[LouiCypher]

In a cramped tank, is it better to have a high or moderately lower temp? I have two 6.5" reds and a 7" red belly pacu in a 55g. I have my temp at 82F. The problem is that they just wont swim around much. Will it help at all if I lower the temp a bit?

 

[LouiCypher]

Oh ya, i'll have some pics up later which might help.

 

[Grosse Gurke]

Lowering the temp us usually used to reduce aggression. If you dont have a problem with that then I would leave the temp. Usually p's are more active in a warmer temp and I dont see any way lowering the temp will increase activity.

 

[LouiCypher]

Is it possible that I have it too high and that they want to move around more but can't?

 

[Grosse Gurke]

No, I dont think so. Some people keep the temp at 84. I keep mine between 80 and 82. I also dont think your tank is cramped, although it will be when that pacu grows up :smile:

 

[Grosse Gurke]

If you dont have one, you should try a power head to get them moving.

 

[LouiCypher]

grosse gurke Posted on Apr 5 2003, 06:47 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you dont have one, you should try a power head to get them moving.

Are those things expensive?

 

[RhomZilla]

I have my temp at 82F. The problem is that they just wont swim around much. Will it help at all if I lower the temp a bit?

Considering you say that they dont swim around much, are they mostly close to the top of your tank?? If so, thats an indication that your water temp IS too hot!!

Example: If you lived in Death Valley (Californian Dessert), would you go running around playing tag, or any sport in particular? NO, you just wanna chill and try to stay at a cooler spot.

Another thing is that they might just be stayin away from each others territorial spots. 3 established territory in a 55 gal wouldnt have enough room for another fish to swim around.

 

[SnowCichlid]

I dont think its a temperature thing, are they in a aquarium where they feel comfortable... good decor, and not stressed out?

 

[LouiCypher]

No they stay near the bottom mostly. as far as territory goes, I don't think they've even claimed any. I originally had the tank in a spot that had a lot of outside movement and they were extremely timid. I moved the tank a few days ago and they seem to be a little better. And they also don't eat as I expected them to. They just pick of a feeder whenever they feel like it, no more than one per night and never two consecutive nights. I thought that they got all greedy with their food. Is it possible that they might need some time to adjust to the new tank position? I moved around the decoe aaswell.

 

[SnowCichlid]

how is the lighting situation?
where is the tank posistioned, what type of traffic?
...try getting some dithers in there

 

[LouiCypher]

It has two flourescent lightbulbs that I turn off for eight hours at night. I have the tank in the corner of my living room and there's next to no traffic anymore. What's a dither? Are power heads expensive?

 

[Grosse Gurke]

Dither is a fish the like your pacu that can be the target of aggression. Power heads are not really expensive if you order them online. Dont go to a lfs, they charge 2-3 times what you will pay at bigalsonline.com.
You may want to dim your lights a bit, it has worked for many get their fish more active. You can use foil with holes in it or candycane the bulbs with electrical tape or put paper between the glass and the bulb.

 

[sccavee]

I had the same problem you did with my 3 Reds in my 55. I bought a powerhead and they are much more active and have spread out over the complete tank. Before all 3 stayed in one corner and did not move much.

 

[LouiCypher]

How much did you have to dish out for the powerhead? What are they, do they just create a current?

 

[sccavee]

Paid $19 from BigAls for a Hagen Pro 4 that does 240-400 GPH. The main idea of the powerhead is too make current in the tank to make the Ps feel like home

.

 

[LouiCypher]

Sounds good. I'll order one today. Do I have to worry about noise or anything? How much space does it take?

 

[sccavee]

All depends on which one you buy. They one I got does take up some space, but I can't even tell it's on. It is very silent.

 

[LouiCypher]

Sweet. Thanks sccavee.

 

[Grosse Gurke]

Nice pickup, I hope this will help with the activity in your tank.