Rattliffc12

I just got a new Jack Dempsey. He is in a 30 gallon long by himself. I bought him at an older age, unsure what his actual age is but he measures at 9inchs. I introduced him to the tank Monday evening, it is now Saturday. I floated him for around 20 mins in bag in tank to acclimate him to water. The problem I am having is that he is extremily shy. I realize that most of you will say that he is in a tank that is too small but I asure you this is not a regular 30 gallon and he has tons of swimming room. He does not get excited at feeding time (I put food in and he does not eat until nobody is in room and lights are off), he lays on bottom behind log with abdominal fins touching gravel, and he will occasionally come out and float at 45 degree angle to side (maybe displaying colors). He was very active at the store and loved feeding time. Is this normal, will it just take more time for him to acclimate?
pH: 7
Nitrites/Nitrates:0
Filter: Rena Filstar XP2
Food: Hikira pellets, occasional minnow, occasional criket
*Air pump with stones
______Thank you for your time and any advice would be helpfull_______

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aquarist48

Hello Rattliffc and Welcome to Fish Lore. How long has your tank been set up? I'm afraid that it isn't cycled. Can you give us an ammonia reading?
Here is a link on the nitrogen cycle that is crucial to fish keeping:
The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

Either your tank isn't cycled, your reading should be 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 5 to 20 nitrates (unless you have live plants then you may not have nitrates) or your fish just needs more time to adapt to his new surroundings.

The adult size of a Jack Dempsey is 10". Your fish if probably fairly old. You can go to the top right hand side of this screen and do a search for Jack Dempsey Profile and you should find some good information there as well.
Best wishes!
Ken

Rattliffc12

The tank has been set up for around 3 months. Previously had EBJD, but died because of LPS breeding EBJD with EBJD. Nitrates are 0 because all artificial plants.

Thank you for quick reply.

aquarist48

Good morning Rattliff. You have a beautiful tank! Artificial plants will not cause you to have 0 nitrates. Living plants will.

Do you have an ammonia test? What type of test kit are you using? Liquid or strips?
What is most recommended on this site is the API (liquid) Master Test Kit. The liquid tests are much more reliable and accurate than test strips. This kit will test for everything mentioned in the nitrogen cycle link I gave you.

Ken

Rattliffc12

I am currently using strips which read zero ammonia. I will look into the API Master Test Kit. I am begining to get the feeling he just needs a little more time. Thank you again for your time.

aquarist48

Sounds good Rattliff. Regardless of your readings, all fish do need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please keep us posted and best of luck to you and your fish!
Have a great weekend!
Ken

bolivianbaby

Welcome to Fishlore, Rattcliffc12

I have a pair of shy JD's myself in a 55g tank. A friend of mine rescued them from HORRID conditions. I provide hiding spots for mine. It did get better once I added two convict cichlids, but mine are in a 55g, so I'm not sure adding fish would be a good idea in your tank.

We have several JD's in our house (total of 6) and they are full of personality. My personal opinion is they have the ability to be psychologically harmed by past experience. They are a very intelligent fish. However, I can't prove that. It's my opinion only based on my experience with my own JD's.

What is the length of your 30 gallon tank? It looks longer than most I've seen.

Tony G.

It looks like a 35 to me
Do you know the dimensions?

BTW, welcome to Fishlore! Youe have a Beautiful JD! and i love your tank's background!

LauraJoe

Rattliffc12

Length: 36inchs
Hieght: 16.5inchs
Width: 12.5inchs

Also, here are new pictures after adding Terra Cotta Pot...

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bolivianbaby

I'm glad he likes the terra cotta pot. None of mine seem to be impressed by them.

With 36" length, if he gets scared, he'll probably run out of swimming room. My big male goes from one side to the other when he gets scared. Mine's 48" long.

If the terra cotta pot doesn't bring him out more, you may try a few more "JD-sized" hiding places.

Please let me know if you need some suggestions. I've already fought this particular battle