Stop Hiding

[aquagal]

I have six juvenilles that I just moved from a 20 gal QT tank to a 55 gal QT tank (by themselves). While in the 20gal, they would always come to the front of the tank to ask for food when I entered the room. Now in the 55gal, all they do is hide and act skiddish. Do they feel less secure w/ more room and therefore want to hide? I thought they would appreciate the extra space but I'm wondering now whether I should put them back in the 20gal. I also had two pieces of driftwood in the 55gal that I just took out so they couldn't hide all the time (tough love). Not sure whether it's better for them to feel more secure w/ a hiding place or to just get over it...?

My water parameters are all good, they eat well and look great. I'm just frustrated that they are so skiddish...? Any advice...?

[KJoFan]

If you just moved them I would let them be for awhile. They'll get used to their new tank and surroundings and probably get over their shyness. I wouldn't add the driftwood back. If they have a place to hide, they will. Better to leave them minimal hiding places and just let them settle in.

hth

[William Palumbo]

Make sure that the water parameters are the same in the 55 as was in the 20. Was the lighting changed, or different from the 20gal? What usually works for me when dealling with a tank of skittish fish, is I put in plastic plants, weighted at the bottom to hold them in position. This usually helps. Though sometimes the addition of smaller peaceful fish like Tetras help. I have used Guppies, and smaller angelfish from my pairs to mix in with the Discus to make them feel secure, tho in all my cases it had to do mostly with lighting and tank positioning..Usually higher is better. HTH I know it can be anoying owning skittish fish!...Bill

[Graham]

think of it this way...if a big net chased you around your home, then scooped you up and drop you into strange surroundings without anything to hide behind, just in case something wanted to eat you..... till you got your bearings...how would you feel;)

Give them a chance:)

[aquagal]

Thanks all.

Graham--I especially enjoyed your response. I've never been chased by a big net but I can only imagine...

[Don Trinko]

In addition to others words of wisdom I will add that shadows, vibrations, noises ect effect them but in time they will get used to all the new stimulations. Discus also have personalities. Some will act different under the same circumstances. Don T.

[AADiscus]

It also depends on the size of these juvies. If you had 6 in a 20 gal then I am assuming they are still pretty little. If so, a 55 is gonna feel very large to them. But they will come around in a few days.

[aquagal]

They all are still small and I'm hoping will come around soon.