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I just got 4 bloodfin tetras yesterday and I kept the light off for the day and this am I thought I would put it on but I noticed they seemed to be hiding and scared, so I turned it off, how much light should they have and will they just be like that for a while after the light is on and they be ok?? Also, I have one little guy who seems to just hide in the corner while the other 3 are all over the place, occassionally he comes out but seems to want to hide, I'm a little worried that he won't make it. My tank is still new (2 wks), the guy at the store told me not to do any cleaning on the tank, other than 10% water change every week and to only feed them every 3 days - and come back in 3 wks for more fish - do this sound like good advice> Thanks

Shauna372,
Fish sometimes take a while to ajust to a tank. I had some fish that seemed startled by the light for a month !. Make sure there are no loud noises in the room, also you can try turning on the tank light after the room itself has had a chance to lighten up some.

You mentioned the tank wasn new, what are your ammonia, nitrIte and nitrAte readings? Since you just added some fish you either may be seeing the effects of a cycle or minicyle, both of which will add stress to the fish.

^_^

Many floating plants or floating cork bark pieces can be an excellent halfway step to reduce light in the lower levels of the tank and reduce nervousness. They can be a permanent addition if you like them or if the tetras never chill out in bright light. Black substrates are very helpful too..

Hi,
Depending upon the size of your tank, you may want to do
what I have done to nearly every tank. That is I provide
thickly planted areas that include stem plants and provide
a shaded, "jungle" area and also an open "swimming" area
for my schooling fish. Generally, I will plant "short"
growing (called foreground plants) in the swimming area.

New fish will nearly always do a turn around the tank
and then hide in the jungle for a few hours or even days.
But sooner, rather than later, they see the others out
swimming and they get "brave" and join them. Especially
at feeding time which always takes place in the open
swimming area.

Frank


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