Ive read countless datnoid threads on mfk in the past years, n most seem to b "how to get my dat stable". Well hope this post can help u with your problem, just read.
Ive been keeping dats for yrs, mostly IT's (indos) which seem to be the hardest to keep stable. Ive never bought a dat that was stable @ the store. doesnt mean they wont ever b stable.
So ive tried just about everthing: changing lighting, decor, everything. None of that seemed to change much. But kept trying some other methods, below are a few things u can try:
If your running a low grade filter setup, upgrade it (wet/dry setups work well). And keep up with WC's, dats are nitrate sensitive, so low nitrate levels are a must!
Spend time around your dats. they need to feel comfortable around u, or they'll sit in the corner black or pale in color. My dats would hide all day, but after spending more time around the tank, they actually come out of hiding, and follow me with they're face against the glass now.
Feeding seems to be a key factor. I used to feed them shrimp, beefheart, etc. I since switched to Hikari Massivore delight. They absoluty love it. Wont even eat frozen anymore. As soon as i shake that bag, they all come out, stripes as well, and will actually take the pellets from my hand.
Feed daily or everyother day. I used to feed them bout 2x a week. Since feeding daily, they dont hide anymore, theyre stripes r out way more now, and hav no fear of me what so ever. And between the hikari pellets, and daily feeding, thier growth rate has nearly doubled (no joke, their monsters now.
Dats behavior vary from dat to dat, they're all different. But hope some of these simple tips can help you turn your dats into the tigers they really are.
Please comment if u think im full of it lol, or want anymore ideas (got alot more). Best of luck guys
Ive been keeping dats for yrs, mostly IT's (indos) which seem to be the hardest to keep stable. Ive never bought a dat that was stable @ the store. doesnt mean they wont ever b stable.
So ive tried just about everthing: changing lighting, decor, everything. None of that seemed to change much. But kept trying some other methods, below are a few things u can try:
If your running a low grade filter setup, upgrade it (wet/dry setups work well). And keep up with WC's, dats are nitrate sensitive, so low nitrate levels are a must!
Spend time around your dats. they need to feel comfortable around u, or they'll sit in the corner black or pale in color. My dats would hide all day, but after spending more time around the tank, they actually come out of hiding, and follow me with they're face against the glass now.
Feeding seems to be a key factor. I used to feed them shrimp, beefheart, etc. I since switched to Hikari Massivore delight. They absoluty love it. Wont even eat frozen anymore. As soon as i shake that bag, they all come out, stripes as well, and will actually take the pellets from my hand.
Feed daily or everyother day. I used to feed them bout 2x a week. Since feeding daily, they dont hide anymore, theyre stripes r out way more now, and hav no fear of me what so ever. And between the hikari pellets, and daily feeding, thier growth rate has nearly doubled (no joke, their monsters now.
Dats behavior vary from dat to dat, they're all different. But hope some of these simple tips can help you turn your dats into the tigers they really are.
Please comment if u think im full of it lol, or want anymore ideas (got alot more). Best of luck guys
