my gouramis dont do anything...

doraslilhitman

ive got 4 three spot gouramis (one opaline, one blue, two gold) in a 26 gallon bowfront. The two small gold ones like to move around a lot but the two larger blue ones tend to hide and do absolutely nothing, but they'll come out to eat when i feed them. whats the deal? the water just got changed yesterday and the water is at 84 degrees F.

aunt kymmie

I just read that they prefer a water temp of 71 to 82. That's a pretty broad range but maybe 84 makes them uncomfortable? I also read that they prefer a planted tank, including floating varieties. Also that they are most at home with plenty of hiding spaces. I'm not sure how your tank is set up..maybe some minor adjustments are in order to get them a little more active?

doraslilhitman

yea thats what ive been thinking tall plants are hella expensive i dont have as many plants as id like the whole top half of the tank is open space, maybe it makes them skittish.

aunt kymmie

Yes, all the info I've read is no cover=shy fish. I know tall plants are a little pricey but you could also get the same effect from floating plants, which I believe are much less expensive. Is this a planted tank??

iamntbatman

You'll notice a world of difference with top-dwelling fish like gouramis after you add some sort of floating cover. Also, how bright are your lights? They might do better with slightly subdued lighting.

doraslilhitman

its a blue light so i dont think its extremely bright but significant. and no its not planted everything is fake but im thinking of picking up some floating plants next time i get to the fish store. do they negatively impact the water chemistry in any way?

1077

I am using artificial bamboo grass in a couple aquariums. It comes attached to a plastic base for burying in gravel but i simply removed the plastic base (easy just pulls loose) and then let the grass float on the surface. I got mine from local fish store but have seen it at DrsFosterSmith.com as well.

doraslilhitman

yea i mean physically there doesnt seem to be anything wrong with them when they do chose to come out its only to feed and their coloration looks bright and fine...but otherwise they hide among plants at the bottom or in a cave all day. my plecos are more active than they are. besides providing floating cover is there anything else I can do?

Herky

I have had 3 dwarf powder blue gouramis for about 2 1/2 months now, and they did the same thing for quite some time, even with plenty of artificial plants, and plenty of rocks and structures to hide in and amongst. It took a little while for them to get adjusted and to come out of their shells so to speak. For mine, I think it was just a matter of time and adjustment. Mine are fairly active now, and have set up individual territories where they freely swim, but they still do spend some time hidden. Fun fish to have especially when giving them frozen treats like bloodworms or brine shrimp. If they appear healthy otherwise...maybe they just need some time. I'm no expert though..so take it as you will.