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I have had my tank running for about three months now, last reading were good
nitrite 0
nitrate 5
ammonia 0
ph 7.8
temp 76 f
30% water changes weekly.
the crew 6 emerald corys, 2 sae, 6 zebra danios, 3 dwarf neon rainbows. 55 gal tank
the rainsbows were added about 2 to 3 weeks ago and are doing great, it is the larger danios that are puzzling me. About a week after the rainbows were added, they seem to have slowed down, not eating as much nor are do they actively chasing the food like they were. The brine shrimp caused a frenzy when dropped in, but then the largest danio hardly ate them either? Any thoughts? I see not spots, no fin problems, no rubbing against rocks. They generally just lazily move about the upper part of the tank. All the other fish are active as usual, the corys the same crazy stuff.

Bring the number of Danios up to a minimum of 6 (and given that they're in a 55, you have PLENTY of room to make it 12) and you should see them perk up. Bring the numbers up to 12, and you should see them become turbocharged.

Likewise, bump up your Rainbows to at least 6 (you've space for 12 again in your 55). 12 each of your shoaling fishes will be a riot. When you see the fun that decent sized shoals bring to you, you won't want to go back to 'pick and mix' odd pairs and threes EVER again, I guarantee. Give it a try, trust me, if you bring those shoals up to 12 of each, they'll blow your socks off.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Id agree with cal,the problem is behavioral, and they are responding to the presence of another midwater/surface species. Its probably just thre rainbows making the danios a little shy, just bump up the numbers and theyll get over it. Shoals of a dozen sounds about right for both species.Itll stop the rainbows getting overly promiscuous with just one member of the opposite sex too.Rainbows kept in low numbers often die of sexual exhaustion. (chance would be a fine thing lol.) So go for the shoals, and remember that unless your filter is really very capacious and tough, maybe add no more than four fish at a time, preferably at at least 4-5 day intervals.

Shoals all round

Thanks for the input, truly appteciated.
So I guess look out LFS here we come.

danio stock was increased to ten and after a week it is good to see the all swimming around.
will get some new rainbows soon.