African Cichlids not eating

Question
I have a 15G tank with two tetra whisper10 filters. Brand new. I set up the tank and waited 1 week  for chemicals to settle then added my 6 cichlids 1 1/2 inch and smaller. 1 blue lobster about 3 inch and a cat fish who was already in the pets store tank with the cichlids when I picked them out. When I added my fish i made sure the bagged fish floated for 15 min to adjust temp. then added 3 tbs. of tank water to bag. waited 10 more min. I used a net to transfer from bag to tank.

When I set up my tank I rinsed all rocks, gravel, filters and fake plants in cold tap water. I have crushed coral mixed in with gravel. My tap water is horrible so I used a water conditioner. Other chemicals in the tank are ciclid salt, buffer, quick start and stress enzyme.  Did I miss anything?

Everyone I speak and everything I read say something different.
They only one eating is my lobster. I have bottom feeder pellets for him.  I think the mini pellet food( Hikari cichlid gold floating type) I have might be to large. Or could the problem be the filters at the top of the water pushing the floating pellets around. I am so unsure.

I am fearful I will come home to a tank of fish  belly up because of new tank syndrome. Not including a broken hearted 5 year old child who would cry her eyes out. I have very basic knowledge of simple fish care but I can't help but feel like I am doing everything wrong.  Any and all information can help. Thank You in advanced

Answer
Hi Janai,
  It sounds like you have done things very well.  Keep in mind that when a fish is moved from one place to another there is going to be a period of time when it is rather upset (like any organism).  During that time, fish often don't eat. The time period might be a day or two or it might be a couple of weeks.  What is absolutely critical during this time is that you offer a little bit of food, but if the fish do not eat it, you must remove it so that uneaten food does not accumulate and rot in the tank.  If it does, that will further stress the fish and they will eat less and ultimately it will kill them from an excess of nitrogen in the tank.  If you see any uneaten food, remove it with a gravel siphon.  With a new tank, it is always a good idea to do a water change a few days after you add a few fish.  You should in general be changing 25% of the water once a week, every week, to keep your tank healthy.

-- Ron Coleman
   rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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