New mixed freshwater tropical tank

[roly-poly]

G'day. After many years without tropicals I have recently returned to this hobby. 3 months ago I setup a180 litre freshwater aquarium at average 24° C. I think that is about 35 gals and 78F? I check with indicator strips regularly and all seems to be healthy within suggested parameters.
It was started with rainwater and a couple of cups of pond water for infusoria and bacterial growth.
The population is 4 Cory's, 2 bristlenose, 6 each of neons and glow lights and 4 kuhli. Some minute guppy or endler fry got in with a large, varied plant purchase at some time recently and about 18 are thriving but I shall remove them later.
I have gentle sponge filtered aeration and moderate water flow and a few larger rocks and smaller rock piles in a soft sand and rounded gravel substrate. Plants are varied and in clumps allowing the glowlights and neons exercise space. 12 hr or so daily tank light, some other weak ambient light while household awake.
Feed is varied; tropical flakes, dried brine shrimp, frozen blood worm, algae tabs. I did add live food, daphnia and micro and blood worms once but the expense was too high.
The neons and glowlights are surprisingly relaxed and do not go nuts at the feed times. The Corys constantly rooting around, bristlenoses shy and just doing the rounds of glass and rocks -but the bigger one can be territorial and aggressive sometimes.
All seems well except that the kuhlis are occasionally appearing during the day and swimming very quickly about, even crashing into the corners and one another. No injuries just this random mad half hour sometimes during daylight. Is this a sign of healthy energy or an unhappiness with environment do you think?

 

[Andy Sager]

They are probably responding to the light. They prefer dim lighting so they are probably running to find some darkness.

 

[roly-poly]

Thanks. They have multiple, covered, dark shelters made of piled- up small rocks forming little caves at either end of the tank and 8 hrs of dark or very dim light. Pump vibration is very mild, water flow just medium at surface and mid- level, low at floor. No other fish enter their cover.
They just seem to freak at odd intervals as if for exercise or even companionship. They may however then just settle down, lie low on tank floor not in shelter despite light and plenty of cover. Certainly I agree with you that once out and about during daylight they are sometimes looking for dark again but wonder what stirs them up in the first place?

 

[Andy Sager]

Thanks. They have multiple, covered, dark shelters made of piled- up small rocks forming little caves at either end of the tank and 8 hrs of dark or very dim light. Pump vibration is very mild, water flow just medium at surface and mid- level, low at floor. No other fish enter their cover.
They just seem to freak at odd intervals as if for exercise or even companionship. They may however then just settle down, lie low on tank floor not in shelter despite light and plenty of cover. Certainly I agree with you that once out and about during daylight they are sometimes looking for dark again but wonder what stirs them up in the first place?

You'll have to ask them. LOL If you can video tape this behavior, maybe we can see something you miss ( like a pre spawning ritual or mild fight between them.)

 

[joshuakenneth]

G'day. After many years without tropicals I have recently returned to this hobby. 3 months ago I setup a180 litre freshwater aquarium at average 24° C. I think that is about 35 gals and 78F? I check with indicator strips regularly and all seems to be healthy within suggested parameters.
It was started with rainwater and a couple of cups of pond water for infusoria and bacterial growth.
The population is 4 Cory's, 2 bristlenose, 6 each of neons and glow lights and 4 kuhli. Some minute guppy or endler fry got in with a large, varied plant purchase at some time recently and about 18 are thriving but I shall remove them later.
I have gentle sponge filtered aeration and moderate water flow and a few larger rocks and smaller rock piles in a soft sand and rounded gravel substrate. Plants are varied and in clumps allowing the glowlights and neons exercise space. 12 hr or so daily tank light, some other weak ambient light while household awake.
Feed is varied; tropical flakes, dried brine shrimp, frozen blood worm, algae tabs. I did add live food, daphnia and micro and blood worms once but the expense was too high.
The neons and glowlights are surprisingly relaxed and do not go nuts at the feed times. The Corys constantly rooting around, bristlenoses shy and just doing the rounds of glass and rocks -but the bigger one can be territorial and aggressive sometimes.
All seems well except that the kuhlis are occasionally appearing during the day and swimming very quickly about, even crashing into the corners and one another. No injuries just this random mad half hour sometimes during daylight. Is this a sign of healthy energy or an unhappiness with environment do you think? When looking to rent an apartment in Beirut, neighborhoods like Hamra, Achrafieh, and Gemayzeh offer a good mix of safety and convenience. The rental market can be competitive, so it’s best to use trusted platforms like OLX or PropertyFinder, or connect with local real estate agents. Be prepared for potential hidden costs, such as maintenance fees or utility charges, and always clarify lease terms upfront. Negotiation is common, so don't hesitate to ask for better pricing or added benefits.

The occasional bursts of energy from your kuhlis are likely just playful behavior, as they are known to swim quickly at times. It’s generally a sign of healthy energy, especially if there are no injuries. However, if the behavior becomes excessive or frequent, it could indicate stress, so check that the tank conditions, flow, and hiding spots are ideal.