Tig / Lima Behaivioral Question

[KTrain]

So I currently have both a young Tig and a young Lima in my tank. They both continue to insist on swimming up the glass. They're generally stationary but are obviously maintaining their position against the glass. The tank is about 36'' high and they're maintaining a position about 6'' - 8'' off the floor of the tank.

I've heard a lot of theories on why they're doing this. Could anyone offer their advice as to what the issue is?

 

[DeAmazono]

When Tigs swim up against the glass, it means that it is stressed. Lima cats however, have a tendency to shed slime when they are stressed. It could be the water parameters like nitrate, nitrite, pH or stress from other tankmates that cause them to behave this way.

 

[KTrain]

Thanks for the information. I've been trying to do as much research as possible to determine that ideal water parameters for the fish but I just haven't had as much luck as I had hoped for. I know that my PH and Temperature are fine. In addition, Ammonia levels are near 0 so I know that's not the problem either.

My water is a bit harder then average, which I'm thinking may be causing some of the problems I'm having.

 

[DeAmazono]

Thanks for the information. I've been trying to do as much research as possible to determine that ideal water parameters for the fish but I just haven't had as much luck as I had hoped for. I know that my PH and Temperature are fine. In addition, Ammonia levels are near 0 so I know that's not the problem either.

My water is a bit harder then average, which I'm thinking may be causing some of the problems I'm having.

Hope this helps :

Tig:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=354

Lima
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=98

Always my bible :
http://www.planetcatfish.com

As for your case, I believe U got it *bingo* that you know that your water is hard. Cats generally prefer softer water as in relation to nature, i.e. Amazon basin, there is a great degree of tanin present inside the water. As for trying to make the water softer, be very careful with that as Tigs are very sensitive to any additives. Try adding DWs to soften the water

 

[KTrain]

I've been reviewing those articles and finding them somewhat helpful. I have three pieces of Driftwood in the tank already which I think is slowly softening the water (a week or so ago the water was showing up as harder).

I'm assuming you were referring to Driftwood when you said DW?

 

[KTrain]

I'd also like to add that I have a Tiger Shovelnose in the same tank and he's totally fine. Are those species more impervious to water conditions?