I might get flamed for this but in my experience I would add more fish......try over populating the tank.....just don't have a pair of the same species keep single specs.
Texas Attitude Adjustment
- Thread starter rolandk10
- Start date
Rather than just re-arranging the tank, why not take them all out (I know you said you didn't have a second tank, maybe some buckets or something?) and then re-arrange. Wait a day or so and then re-introduce at the same time. I did this once when I had to take down my 180 for repairs... the fish were in a couple different tanks for about a week. I re-worked the tank and reintroduced and got a different "power structure" from the inhabitants.
Could also try a zero decor approach (which I personally don't like), and see if the lack of any area to "claim" calms them down.
I'm particularly interested in this thread as I am growing out a Texas cichlid myself right now to add to my big tank which has a similar stocking as yours (8" tiger oscar, 10" fl. gar)....
Could also try a zero decor approach (which I personally don't like), and see if the lack of any area to "claim" calms them down.
I'm particularly interested in this thread as I am growing out a Texas cichlid myself right now to add to my big tank which has a similar stocking as yours (8" tiger oscar, 10" fl. gar)....
I've had moderate luck removing the offending fish and placing in isolation sometimes for a few weeks. Redecorating supposedly helps, but I think it's mostly short term.
Keeping cichlids has alot more to do with " managing behavior" than just keeping the fish. It's just their nature really.
Keeping cichlids has alot more to do with " managing behavior" than just keeping the fish. It's just their nature really.
Hate to break it to you but if he is that dominant now he won't settledown. I have been keeping tx for years and have noticed this. I have tried EVERY approach to this issue. As your tx grows he will develop more and more aggression and larger teeth. They don't give up either. You must keep more aggressive cichlids with them and then worry about losing the tx in a fight. I have kept full grown tx cichlids in 40b tanks alone for years and never had any issues with stunted growth or deformity. I had a buddy who kept a very large male in a 30g (with a magnum350 filter), succesfully. So unless you have a giant tank I would suggest tx cichlids be kept species only. They do have incredible personality and will attack any movement relentlessly.
I've had a couple cichlid tanks in the past but this is my first Texas and also the first time I've had a bully of any real signifigance. Up until now, I pretty much just managed the water conditions and the fish managed themselves.
@zoohouse
That is pretty much the answer I expected from everyone. I'm actually pleased that others have given me hope. My expectations are not high but I'm not giving up yet. The Tex hasn't actually killed anyone yet so maybe it's not too late for him.
I also noticed this morning one of the clown loaches managed to get thru the divider. With him as the only target, I expected a bully fest. Hasn't happened yet. I will move the CL back this afternoon but this also gives me some hope.
I have the sand here already. I may move that project up to this week. If that doesn't work, I have a really nice Texas Cichlid available to a good home in SW FL.
One thing I've learned in keeping aggressive fish is regardless of adult size and bioload, one tank is never really enough to manage their behavior. I started keeping a small 20 gallon setup and ready to go and now I have a 60 and a 20 for qt, isolation etc. I have 4 tanks, but only 2 are my displays. The other two are there for space, which occasionally one of my fish will need for a timeout.
I used the 20 to isolate a beligerent Jd. Three different times and finally it seems to have worked. Now, he's not aggressive at all and is trying to spawn with a female Freddy. Sometimes, timeouts can work, but remember, things can change very suddenly with large cichlids. Unfortunately, most become more aggressive and territorial with age.
I too have had to get rid of problem fish though. Sometimes, it will be the only solution
I used the 20 to isolate a beligerent Jd. Three different times and finally it seems to have worked. Now, he's not aggressive at all and is trying to spawn with a female Freddy. Sometimes, timeouts can work, but remember, things can change very suddenly with large cichlids. Unfortunately, most become more aggressive and territorial with age.
I too have had to get rid of problem fish though. Sometimes, it will be the only solution
Well, I changed to sand. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I used the divider to clear out the rocks in each half individually.
You can see there was a lot of sediment that got kicked up during the excavation.
Afterwards, I washed the sand and added it to the tank. and re decorated
Tex seems a little less aggressive but he is still chasing the others. I don't know if it was the sand or the 3 days of solitary that did it.
From what I read here, it may be too late for him.
Either way, I like the sand better. I think the clowns will enjoy it too. My brothers like to dig caves in his tank. Speaking of which, I decided to keep the convict since he looks cool.
FYI, I used Home Depot Pool Filter Sand. 4 bags. I used it once before and it is heavy enough to not stir up and doesn't affect the PH.
You can see there was a lot of sediment that got kicked up during the excavation.
Afterwards, I washed the sand and added it to the tank. and re decorated
Tex seems a little less aggressive but he is still chasing the others. I don't know if it was the sand or the 3 days of solitary that did it.
From what I read here, it may be too late for him.
Either way, I like the sand better. I think the clowns will enjoy it too. My brothers like to dig caves in his tank. Speaking of which, I decided to keep the convict since he looks cool.
FYI, I used Home Depot Pool Filter Sand. 4 bags. I used it once before and it is heavy enough to not stir up and doesn't affect the PH.
The tank looks great and so does that Tex! I use pool filter sand from Home Depot too. My wife would love to have another Tex like that again. We had one years ago and got rid of it. I can't even remember why. But she's been wanting another one a lot lately. Seeing yours has encouraged me to really seek out another one for her. I hope the aggression dies down for you.
Sorry guys, it came out awkward, just letting OP know that any question or suggestion is great. Ive learned a LOT from this site because someone ASKED, lol.
Yeah awesome Texas, Ive been tempted, Extreme Pets here has 2.5" for $3.99, but have to resist (doesn't fit the equation anymore)
