New pink kissing gouramis

[aquasteph]

My new gouramis have been basically sitting on the floor since I've gotten them this afternoon.

Any suggestions?

[Lab_Rat]

What are you asking? Why are the fish on the floor? What tank are you putting them in, none of the ones in your sig are large enough for kissing gouramis (that will get 12")?

I would suggest putting them in a tank.

[aquasteph]

Sorry, I updated it. Obviously they are in water. And I mean the floor I my tank, of course. I'm asking if this is natural behavior?

Sorry.

[Lab_Rat]

Lol, sorry, it sounded like they were in bags on the floor.

Did you slowly acclimate them? I'd just keep the light off and let them settle in.

Are they in the 50g? If so, unfortunately that is still too small for kissers, they're going to get a foot long.

[aquasteph]

Yes, they're in the 50 gal. Is it ok for them for now if they're only 5 inches? I can move them when they get larger.. I floated them for 45 minutes. I will try turning the lights off.

Thanks.

[Lab_Rat]

Floating is not a great way to acclimate, it gets the temp right but none of the other factors, like pH differences and hardness differences, are addressed. I prefer the drip method as it allows slow acclimation to new water conditions.

If they're already 5" I wouldn't keep them in a 50g for much longer. You don't want to stunt them. If you don't have plans for a larger tank I'd take them back and exchange them for a more suitable species.

[Deleted User]

In case it is of interest, here is a better way to acclimate fish to a new aquarium. Read the 2nd to the last paragraph about drip acclimating:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]



and a little video example: [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]



Congratulations on your new fish and I hope they are more active for you this morning!

[Kazenouta]

In regards to your Gouramis staying toward the bottom of your tank it seems like this may be an introductory phase for them. When I put my Dwarf into her new home yesterday she sat on the bottom, hiding in various decorations and plants for a few hours. Now, she's out and about being more curious.

[rich311k]

Give them some time. They may just be settling in.

[debbie51975]

I've got 2 kissing g's in a 50 gal. Had them 2 years. Theyre close to 7 inches. But I'll be trading them soon to our local fish store. They need a bigger tank. The guy who runs the local fish store is amazing. Deals with salt & fresh and has enough room to house them. I agree, at some point you'll need a bigger tank. I may get a larger tank, but it will be a while. Even the Bala is outgrowing my tank. Hopefully I'll find a new tank before he outgrows it completely. I'd love 150 g, but the husband would probably have a heart attack. The 50 cost quite a bit to set-up. Not to mention the filter. Right now it's a Rena for 100g. But if I get a larger tank....geesh! I'll wind up broke, but at least the fish would have it good! :18:

[Lady Hobbs]

They just need to get used to their new home and a dark tank will help achieve that and reduce stress. Do not feed the first day, either. Just leave them alone and they will come alive and start searching out the tank.