Any advice? Making rams less stressed

[Cuppatea]

Hello all,

I have an established 180L tank, and have recently added 2 x Bolivian rams one week ago.

I have noticed they're both acting a little unsettled and wonder if anyone has any advice for me?

Female - she swims around most of the tank but I do see her pacing the front of the glass a little, though I do wonder if she's picking micro algae from glass? Often lowered dorsal fin (not totally clamped but not a beautiful fan like I see on photos)

Male - usually under the filter at the back, stationary, doesn't explore.


The rest of the tank compromises of 13 bronze cories, 2 x male guppy, 6 cardinal tetra, 5 X black skirt tetras. And one shrimp (somewhere ).

My water parameters are spot on (0 nitrate, 0 nitrite, kh 0, pH 6.5) and I also live in a soft water area.
Temp 25°

I have added additional ornament / hides and plants today (photos attached)

Please let me know if you have any advice, it's much appreciated.

 

[fishot]

what other fish do you have in the tank

 

[Cuppatea]

what other fish do you have in the tank

The rest of the tank compromises of 13 bronze cories, 2 x male guppy, 6 cardinal tetra, 5 X black skirt tetras. And one shrimp (somewhere ) x

 

[MacZ]

When you introduce cichlids to a tank glass surfing is normal. I would only be concerned if it continues after 2 weeks. Give them time to truely acclimate.

Often lowered dorsal fin (not totally clamped but not a beautiful fan like I see on photos)

Do you run around with arms stretched out all the time or with a grin that shows your teeth? The fins are not statically fanned out permanently.

 

[Cuppatea]

When you introduce cichlids to a tank glass surfing is normal. I would only be concerned if it continues after 2 weeks. Give them time to truely acclimate.

Do you run around with arms stretched out all the time or with a grin that shows your teeth? The fins are not statically fanned out permanently.

Thanks. Just fed some blood worms and the male hasn't gone for any, he sorta just sits statically .I'll keep an eye.

Also lol, cheers, didn't really consider about their fins but just over cautious I guess.

 

[MacZ]

Bloodworms are nutritionally junk. Many dwarf cichlids have bad reactions to them as well. People lose fish all the time.

If this continues for a few more days, use open a new thread and use the emergency template.

 

[Cuppatea]

Bloodworms are nutritionally junk. Many dwarf cichlids have bad reactions to them as well. People lose fish all the time.

If this continues for a few more days, use open a new thread and use the emergency template.

Do you have a suggestion of what to feed instead of bloodworms?
They get flake and sinking pellet in the tank too.
Attached is the unhappy guy , can't tell if stomach is a bit sunken or if I'm an anxious first time ram parent .

 

[MacZ]

Do you have a suggestion of what to feed instead of bloodworms?

Artemia, Daphina, Cyclops... Any small enough frozen or life food will do.

if stomach is a bit sunken

You are right. If you're lucky the fish just has been outcompeted at the wholesaler and the store. If not... you introduced parasites with them.

Please use the emergency template.