Iceman0524D

i just got 3 fish for my 20 gallon aquarium today. i got two mollies and a swordtail, the mollies are swiming around a lot, but the swordtail is hiding behind the heater and water pump. is this normal?

chickadee

what is your temperature? usually when my fish are around the heater it means the water is too cool for them. Some fish need a warmer water than others. Now I only have Bettas and Otos so I am no expert on your fish, but I am betting someone around here knows more about your particulare species. Most fish of the tropical variety which yours are need at the very least 76 degrees and are really happier at or near 78-80. Also do you have a large enough heater? The general rule is 5 watts per gallon and since you have a 20 gallon tank you should have either 1 - 100watt heater or 2- 50 watt heaters (one on each end). Is the pump moving the heated water around or is it all just staying around the area of the heater? If you have a thermometer check the temperature at both ends of the tank and see if there are big differences. If so, you may need to add some airstones to move the water and equalize the temperature a bit. I may be totally off on the wrong track, but like I said that is why my fish do that. Maybe the little guy is just scared. I will see if I can get someone to answer a swordtail specific question, okay?

Welcome, I don't think I have spoken to you before. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Rose

Butterfly

Generally with live bearers you need one male and two females. Your swordtail may need some friends. If all your water parameters are in range. Could you test your water and post your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings
Carol

Jason

If your readings are ok it could just be that it was scared in its new surroundings and is not as bold as the mollies