[mepeterser2451]

I had a convict in a 55 gal by himself after I lost my GT and he started getting really shy and wouldn't eat while I was around. Seems to be healthy otherwise. Also, my 2 clown loaches were getting to big for my 20 (they are bout 3" right now) so I moved them into the 55gal. But my convict was still shy and he likes to chase the clown's so I bought out my LFS supply of tetra's which was 2 cardinal, 2 black neon, and 2 other ones i forget. However, he's not at all interested yet in the tetra's and still chases the clowns and still hides when I'm around. I feel like everything would be fine if he wasn't so scared. Any better dither fish or should i get more?

 

[RedDevilLover]

try large danios i love them as dithers as they tend to move around non stop

 

[mepeterser2451]

ok for some reason, I've lost 3 dithers out of 6. I lost 2 black neon and 1 cardinal. My 3 rummy nose and 1 cardinal are perfectly healthy although I feel like the cardinal is next. Is my convict getting them or is it my water? The convict doesnt seem to care about them at all.

 

[Hubbynz]

i had six dainos in my 20 gallon tank with a convict pair.....they didnt really seem overly fussed about them until they spawned and it was all on.....they all died one by one over a week once they spawned..

I was considering getting giant danios to see if they would last longer

i have two small bristlenose in there who are pretty much ignored

 

[Toby_H]

Anytime you lose fish and don't know why water quality should be questioned... Have you tested it recently?

But when new fish die I also have to question the quality of the new fish...

I'd suggest testing your water. Ammonia and Nitrites should always be at zero, although you could have some presence ('mini cycle') as you've recently added new fish. Any Ammonia or Nitrite is bad. If you have any at all I'd suggest doing a couple extra water changes.

 

[pugwash]

After doing the above, consider swordtails as dithers (2m,4f) as the live fry may also induce the con to come out for snacks...

 

[mepeterser2451]

i did take strip tests a week or two ago and the nitrates were 0 but i tested today and they were around 20 ppt or ppm whatever it is. I hate paper strip tests personally but I think you were right and my nitrates were to high. I've been doing a number of water changes so hopefully my fish will be happier now. thanks for the info.

 

[pugwash]

Possibly dodgy stock then, as nitrates of 20 ppm is at the peak of the desirable range. Not to say nitrates exceeding much beyond that are disasterous though.

How are your other parameters though - nitrites and ammonia?

Perhaps your con is a little more aggressive at nighttime than you give credit to...tetra's are quite mild tempered.

 

[mepeterser2451]

my nitrites are 0 and last time i tested ammonia it was pretty low although i might have messed up the test. i also put in some feeder guppies. you might be right bout the convict though, ill keep an eye out.