Advice please

Whetfish · Post by **Whetfish** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 3:13 pm

I picked up seven L46 that range from 1"-1.75" this past Sunday 9/7. When I picked them up i noticed they all hung out behind the previous owners sponge filter. I set my tank up such that they all hang out in the front left corner on the glass behind a rock I leaned against the front of the tank. I drop the food very close hoping to see a zebra pull off and go eat. I haven't seen them go eat, and I haven't noticed food disappearing. I've tried feeding NLS and some kind of worm pellets the previous owner gave me.

They are in a 35g breeder 36"l x18"w x12"h. The temp is 82. I put a emperor 400(up to 400gph) on there because I read zebras like current. There is also a hydro 3 sponge in the emperor and a hydro 4 sponge in the tank....plenty of filtration.

Is it possible I have to much current?

Is there anything I can try feeding them that Zebras LOVE?

I've also toyed with adding adding some fish to let the zebras know all is safe...Like some rainbow neons or cardinals or some of my cyprichromis fry.

I am not terribly worried yet, just want to make sure they eat.

Post by **Barbie** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 5:48 pm

IMO, you need to warm them up to 85 or so to help them adjust to a new tank and leave the lights off

. If the only place they have to hide is somewhere you can look at them, they are STRESSED. Zebras hide, it's what they do. You'll still see them occasionally, but it's not worth stressing them out to watch them, honestly. Give them more hiding spots and have patience

.

They love frozen cyclopeeze at my house, but no, they aren't going to come out and roam around to get it with the lights on and me standing there. Keep in mind, I've owned some of my zebras 7 or 8 years.

Barbie

Whetfish · Post by **Whetfish** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:27 pm

I'll warm it up a bit. There are other places to hide. Like back behind the sponge filter and there is more rock work present.

I'll adjust some of my rock work to see if they can find a less stressful hiding location.

Do you think that blue moon lighting would deter them from coming out to eat?

Is the current a non-issue?

Post by **TwoTankAmin** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:09 pm

I have always found that smaller zebras like to hide in tight fairly well enclosed spaces. The best way to define the space is that it is pretty well a cul de sac. Other fish cant get in or out except the same way the hiders did. The smaller the fish, the more they want a spot they can fit but bigger ones cant.

As for seeing them eat, try this. Turn off room lights, put food in near where they are sheltering and then sit motionless in front of the tank. You may have to be patient, but usually the fish will come out to feed. They are very alert to movement and will scamper for cover the instant they suspect something might be lurking.

And I second the frozen cyclop-eeze as a great food that they seem to love. They will also come out for a good sinking wafer/'pellet:

I_Need_Zebras · Post by **I_Need_Zebras** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:42 pm

lol, I use a web cam to see my fish under dim lights, stops any stress and you can see them in there "natural" environment.

Whetfish · Post by **Whetfish** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:20 pm

Right now I can't really make their food stay in a certain place, too much current. The food eventually come to a rest, but not in the place I originally wanted it.

I set up a few more hideouts during lunch but left the hideout they are all currently using. I'll add some more tonight to give them some choices.

Whetfish · Post by **Whetfish** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:17 pm

Moving the rock work helped...I have yet to see them eat, but I have seen food disappear and poop appear. Thanks for the help.