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my first convict!

2K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  deekim916 
#1 ·
Hey all
So i recently went out and got myself a convict. I believe its a he because i dont believe the stomach is orange and the tips of his fin are sharp and pointy. I have 5 corys, 2 peppered and 3 albino. All in a 20 gallon long.

I have a question. I have had him for a day now and noticed he has eaten but most of the time he swims on the top of the water with his mouth to the surface and just swims around like that. He doesnt sit on the bottom. He will do this for like 5-10min and swim normaly and rerurn to the top.

This cant be normal can it?

I appreciate any feedback.
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#6 ·
You did not mentiion what type of filter... I'm assuming a HOB, hang on back? What ever type, the "out put" needs to break the surface of the water. Usually they do but check just in case. If it is a cannister filter make sure the output is above the water, or attach a wand with holes to deflect the out put over the surface.
This is a must!
Also check your numbers... Amonnia, Nitrite and Nitrate. Could you post them here? thanks.
When all else fails do a water change.
 
#9 ·
i need to invest in a real test kit, i only have the test strips, and those read out great.

i have a aquaclear 30 gallon filter

since i have replaced my filter and did a water change i have noticed a HUGE improvement in the convicts health, activity, and definately has not gone to the top.
 
#10 ·
What did the test strips say? I would have guessed one of the numbers was off... too high.... NitrItes? would be my guess...
How old is this tank? Did you cycle it? I know it is different for a heavily planted tank but I don't how 6 plants will affect it. Maybe not so severe a cycle but there would style be a cycle which is 6-8 weeks.

Glad to hear he seems better!!
 
#11 ·
So after I heard from you pro's about the convict not suitable for a 20L I went back and exchanged to get a Bolivian Ram, which was my first choice.

When I took out the Convict, I let the tank sit for the filter to get all the debris in the water thats floating around. When I came back I changed the water and added the new Bolivian Ram, he seems to just sit at the bottom of the tank, before I put him in he was darkish black ( seemed stress cuz in the tank at the store he was more light brown ), since hes been in the tank it seems like he got a little bit of his color back slowly, how can you tell if its a boy or girl?

I appreciate all your information and helping me make the right decision for the fish as well as my tank.
 
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