More issues with the pike cichlid

So I have a belly crawler pike cichlid that's now refusing to eat. I had to rehome him to a new tank because at first he was trying to eat everything (including my other fish). But NOW he's not eating anything. Parameters are good at 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and .25 nitrate. Ph is 6.8. I've tried floating cichlid food, sinking cichlid food, floating and sinking tetra food, bottom feeder pellets, froze brine shrimp, bloodworms, and the "emerald meal" and he will take one bite and then spit the rest out. I've even put feeders in there just to try to keep him alive but he will just eat the heads off and leave the body (gruesome, I'm sorry. I've stopped feeding him feeders since then). Do any of you have suggestions on what I can try? I'm getting desperate and I really like this little guy and I would hate to have him die on me.

 

What size tank? Can you include a pic of your setup?

 

It's a 20 tall, using it as a grow out, he'll eventually be in a 70 gal. Very basic right now but I have driftwood soaking right now and I'll be moving some plants in it when I have a better light.

 

Lack of security might be the issue. He probably feels very exposed in that tank. He might start eating when you add in the plants and driftwood (I'd add in the driftwood now).

 

I want to but it won't sink yet! Should I screw it to a piece of slate? I'll go get a new light today I've just been procrastinating cause they're expensive lol. And then he'll at least have plants

 

You can do that if you want! It'll help keep it down.

 

Your pike is not going to be comfortable in that tank by itself. You are going to have to add some dithers in there to get it to come out and eat.

 

I tried to but he eats everything else lol and if it's a bigger fish he will just attack it mercilessly

 

I tried to but he eats everything else lol and if it's a bigger fish he will just attack it mercilessly

He needs to be in a bigger tank too. In the 70 gal, you could probably add some big dither fish with him without him bothering them.