Worried cichlid mom

[firstsis2002]

Hi,

I'm like so many, I am also new to caring for fish. I have cichlids. The only ones I can identify are the 3 Jewels. I have a total of 6 young fish in a 10 gallon tank. I am worried that something is wrong. Everything has been fine until today, they are all going to the top. They usually are mid to bottom swimmers. I tested for ammonia, nitrates, nitrites and PH. All was fine with the tests. I did a 20% water change with Stress Coat and cleaned the filter. I also increased the filter flow. Is there anything else I can do? I also have a 30 gal. tank and everyone there is fine. I've thought about moving my six fish to the larger tank. Please offer any help. [/b]

[William]

Might be low oxygen levels. Could you add an air pump.

[DemonShark]

William dont chilids have a specail organ to breath air air?

[William]

No they don't.
Your thinking about labyrinth fish species such as gouramis and bettas (there are some others). Cichlids breath using their gills just like most fish types.

[DemonShark]

o sorry i thought gourimis were part of the chilids species

[William]

No problem.
Now lets wait and hear back from the worried cichlid keeper.

[firstsis2002]

Hello from Worried Mom,
Thank you for your suggestion, William. I moved the fish to my larger tank and they are very happy. The Jewels have regained their color and are eating well. I am recycling the smaller tank and I do not plan on using it again until I get an air pump.

[William]

Good to hear. Let me know if I can help you in any other way.

[DemonShark]

get a whipser air pump they are ussually very quiet

[rollie]

RENA AIR PUMPS ARE SO quiet, who can have them next to your bed. got first one about 10 years ago, and still no noise. they are made in france, but most pet shop have them.

[DemonShark]

Rena? I never heard nor see any of those

[rollie]

Most pet store sell them.

[DemonShark]

o alright