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Hi,

I have just bought some fish from my local pet shop. They are Red Cap fish. I have tested the PH of the water - it's 7 and 0 ammonia. I used water conditioner and Cycle. I have a hang on filter.

I placed the fish in the water - it was a similar temp to the water they were in. The are just sitting on the bottom! Is this normal? Are they in shock???

Thanks in advance.

Ty

[span class="edited"][Edited by axolotl 2004-07-05 23:29][/span]

I am not familiar with that particular fish, but it sounds like you have just recently set up your aquarium. If this is the case, and even if it isn't, you should read up on the nitrogen cycle. I will get you a link in just a moment. Also have you dechlorinated the water? Also, fish are stressed after a move and will sometimes "lay low" for a while. This should not last more than an hour though. Are they the only fish in the tank? What size is the tank and how big are these fish? How similar was the temperatures? Do you know the ph of the water from the store? Did you at least float the bags for a half hour before releasing them?

Few questions :

How old is your tank?
How did you transfer the fishes over?
Tank size?

That would help us to help you. Keep us posted!

Bleeder's Forum
http://silentlucidity.s10.forumsplace.com

Sounds like a Red Cap Oranda...

Anyway, it could very well be in shock. Answering the posted questions would help us diagnose the problem and try to prevent any future problems...

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

I measured the water temp with an electric therm. it was within 1 - 2 degrees. I have an AquaClear Mini on a 40L tank. I think the water may be too cold. I have read about these fish on the internet and they reccomend between 18-22 (the water is currently 16 degrees) I have a heater in the water now and I am going to bring the temp up to 20. Is this a good idea?

The water is fresh out of the tap. I used tri-start in the water and I used Cycle. I'll see how they go. It is winter here (in Australia) which may explain the inactivity due to the water temp.

Thanks guys - do you have any other suggestions?

Ok - Update

The are swimming around - quite fast - then stopping and resting. The resting may last a few minutes. They will then move around quickly again.

Another Update - You'd swear they were dead! lol - but all of a sudden they will move really quickly around and swim around the tank.

here is the link on The Nitrogen Cycle Yes your fish could be in shock. Check for ammonia again. Also how big are the fish? Any tankmates? And yes slowly raise the temperature in that tank. Also, look at their gills. Are they flapping a lot and pretty hard compared to the normal fluctuation of gills?

Well, the temp is up to 22C now - and the fish are really active!!! They are eating well and swimming around lots and lots! Its amazing how much of a difference the temp can make. I have set my heater to 22C which seems to be a good temp - should I raise the temp any more??

Thanks Ty

you could maybe tweak it up one more degree or so...