Cichlids Staying at bottom

[YNWAtom22]

Hi Guys

I was wondering if any of you have had this problem. I have had them for about a week, and they swim plenty, but just at the bottom of the tank

20g tank

20g whisper filter

20g air pump

No heater, waters at 73 generally

2 peacocks

1 Mbuna

1 socolofi

1 rainbow shark, he's the only one who swims around the top third of the tank

 

[Slade]

I assume these are juveniles. You'll need a bigger tank when full grown. What rocks/decorations do you have for them to hide in? Raise your temp to 76-79 degrees.

 

[treemanone2003]

I assume these are juveniles. You'll need a bigger tank when full grown. What rocks/decorations do you have for them to hide in? Raise your temp to 76-79 degrees.

+1. Temps are def on the colder side than what is recommended. Also agree on tank setup with spots to hide/tank size. They'll all need to be in at least a 50g sooner than later. I would also be extremely cautious with the shark as a tank mate. Not the best mix IMO.


Sent from my iPhone that doesn't like me. Or you !!

 

[Quest84]

+1 on raising your temp, these are warm water fish. Keep it between 76-78% . A 20 gallon is too small for these fish, I keep fry / small juvies in a 20 long.


Did you cycle the tank or is this a brand new tank? If the tank is not cycled you can have ammonia and nitrite present in the water which is deadly to your fish. You need a good test kit to test your water