Mayhem in the tank --- HELP !!!

U

Uncle Albert

Medium Fish
#1
Apr 4, 2009
53
0
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#1
I've had a 30 gallon tank for nearly 3 years now. Started with small community fish (I think they're called) and after losses and/or disappearing acts started to gravitate towards larger fish in the last 6 months or so.<br><br>I'm a novic and don't have a lot of time to put into this - starting to realize that this can get complicated.*SICK*

Up until Friday the following were in the tank (and life was good and peaceful):*SUNSMILE*
Angelicus Botia Loach
Black Phantom Tetra
Red Parrot Cichlid
Blue Peacock Cichlid

On Friday we added a Green Terror Cichlid. Immediately, the Parrot started going after him - sort of nipping at him constantly. I'd tap on the glass and he'd back off, but always went back. I finally gave up. When I came down Saturday morning I noticed 2 things: the Loach was MIA (he finally reappeared hours later), and the Tetra was "cowering" in the top left corner right by the Heater -- his fins also looked very tattered (we originally had 2 tetras but lost one about 2.5 months ago). He looked all freaked out.

Yesterday afternoon I put the Tetra in a one gallon fish bowl temporarily with the tank's water and added a bit of Stress Coat - trying to keep it in sunlight - a temporary measure.

My question is:
Pet Good's policy is 48 hours to return a fish - should I return the Green Terror??
(The Parrot is still going after him a bit but not as often it seems). The 48 hours is up tomorrow (Monday) since they're closed on Sunday here.

What about the Tetra - should I reintroduce him into the tank at some point?? Also, while he's in the bowl what should I do to help ensure his survival (he does not seem as stressed now).
:rolleyes:
Thanks in advance ...

Uncle Albert
 

Last edited:
unwritten law

unwritten law

Superstar Fish
#4
Sep 2, 2008
1,471
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36
DC
#4
Return the green terror.. The tank is too small and the territorial aggression will not end.

You should add to the tetras, suppose to be in groups of six, and the loach, like all loaches, should be in groups of at least 3.

Now if you do this, your bioload will not be in excess but I am still worried about the blue peacock. He is a african cichlid and keeping him in water parameters not suitable for africans will lower his life span. Also they should be in tanks of at least 50 gallons and the current tank size will also hurt his life span.
 

U

Uncle Albert

Medium Fish
#6
Apr 4, 2009
53
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#6
Reply II

Thanks for your responses ... Can I reintroduce the Tetra anytime soon;) without him being harmed?

Also, suggestions for ornaments, plants, etc ... you can see what I have now from the photo below ...

UA

 

Last edited:
MissFishy

MissFishy

Superstar Fish
#9
Aug 10, 2006
2,237
5
0
Michigan
#9
Your tank is actually too small for even the parrot cichlid in the long run. He will get larger and more aggressive and will outgrow the tank. You definitely need more plants in your tank for cover for the fish. Water level is also very low, should be up to the black "rim" line of the tank.
 

U

Uncle Albert

Medium Fish
#10
Apr 4, 2009
53
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0
#10
Reply III

Yes I know ... it's low only because of the water I had to remove to fill the fish bowl for the tetra ... speaking of which ...

Question 1 .... can I reintroduce the tetra after the green terror has been removed ... or will the balance in the tank have shifted?*twirlysmi

Question 2 ... what type of plants? plastic , live or ??
 

MissFishy

MissFishy

Superstar Fish
#12
Aug 10, 2006
2,237
5
0
Michigan
#12
Yes, you can and should put your tetra back into your tank. He will not do well in a bowl for long. He needs heat and filtration. I would try and put him back into the tank ASAP.

Plastic plants would probably be your best bet with your stocking. Tall and short, take a look at some pictures of tanks and decide on a natural plant configuration.
 

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