Ancistrus

[Amelie]

Hi!

Why are my ancistrus loosing their colours? All the dark colour is vanishing and they become more and more pale each day. I have 2 tanks with ancistrus, but this only occurs in one of them. Why? I'm giving them extra supplements (both tanks). They don't seem to be ill in any other way, they act normal.

[ladyjai]

how long have you had them? what color substrate?


What are the water readings for ammonia, nitrAtes and nitrItes? temperature, pH, and kH/gH if you know them.

[Amelie]

I've had them for 6 months.
Bright substrate.
Temperature 25 C.
pH 7.
NitrAtes <0,25.

I don't know about the nitrites and kH/gH. =(

[ladyjai]

most likely the substrate. they will try to match it for tone at least for the lighter portions of their blotches.

do check your readings for ammonia and nitrites (can take to the LFS, they will test for free). make sure they give you exact numbers not just OK. if they are both 0, you are good to go, and can fully blame the substrate.

[Amelie]

So it's not a sign of illness? Because it's really not a problem for me if they choose to be a different colour. I was just afraid they might be ill. But just to be sure, I'll ask the fish store to do the testing after the holidays.