need more hiding places and are they being bullied or picked on

 

[reptech]

my sal always hide and now i have a new midas that always hide thats what they do well mines anyway

 

[at2]

i think you need more hiding places and are they being bullied or picked on

yeah i agree. add some more caves or a pot or 2. sals are agro but like to have a place to hide also.

 

[ShadowStryder]

Also add some dither fish, ie: Silver dollars or the like the are a shoaling species, some people use rainbows or guaramis. Maybe find some other type, but they are very active and swim together in the open. This creates a sense of security for a fish/or fishes to are more timid to come out and be more active. Add a minimum of 3-4 because they are a shoaling species.