lazy Red Devil
- Thread starter Bassy
- Start date
I would try to increase your water change schedule and see if its helps, sometimes just the lower nitrates can help.
Does he look sick at all? Any signs of early hole in the head? Any stringy white poop or mucous? Flicking against the floor or objects?
Still eating and pooping well?
Is your tank overly hot or low in oxygen with little surface agitation? That can make fish lethargic.
Once a week is good for water changes, although it depends how bad your water is. Best to get it tested first.
Remember that water changes aren't just to get out Nitrates, they are to replenish the good stuff in the water that the tank consumes. Through osmosis; fish, bacteria and plants use the kh, minerals and trace elements in the water, and we have to put them back in with a water change. If you have no Nitrates, you still need to change the water, and once a week is what's recommended.
I've literally had red devils since I was a little girl, they are very hardy fish, they aren't overly sensitive to pH, gh and bad water in my experience, but you don't know what he was raised in. When I was little my dad dumped freezing cold hose water in with our old gal, which is absolutely full of Nitrates and stuff in our area, 40-50ppm, pH of almost 9, gh of over 25!! Lol. Poor old gal. She was always fine. Cold, but fine! You'd be amazed how hardy a devil can be. Try not to worry too much if your water isn't perfect for him. Most cichlids are adaptable within reason.
I have the api freshwater kit. I don't know if it's the best, but it works well for me. I also recommend getting the api kh (pH buffering) gh (water hardness) and phosphate (algae) test eventually, then you have a full kit and you can problem solve any issues more effectively, and it makes people's lives easier on here if you can list it for them! It also helps to keep track of changes yourself. I keep mine recorded on a chart, plus I have a seneye, but I am rather ocd about my water quality because I have some irreplaceably rare and pricey fish.
LOL
kewpiefishypewpie
'lazy gills'. Love it! 
Still eating and pooping well?
Is your tank overly hot or low in oxygen with little surface agitation? That can make fish lethargic.
Once a week is good for water changes, although it depends how bad your water is. Best to get it tested first.
Remember that water changes aren't just to get out Nitrates, they are to replenish the good stuff in the water that the tank consumes. Through osmosis; fish, bacteria and plants use the kh, minerals and trace elements in the water, and we have to put them back in with a water change. If you have no Nitrates, you still need to change the water, and once a week is what's recommended.
I've literally had red devils since I was a little girl, they are very hardy fish, they aren't overly sensitive to pH, gh and bad water in my experience, but you don't know what he was raised in. When I was little my dad dumped freezing cold hose water in with our old gal, which is absolutely full of Nitrates and stuff in our area, 40-50ppm, pH of almost 9, gh of over 25!! Lol. Poor old gal. She was always fine. Cold, but fine! You'd be amazed how hardy a devil can be. Try not to worry too much if your water isn't perfect for him. Most cichlids are adaptable within reason.
I have the api freshwater kit. I don't know if it's the best, but it works well for me. I also recommend getting the api kh (pH buffering) gh (water hardness) and phosphate (algae) test eventually, then you have a full kit and you can problem solve any issues more effectively, and it makes people's lives easier on here if you can list it for them! It also helps to keep track of changes yourself. I keep mine recorded on a chart, plus I have a seneye, but I am rather ocd about my water quality because I have some irreplaceably rare and pricey fish.
LOL
kewpiefishypewpie
'lazy gills'. Love it!
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No signs of any of those, and yeah he eats but prefers for food to come to him. There seems to be plenty surface agitation. temperature usually sits around mid 70s, but is on the lower side with it being winter and the house being colder. BTW thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it.
No problem. Try weekly water changes. As I said up there, it does so much good for your little economy system.
Just keep an eye on him, and let us know if there are any sudden behaviour changes. Watch for the symptoms I mentioned too. Sometimes store brought fish bring more than themselves to your tank, and not all of it shows up quickly.
Try him on some shrimp, Mussel or bloodworm. If you can get him comfortable enough to come and take food from other areas, it will boost his confidence!
Chiapet29
+1. Get him a tank mate. He may just be bored!
Just keep an eye on him, and let us know if there are any sudden behaviour changes. Watch for the symptoms I mentioned too. Sometimes store brought fish bring more than themselves to your tank, and not all of it shows up quickly.
Try him on some shrimp, Mussel or bloodworm. If you can get him comfortable enough to come and take food from other areas, it will boost his confidence!
Chiapet29
+1. Get him a tank mate. He may just be bored!Ok thanks. I'll keep an eye out for any sudden changes. As far as tankmates go, what would have a good chance of working out with him?
Obviously it will depend on your tank size in the long run, but another midas, convicts, Jack Dempsys, Jags, Dovvi, catfish. All cheap and easy to find so take your pick, if you see something you like, then try it. You can always rehome it if things don't work out.
Convicts are great as they stay small, but proportionately get very aggressive and pack a good punch. Just don't get a female or they will try to breed.
Convicts are great as they stay small, but proportionately get very aggressive and pack a good punch. Just don't get a female or they will try to breed.
