New to MFK and fish

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
you might want to keep the tank at79-80 f the activity of the fish can be hindered at lower temps... hows your guy doing today?:)
 
The temp is at 80 right now. The heater is set to keep it there. "OJ" seems to be okay today. He started moving around last night and he has been swimming around more. He still has not eaten that I can tell. I am going to test the water and add the liquids in the next hour or so.
 
After we get over this hiccup, I'll be a nervous wreck with any new fish...good thing I won't be adding any for a while.

TBH one foot-long cichlid is probably enough for a 55g, adding another would most likely end up in warfare or loads of fry depending on the gender and species. You could possibly add some fast-moving midswimmers that are large enough to not be eaten, once the filter is established of course.

I'd suggest turning the lights off while the fish gets settled in too, it's not uncommon for cichlids to sulk a bit after being moved to a new environment, give it a few days to get comfortable and it will be up and active and re-arranging the tank in no time.

For future reference I'd suggest acclimatising in a bucket by slowly (using a piece of air line is a good way to slowly drip it in) adding tank water, as it fills up remove some (and dump it) to help dilute the LFS water, then once the bag water has been sufficiently diluted net the fish and add it to the tank, thus avoiding putting water from the shop tank into your tank.
 
The temp is at 80 right now. The heater is set to keep it there. "OJ" seems to be okay today. He started moving around last night and he has been swimming around more. He still has not eaten that I can tell. I am going to test the water and add the liquids in the next hour or so.

I wouldn't worry about food, he'll be fine. Have you done any water changes?

TBH one foot-long cichlid is probably enough for a 55g, adding another would most likely end up in warfare or loads of fry depending on the gender and species. You could possibly add some fast-moving midswimmers that are large enough to not be eaten, once the filter is established of course.

I'd suggest turning the lights off while the fish gets settled in too, it's not uncommon for cichlids to sulk a bit after being moved to a new environment, give it a few days to get comfortable and it will be up and active and re-arranging the tank in no time.

For future reference I'd suggest acclimatising in a bucket by slowly (using a piece of air line is a good way to slowly drip it in) adding tank water, as it fills up remove some (and dump it) to help dilute the LFS water, then once the bag water has been sufficiently diluted net the fish and add it to the tank, thus avoiding putting water from the shop tank into your tank.

+1
 
prime should be dosed (at full tank volume )about every 48 hrs. I BELIEVE.:popcorn:
 
I'm following the directions on the bottles. I put the two chemicals in it yesterday afternoon. I have not done any water changes yet, not quite sure how exactly I should be doing it (how much water and how often?) I have done some research on it, but there are varied opinions on this...
 
PROB every other day 25% or so on water changes....:popcorn:
 
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