weird problem

[hyeone]

for the past month, my mollies have been acting strange. everytime i walk by the tank, which happens many times everyday, they all jump and scatter hitting the walls and other fish. they never use to do this before and i dont try to scare them or anything. it happens during the day and at night when the lights are off. i know once the mollies get older, they are more protective of their territory but they seem to get a long with the other fish just fine.
any ideas why they are so jumpy?


10 gallon tank
12 silver mollie(almost 5 months old)
2 guppies(about ayear old)

 

[Acei]

Have you checked the water parameters lately? I've had fish act like this before when the nitrates were high.

 

[CaptainZissou]

Did you introduce new fish to the tank and/or general area? My fish tend to get touchy when I bring in new fish, even when its not in their tank.

 

[rohnds]

My first guess is that your tank is over crowded for 10 gal. You are pushing the limit even with 2-inch rule which in my opnion is completely useless. IF your water paramters in accordance, do regular water changes, then my only other conclusion is that your tank is over crowded.
Rohn

 

[hyeone]

thanks for the input everyone.