Fish acting bad

[tair23]

I have a 75 gallon with 20 cichlids in it. They all seem great except 2. They are hanging around the top and seem lack luster. Even thier color seems to be fading a bit. They eat when fed and move if another fish come around but them back to the top most likly in the corner. I just dont know what could be going on. any ideas?

Thanks:help:

[xoolooxunny]

20 cichlids in a 75g sounds a bit overstocked. How often do you do water changes and what are your nitrate levels? they could be stressed.

[tair23]

all others are ok. Water is excellent had it tested at local store. i change about 20% of the water every 15 days.

[cocoa_pleco]

what kind of fish? Mbuna? peacocks? south americans?

20 is a tad much. In a 33g, you could do 7 Mbuna with a filter rated for over 200g and weekly water changes, meaning for about 20 you would need a 100g with crazy filtration.

I think that your fish are oxygen starved from all the fish in the tank. you can add a airstone to help for the time being

[xoolooxunny]

hanging around the top can mean poor water conditions/sickness/oxygen deprivation. I would go with cocoa's suggestion and see if that helps.

[Lady Hobbs]

I would change water at least weekly with that many fish and large water changes as well. 20% every two weeks is not nearly enough. You should be doing at least 50%.

[gm72]

Agreed with the above. You really need to be doing more water changes. Your fish are showing you that by their behavior.