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New to the BP world...

Mon, 03/08/2010 - 04:14 — Sunshines Wife

Hello...

We are new owners to BP's.  Our 55 gallon has been up for about two weeks and the water is cloudy.  We know one of my BP's is stressed and don't know what else to do.  We've tried aquarium salt, some ph fizz drops, and water changes weekly.  The water looks great for a few days and then it becomes cloudy again.  We've added more hiding places.  Our BP's don't come out at all.  They both stay in one hiding place all the time unless they know nobody is watching and food is involved.  If they do venture out, they immediately hide when someone walks by.  We understand they are shy, but, really, THIS shy?  I've seen the posts of others stating that they can pet their BP's and they dance for food.  Are we expecting too much too soon??  Please help!!!

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Mon, 03/08/2010 - 10:51 — Sunshines Wife

Update...

Thanks for the info!!! I was feeling like a horrible parent!!! I have a test kit but it doesn't give me readings. It just gives me colors and I am already frustrated with it and just bought it 2 days ago. So, I will look for the kit that Peanut referenced. I will also continue to do partial water changes and be patient.

Kickazzkatie, there are only two in the tank. Both Hairy and Larry are out right now enjoying themselves while I am in the same room on the computer. One seems to be a little more brave than the other. I will keep ya posted.

Sunshine's Wife

Mon, 03/08/2010 - 07:04 — Peanut

Re: New to the BP world...

Two weeks isn't long enough to have your tank completely cycled. The cloudy water is probably a bacteria bloom.

KickazzKatie is right. Do small water changes daily and test your water. If you give us the readings, we can tell you where you're at in the cycle process. If you can, get a test kit that has the test tubes. I use API master kit. It's very accurate.

Since they are stressed right now, I would do a 30% water change, then go with the small water changes daily until the tank has cycled. That will be when your ammonia and nitrites are zero and you are getting a ready positive for nitrates. In a cycled tank you want your ammonia and nitrites to always be zero and your nitrates 20 or below.

As far as the behavior. Yes, I'm sorry to say. You may be expecting too much too soon. I have had my fish over a year and they still run for hiding when I stand up. However, like you said, when food is involved, they are much braver. My fish will eat out of my hand.

Your water conditions will also play a part in them being shy as well.

Mon, 03/08/2010 - 05:07 — kickazzkatie

Re: New to the BP world...

sometimes it does take a while 4 them to trust and come out. have u checked water quality? ammonia, nitrates,nitrites etc. just make sure water quality is good, do little water changes daily or every other day and see what happens. how many do u have in the tank? that could be important.