jack demsey

Question
QUESTION: i got my jack demsey from a friend put that and a large gold tip tinfoil in a 20 gallon tank. took me a couple days and a couple tries to find out what they liked. they adjusted well to the tank but then i put some feeders in the tank with them and neither fish bother them and then about a week later the silver one started flipping around the tank it was then that my 2 pacasumes had died so it took them out and the the other big fish and cleaned out the tank but the big died anyway the feeders i got rid off so now my demsey eats twice a day looks like its scratches itself and sleeps on its side in a skull so what is normal for this fish to do i would like to get another but would like to make sure this one is alright first it does seems lonely now.when i first put the big fish it turns my water a green color but now its staying clean please help me out here

ANSWER: Hello,
Jack Dempseys are true to their name, and will kill any other fish in the tank once they get a little older.  The Jack Dempsey should be kept alone in at least a 50 gallon tank.  A 20 gallon tank is much too small for him.  I do not recommend keeping any other fish with a Jack.  If you do you will need a 100 gallon tank or more.  Jack Dempseys are very aggressive, and territorial fish, and they must have space to swim.  A 20 gallon tank is not enough for him.  If he continues to live in this tank, his growth will be stunted, and his internal organs will have no place to grow, causing a horrible death.  
Make sure that your water chemistry is perfect.  This means no ammonia, no nitrites, and nitrates should be low.  If you do not have these test kits, bring a sample to the Pet store, and have them check it for you.  This is very important.  Ammonia, and nitrites are the number one killer of fish.  
I would like to mention that one tin foil needs at least 150 gallons of water.  They also live in groups, so they need big tanks.  They do not mix with Jack Dempseys.  To put fish in a small tank, is not right, they will get sick, and die.  The jack can grow to 10 inches, and sometimes bigger, so care must be taken to give him space, and a good home.  We take them out of their home, to put them in ours, the least we can do is make them feel comfortable.  This cannot be done in a 20 gallon tank.  There are other smaller fish that can live happily in a 20 gallon tank, but not the Jack Dempsey.  Vendors seldom give good information when they sell big fish.  They are their to sell, and couldn't care less.  Try to bring the Jack Dempsey back to the pet store, and ask for smaller fish.  Explain that he cannot live in a 20 gallon tank.  Most pet stores don't take back fish, but you can try, or try finding him a bigger home.  It is not normal for the jack to sleep on it's side.  This indicates that he is getting bigger, and needs more space.  
I hope this helps
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: until i do get him his new home how much should i feed him right now its twice a day plus should he be scrapping himself on the bottom of the fish tank and rocks

Answer
Hi!
The Jack Dempsey is omnivorous, and should have high quality food, such as pellets, flakes, and frozen fish that you buy at the market.  The fish must be frozen, and they must come from rivers, and lakes, and never from salt water lakes.  You break of a chunk, and unfreeze, and feed the piece to him.  You should also feed him cleaned worms now, and then.  To clean the worms, put them in oats for about one week, and feed them to your Jack, this is a good source of vitamins for him.  Feeding him twice a day is good.  Jacks need to eat a little more than smaller fish since they get so big.  This is also a problem for you since he is in a small tank.  Your water will dirty quickly, so you will have to do 30% water changes every week, always siphoning from the bottom to remove waste.
Rubbing on rocks could indicate he has ick.  Do you see any white spots on him the size of salt?  If not, it could be that you water chemistry is off.  The lack of space isn't helping him.  Check your water chemistry to make sure it is perfect.  Write back to me once you know your water tests.  You cannot cure a fish if your water chemistry is off, it would do more harm than good.  Once I know your water tests, I will be able to help you more.
Lynda