Hey everyone.
My wife brought home a parrot cichlid for my son(without realizing the responsibility that goes with owning a fish). I set up a tank for it, but it has always acted a bit strange since we got it. It usually just stayed in a corner of the tank towards the bottom, sometimes even floating sideways. I thought it was dying, but after reading posts on this site, I learned I'm not the only one who has witnessed this behavior. It did still worry me though, so I've done a lot of researching trying to see what I can do to help.
While at the pet store the other day getting more supplies, I was talking to one of the workers about cichlids, and he pointed out some pink convicts that were up for adoption. I went ahead and adopted two smaller ones(I know my 20 gallon tank isn't big enough for all 3 fish permantly, but it's a start).
I noticed that as soon as I put the bag with the fish in the tank to get them used to the temp, the parrot swam up to them and started swimming around in the tank...first time I ever saw it swim really. Once I released the convicts(no pun intended, lol), all three cichlids started swimming around the tank together. I have noticed them bumping each other occassionally, but nothing too violent. And the best part of all...the parrot is acting like a fish now! I guess he was just lonely?
Anyway, here are a few pics of the setup and fish. Let me know what you think.
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Comments
Re: Better in numbers?
Yeah mine seemed lonely too until i got another parrot and severum. Now he is happier.
bezumno
Интересно пишете, снова и снова возвращаюсь к вашему ресурсу, много интересного почерпнул, спасибо
Re: bezumno
Which roughly translates to "It is interesting to write again and going back to your resource, learned a lot of interesting, thanks"
Re: Better in numbers?
They're all looking happy and normal still. I have been testing the water and everything is good so far. I did make sure to cycle to the tank before adding the fish. I'm no expert, but I used to keep fish a while back, and then a turtle for a while. Actually I have some bigger tanks somewhere in storage...hopefully they aren't too dried out that they will leak. I'll have to find one and work on getting it set up for them.
Re: Re: Better in numbers?
that would b great! if they do have small leaks aquarium sealent works well! or silicone caulk
Re: Re: Better in numbers?
Thats good, I plan on getting a turtle soon.
Re: Better in numbers?
All new parrots are shy but with other fish it can help. Later down the road you should look into getting a 55 gal. I got mine at Walmart for $178. I have one in a 20 with a Jack Dempsey and they are fine. You should go out and buy a Test kit that test pH Ammonia Nitrites and Nitrates, I got mine at Petco for $32 because the Ammonia levels are gonna rise and they are toxic it to fish. If you don't know what "cycling a tank" is I suggest you Google it.
Re: Better in numbers?
yes please get a bigger tank eventually, but im glad everyone is happy and the bp has come out of his shell! :)