I bought two small angelfish about 36 hours ago to put in my 30 gallon tank. They have been super shy, staying hidden in my plants the entire time. I've kept the lights off to try and avoid adding any stress. But I can't get them to eat. I tried after about 24 hours, and again this morning, with flakes, freeze dried bloodworms, and frozen bloodworms. They want nothing to do with it, and hide anytime I open the lid. I've tried feeding with a turkey baster, but they take off as soon as the bloodworms start coming out. The levels in the tank are all good, with the exception of my higher ph (7.8). They are the only fish in there right now, so they aren't being picked on. How long before I need to start worrying about them not eating?
How long before I should worry?
- Thread starter MissInked
- Start date
Hello; I have had fish go without being fed for a week or more several times. Likely a few more days before not feeding becomes an issue.
Even with your good water levels, they may be somewhat different from what they have been use to. Fish have settled in quickly for me sometimes and others have taken a while.
The dither idea sounds like a plan.
Good luck
Even with your good water levels, they may be somewhat different from what they have been use to. Fish have settled in quickly for me sometimes and others have taken a while.
The dither idea sounds like a plan.
Good luck
They are small - dime sized bodies. I only bought two because its only a 30 gallon tank. I had talked to the lady at the lfs and asked about buying more to make sure I get at least one pair, but she told me I should do fine. I only plan to have two full grown angels in the tank when its all said and done. I'll go grab some neons or white clouds today, and see if that helps them at all. I would hate to have to grab a bunch of angels just to have to dump them on Craigslist in a few weeks or months (I don't know of any lfs in the area that will buy or even take back fish).
Hello; I have kept angels as pairs with good results. Over time(50+ years) even when fish have been purchased as a group, as some die it has often resulted in pairs and singles. There may be something to keeping groups, but I have had singles and pairs do very well and find no harm in it.
Neons and white clouds should do fine. Try to avoid fish that will tend to nip at the trailing fins and feelers of the angels.
Good luck
Neons and white clouds should do fine. Try to avoid fish that will tend to nip at the trailing fins and feelers of the angels.
Good luck
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I went and got a school of white clouds for my tank, and the angels are doing better. One is still shy and spends most of his day hiding in my plants and rocks, but my other one is exploring and swimming around. Both are eating now, so I guess I'll give it more time. Hopefully both will adjust and get more comfortable.