Rbp Behaviour

[Hunter44]

Hello guys,
First post on here, I have 6 juvenile rbp a sail fin pleco and small catfish also 1 neon terra in my 70g tank they have all been in the tank together for just over a month now all very happy and active some fin nipping as expected but nothing major for a couple of days now they have been very out of character and all hiding away no changes at all water levels are all good. Question is it normal for their mood to change for a few days and will they all come out to play again, it’s as if they are stressed but nothing has changed as far as I know, if there is a problem I want to sort it out soon before it causes any of them to get ill or start fighting. Any guidance much appreciated ?

 

[deeda]

Welcome to MFK!!

How did you cycle the tank to establish good bacteria?

Do you have an aquarium test kit? If so, what are your test results for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH? Test both your tap (source) water and your aquarium. We need to know the test result numbers.

What are you feeding your fish? How often? Is everyone eating ok?

 

[Hunter44]

Welcome to MFK!!

How did you cycle the tank to establish good bacteria?

Do you have an aquarium test kit? If so, what are your test results for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH? Test both your tap (source) water and your aquarium. We need to know the test result numbers.

What are you feeding your fish? How often? Is everyone eating ok?

Tank was second hand including all filters and media I have cleaned both filters once on separate occasions since having tank and test water every few days results are nitrite: 0 blue on my test kit, amonia: 0 yellow, high range ph: 8.0 brown, nitrate between 0-5.0 yellow.
Feeding fish 3-4 times a day each time 2 frozen cubes of various frozen fish from the pet store and a frozen pinky every other day (could I be over feeding them). Up until a couple of days ago they have been out and around the tank whilst lights are on or off and reacting to feeding time, now they seem more timid and have been hiding away not as interested in food. I got them all together although two are much bigger than the others and have all fins intact, the 4 smaller ones have not had a chance to grow fins back before another bites them off, I’m guessing that’s normal?

 

[Hunter44]

Tank was second hand including all filters and media I have cleaned both filters once on separate occasions since having tank and test water every few days results are nitrite: 0 blue on my test kit, amonia: 0 yellow, high range ph: 8.0 brown, nitrate between 0-5.0 yellow.
Feeding fish 3-4 times a day each time 2 frozen cubes of various frozen fish from the pet store and a frozen pinky every other day (could I be over feeding them). Up until a couple of days ago they have been out and around the tank whilst lights are on or off and reacting to feeding time, now they seem more timid and have been hiding away not as interested in food. I got them all together although two are much bigger than the others and have all fins intact, the 4 smaller ones have not had a chance to grow fins back before another bites them off, I’m guessing that’s normal?

I used to have a older pygocentrus he looked nothing like these little ones much darker colours and a flat belly, will they change as they grow?

 

[RBpiranha]

Hi how often do you change water? And was the tank cycled before you put the fish in? How long have they been in the tank?

When my rbp was young I feed them twice a day, on a morning and night until they had a full belly. Then reduce feedings as they get a bit older.

Are you planning on getting a bigger tank? Rbp grow quickly and will need a bigger tank in a few months. But you will probably know this if you had them before.

Yes they will change colour as they get older, yours isn't very old going by the pictures, they should get more red on belly and will lose their spots and will get gold tinge to them.

 

[Hunter44]

30L of water changed every 2-3 days when clearing the bottom of the tank. Tank was fully cycled before I got it and I used some water from my old tank to fill the new/second hand one. They have been in the tank for roughly a month and half, I didn’t really plan on getting a new tank until they are 5-6 inch long but if they need it before that I had better start looking now. I added a new colour changing light yesterday as I have read they don’t react to a green or red light although I like the main light on and need it for plants. I will try the twice a day feed, will they just ignore food once they are full? They did all come out last night so I’m a little less worried now just keen to see them swimming around in the daytime. Thanks for taking your time to read my post.

 

[Hunter44]

I blacked out the rear of tank this morning instantly they all came out with the light on very happy to see them. Are my water changes enough? I have internal filter rated at 600lph and a fluval fx6 external, plan is to clean them alternate fortnights would you suggest that’s enough or more often?

 

[tlindsey]

I blacked out the rear of tank this morning instantly they all came out with the light on very happy to see them. Are my water changes enough? I have internal filter rated at 600lph and a fluval fx6 external, plan is to clean them alternate fortnights would you suggest that’s enough or more often?

Welcome aboard
30 litres equates to 7 US gallons so I suggest 50% or more per week especially with you feeding frozen mice. Also I've learned that when setting up a new or larger aquarium transferring water from the aquarium doesn't have any benefit because live bacteria is sessile. The bio media, gravel, sand, and ornaments will have beneficial bacteria on them never rinse them off with undechlorinated water.

 

[Hunter44]

Welcome aboard
30 litres equates to 7 US gallons so I suggest 50% or more per week especially with you feeding frozen mice. Also I've learned that when setting up a new or larger aquarium transferring water from the aquarium doesn't have any benefit because live bacteria is sessile. The bio media, gravel, sand, and ornaments will have beneficial bacteria on them never rinse them off with undechlorinated water.

Im doing 30L 2-3 times a week depending on how messy the bottom of tank gets. The drift wood I had was from old tank so that should have transferred some good bacteria, sand/gravel was new and washed through 3 times before going in and plants all new. Filter media I cleaned out in a bucket full of tank water. Cheers for advice

 

[RBpiranha]

I just like to say I'm no expert but I have been keeping piranhas for a few years.

I have four 9/10" reds in a 125g tank and I do two 50% water changes a week to keep the nitrates down. Clean my filters once a month.
So I would recommend to test nitrate before your water change to determine how much you need to change. As they get bigger you will need to ramp up the water changes as there are messy eaters. At the minute I would say your water changes should be good as they are still small and your doing them often.

They need to be well feed at this age but don't over feed, give them as much as they will eat in a couple of minutes or you can see they have a round belly and lift out any uneaten food.

You will know when it's time for bigger tank because they will be more fighting as they become more territorial as they get bigger.
As long as you got a few plants etc... to break the line of sight you should be good for now.

keep a eye on your water quality and you should be fine, sounds as so your doing the right things