New addition questions

**fishn00b** · 01-13-2013, 01:57 AM

So I added 2 dwarf cichlids (not sure exactly what type, they are striped with blue-ish tint) to my 10g planted. 1 male 1 female, and while the male seems well acclimated and sort of just does his own thing, the female spends most of her time kind of hiding behind a plant or in the top corner behind the filter. I have yet to see her actually eat, other then pecking at random stuff in the tank. The guy who sold me them said it was normal for her to be more reclusive but i didn't quite expect this much, is this normal type of behavior? Other tank mates are just 7 various tetras.

**Honey Badger 1** · 01-13-2013, 02:03 AM

It is normal behavior when you put fish in a tank that is too small for them and probably over crowded.

**fishn00b** · 01-13-2013, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by mommy1

It is normal behavior when you put fish in a tank that is too small for them and probably over crowded.

The individual who sold me them at a LFS assured me this would be enough space, and he wasn't "just trying to sell me something" I asked him for recommendations for a heavily planted 10g and told him my current stock. The tank is not over crowded, there are less than 10 inches of total fish and its heavily planted with an air pump. But thanks for your constructive commentary, I see that tank snobs are still in abundance on this forum.

**Honey Badger 1** · 01-13-2013, 02:20 AM

And I see the fish tards are still in abundance too. The one inch per gallon rule does not work, if you or your lfs friend did any sort of research you would know this. 7 various tetra is poorly stocked, tetra are schooling species and need at least 7 of one type to be healthy. The only dwarf cichlid I can think of that would possibly live well in a 10g is a multifaciatus, and since you didn't say it was a shellie I seriously doubt that is what you have. Now to be a little more informative for you, your tank is poorly stocked, over stocked with the cichlids, and he is probably bullying her for space.

**fishn00b** · 01-13-2013, 02:35 AM

The 7 minimum rule is excessive from everything I have read, as long as you have 3-5 they will be ok. My 3 rainbow tetras have been perfectly happy for over 6 months. The 3 rummy nose are just fine too. I only have 1 glow light left because hurricane sandy caused my tank to go ~50 degrees and I lost the others. If you genuinely feel that 2 dwarfs in this tank is not good then just say it but the sarcasm isn't appreciated. I could go get a 29 gal but i fear that if I move it will be difficult to transport, that's the only reason I don't have a bigger tank.

**Honey Badger 1** · 01-13-2013, 02:44 AM

I did just say the tank wasn't appropriate and you got defensive and started name calling, defensiveness and name calling is not appreciated either. I am glad your tetras have lived for 6 months, mine lived for over 12 years, let me know how yours are doing in 5-10 years and then I will listen to your advice about small schools. I don't care what a few people say, there are many more who have had tetra in 2's and 3's who later upped the schools to larger numbers and were amazed at the difference in their behavior, attitude, and general health. You can listen to the few who tell you what you want to hear, or those of us who know better. Your choice.

**Goes to 11!** · 01-13-2013, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by fishn00b

I see that tank snobs are still in abundance on this forum.

I am curious, In what branch of mathematics does one of anything [IE: Reply or member] equal 'an abundance'?

The guy who sold me them said it was normal for her to be more reclusive

The individual who sold me them at a LFS assured me this would be enough space,

Considering the above and this:

i didn't quite expect this much, is this normal type of behavior?

What did he say when you asked him? Seems the obvious place to start since he is the person who assured you that all of this is fine.

I mean if you are going to use his assurance as justification for your purchase it stands to reason that he would be the best person to go to for a solution to this unexpected behaviour right?

If it were me I would absolutely not needlessly suffer anymore snobbery when you have a perfectly adequate source of obviously good advice available locally to you.

The route you choose is up to you, Good luck

**fishn00b** · 01-13-2013, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by 850R

If it were me I would absolutely not needlessly suffer anymore snobbery when you have a perfectly adequate source of obviously good advice available locally to you

You're right, the answer to every question on this forum is "your tank's too small" or "you should do more water changes."

**Honey Badger 1** · 01-13-2013, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by fishn00b

You're right, the answer to every question on this forum is "your tank's too small" or "you should do more water changes."

This is because most people stock fish that grow too large for their tanks and don't do enough water changes.

**fishn00b** · 01-13-2013, 03:01 AM

Originally Posted by mommy1

It is normal behavior when you put fish in a tank that is too small for them and probably over crowded.

You're going to attempt and deny the sarcastic tone of this? Give me a break. Like I said, I welcome constructive criticism but I don't need to be patronized. I can upgrade tank sizes if necessary, but didn't think it was based on the other information I had been given.