My new angelfish wont eat

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nicole,

I hope you can help as I'm starting to get a little concerned.  Last Saturday I
bought 4 young (small) angelfish and three of them won't eat a thing!  I've
tried crisp (which is what I normally use), flake, live (I use occasionally) and
frozen foods.  They're not interested what so ever.  The three that won't eat
aren't growing and in fact are starting to look a little skinny.  They're not very
active either now, not very surprising.  I don't know what to do.

Some details on my aquarium:

Size: 190L
Maintenance: 20% weekly water change
Stock: 2 male gouramis, 4 angels, 6 hengeli rasboras
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 30-40

They're not being bullied that I can see.  What can I do to get them to eat?  I
spoke to a member of staff from one of my local fish shops, and he said that
it can take 6 weeks for a fish to die from lack of food, so he just said keep
persevering.  I've tried feeding them morning, evening, and even at night after
lights out but to no avail.  Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Nathalie

ANSWER: Hi Nathalie,

I don't normally recommend this, but I would advise that you treat your tank prophylactically. It's unlikely that these are wild caught angelfish, but cichlids - discus and angelfish especially - are prone to Hexamita and intestinal problems. My recommendation would be that you treat with Metronidazole. 100% metronidazole is expensive (Seachem makes it) but you can find Metronidazole and Praziquantel in API's General Cure in powder form for much cheaper.

The most effective and least intrusive way to treat is to feed with medicated foods, of course this might not work since your angelfish are not eating. I haven't tried this flake personally, but have heard raves:
http://flguppiesplus.safeshopper.com/256/cat256.htm?883

This flake is used for de-worming, also:
http://flguppiesplus.safeshopper.com/258/cat258.htm?883

Another thing to try to make the food more appetizing is garlic. You can use something like Garlic Guard or Entice which are both formulated for aquariums. I find that mashing up a bit of minced garlic and mixing it with the food works, too. A drop or two of garlic oil would have the same effect.  

I wouldn't panic, as angelfish are known to be finicky and difficult to acclimate, but if it goes on for another week I would begin to worry. Which is why I recommend you have the medication as a backup, on hand. Here's some angelfish feeding related questions, you can see their suggestions:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwangelfdgfaqs.htm

Your nitrates are a little high, so I would recommend you do a 50% water change next time it's water change day. Maybe also clean the filter. You should probably start changing close to 50% of the water weekly soon, since 4 angels will put a strain on your bio-filter once they start eating.

Do let me know how it works out. Have a nice weekend!
Nicole

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

QUESTION: Thanks, I'll definitely try the garlic!  My nitrates are normally about 10, but I
cleaned the filter last weekend in old aquarium water, but perhaps too
rigorously as the nitrates have gone up since.  I've just added some nitrate
remover and a water change is due tomorrow anyway.  Will let you know how
it all goes!

Take care

Nathalie

Answer
Hi again!

Ok, I hope it all works out! One product that I find super effective for nitrate removal is Purigen, by Seachem. I just ordered a big jar of it and am hoping that a doubled-up pantyhose will be enough to keep the beads in, they are teeny tiny. In any case, I don't know how this works exactly, but the beads do a fantastic job of clarifying the water and bring the nitrates down to about 10 every time. It's also obvious when the product is expended because it turns brown, but can be regenerated with bleach supposedly (although I have never tried this). Just thought I'd share!

I also remembered that when I kept angelfish years ago, they always liked it when I would add some oak leaves to the tank to make the water slowly tannic. Some blackwater extract or a product like Atison's Betta Spa would have the same effect. Angelfish are adaptable in terms of pH and hardness (at least tank bred ones are) but they definitely won't feel like spawning unless the temperatures up to about 80 and the water is acidified. Even if you're not thinking of breeding them, you might consider this technique to make them feel more comfortable. In my experience, angelfish love worms, so you might try digging up some earthworms from the garden (my fish love the small ones) and trying some frozen tubifex or bloodworms. Just be careful, since cichlids in general can get fixated on one food and refuse all else.

One last thing. I love this site for any cichlid research:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com

Best of luck to you! It sounds like you are quite a conscientious fishkeeper, I bet the angels will do well in your care. Feel free to write back any time.

Nicole