Normal Behavior?

[bubble_bee]

Hey everyone!!

I've just added three balloon mollies to my 20 G. The first day, they seemed fine, were eating and swimming about etc. However, they've now taken to hiding behind one of my plants in the corner, and refuse to come out. Is this normal "new tank" behavior, and will they eventually become comfortable? Or should I be worried that they're not doing well in my tank conditions? They came from an overstocked balloon molly-only tank..could they just feel overwhelmed? I have no salt added to the water, but I've heard that mollies can be fine with this...

Tank stats:

20 G
About 79 degrees
0 nitrites
0 ammonia
10 ppm nitrates
Occupants: 5 neons, 2 (1") Synodontis Petricola, 1 Male betta (not very aggresive), 3 balloon mollies.

Also: Is my tank overstocked as is? I'm planning to take out the Petricola's once they grow about another inch or so (planning a Cichlid tank for them).

Thanks!

[Chrona]

It is possible that the LFS had them in slightly brackish water, and the stress from the change in salinity is just now showing itself. Mollies can live in freshwater to saltwater, but the change must be slow and gradual. I was going to suggest a small ammonia spike, but since your parameters are all fine, then that's really the only thing I can think of. If it's a security issue, it would have been apparent from the start.

And no, I would not say your tank is very overstocked at the moment.

[bubble_bee]

thanks for the quick feedback...if that is the case, should I be seriously worried? Or do you think they'll come around in a few days?

[Chrona]

It depends on how much the difference in salinity was. I can't say. I would just keep them under close observation, since synodontis are very sensitive to salt if I recall correctly.

[bubble_bee]

hmm, okay, thanks!

[zenryoku]

does anyone know about the syndontis. I plan on getting a few or more. I just add salt as directed on the box for freshwater aquariums. I think it is 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons or something like that.

My molly did fine in freshwater...but he was raised in a walmart tank and I am sure that they had him in fresh water.

[bubble_bee]

I'm not for sure on the salt with catfish as the synodontis are my first, but I've had a lot of luck on the planetcatfish.com forums, under African species. Tons of the members have a lot of experience with a number of the different types of synodontis.

[Chrona]

I'm not for sure on the salt with catfish as the synodontis are my first, but I've had a lot of luck on the planetcatfish.com forums, under African species. Tons of the members have a lot of experience with a number of the different types of synodontis.

Another forum!?!?! Why....why.....that's BLASPHEMY!


:hmm3grin2orange:

[kimmers318]

Another forum!?!?! Why....why.....that's BLASPHEMY!


He-he! I frequently commit blasphemy:wink2: . This forum is great, but specialized forums open your access to many people who have loads of experience with specific species.......so I slut around to several other forums:hmm3grin2orange:

Seriously, though, no the tank is not overstocked, although there is a possibilty that the betta is harrassing your molly. I don't have much experience with mollies, but do know they prefer brackish water, which is not made with aquarium salt but with ocean salt just like a saltwater tank. IMO they do not have a long life span in freshwater. Aside from the betta harrassing them, it could be the simple fact that molly, just like platy, are usually pregnant when you get them and hiding out before they give birth. I have noticed my female platy will hide a few days before they pop out some fry for us.

[bubble_bee]

mm, thanks Kimmer! I know for sure that at least 2 of them are preggers, so that could definetly be a possibility.

More species-specific forums are a godsend when you have questions regarding one type of fish, since the members often have a lot of experience in that one area. Of course I would never suggest our community is lesser than another...I'm no traitor!