My VATF keeps swimming really fast and then running in to the glass on all sides of the tank. He has a pretty big sore/bump on the front of his bottom jaw because of it. He's about 6" and in a 75 Gallon. How can I stop this??
Vittatus Beating Himself Up!!
- Thread starter sheajared
- Start date
They are skittish so the best things you can do would be to give him plenty of room, make sure he doesn't have any tank mates that spook him, and spend some time in front of the tank so he gets used to movement outside the tank. Some people black out the sides of the tank or use plants as barriers to help.
I would consider putting a flow pump (Rio) for your VATF to let him actually swim in a current and not just in circles banging off the side of your tank.
^^ this. a pump or a powerful powerhead should keep him busy, running against a current instead of having still water, in which they start exploring and bump themselves into glass. Also, I think fishes can detect walls because of a nice current. Some fishes are extremely sensitive and since the water movement is being propelled off this surface, they know something is there. Btw, if you get a powerhead, get a good one.. if you think it's strong, get the next level up. I've went through three powerheads before I was satisfied with the amount of current.
I wouldn't tape off an sides of the tank.. the only side I have covered is the backside with wallpaper. I like to view my tanks from more than just one side
Also, I know tiger fishes are skittish.. I'm personally not fond with keeping one, but my Hydrolycus Tatauaias are somewhat skittish too. I've provided a good ratio of places to hide versus places for them to swim freely. They don't freak out as much, because they feel more comfortable.. thus less running into the wall lol good luck!
X2. Add some sort of current facing the length of the tank. I would place it mid to top. Nothing you can do if a bigger tank is not available. At 6", a 75 gl should be okay... is the tank w/custom dmns (more square)?
Upgrade to a tank with length or sell him before he ends up a floater.
G/L
Going to the LFS this week to pick up a flow pump of some sort and a solid background to cover 3 of the 4 sides. Tank is an average 75 gallon, 48 x 18 x 20. Wasn't planning on an upgrade too soon, can he be housed with my silver aro? If so, I can move him into a bigger tank sooner rather than later.
