Sick Cichlids (Black Convict and Jack Dempsey)

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I have a 55gal tank with Jack Dempsey, Black Convict, Pleco and Crawfish. Recently I noticed a change in behavior in the cichlids: jack seems to get very "spooked" whenever I approach the tank. He darts about wildly and ends up somewhere in the tank breathing hard. The rest of the time he hides in a pot. The convict seemed ok but then started hiding like jack (he barely comes out at all). When they are in their respective pots and I approach the tank, they seem to try and get as close to the wall as possible as to prevent me from seeing them. What could this be a symptom of? I've had these fish for 2 years and this is very unusual for them.

ANSWER: Hi Tanya,
 Have you been doing regular weekly partial water changes?  One of the first signs of deteriorating water conditions is the "spooky" behavior you describe.  You should be changing 25% of the water once a week, every week to keep your fish happy and healthy.  In the short term, I suggest you do a 25% water change today and then again tommorrow and even once again the next day. Then go to the regular once a week routine.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


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

QUESTION: Thank you, Ron. Other than the water changes, are the current fish I have OK in the 55gal tank? I'm worried that it may be "overcrowded" and I'm doing the fish harm by not giving them enought water volume. Also, earlier this year I had seen Jack's stool was white and stringy. I know that is a pretty sure sign of parasites so I changed the water a couple of time and before I had the opportunity yo decide on how to medicate, Jack seemed to get better. This has happened once before. Does he still have these parasites but only shows symptoms occasionally or is he constantly getting sick? This brings me back to my concern that the tank is too small for the number of fish living in it. Thank you again for all your help.

Answer
Hi Tanya,
 I think the tank is large enough, but you have to keep up on the water changes. They are the key to keeping your fish healthy.  In many ways, water changes are more important than the absolute volume of water in the tank.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>