Im thinkin at this point she may be goin thru a new cycle, new substrate, new water , big fish. im still up for a big water change and check that ammonia level.

I did a 50% water change after the sand sat for an hour.. and also do a weekly water change of 20%. I put "Ammonia Detox" in the water to lower that and level is ok now. What else you think?

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What to do today, water change?

Yeah I don't think the fish are "hiding" because it is bright. I have 2 other hypothesis:

1.) You changed out all the substrate. You are probably going through a mini-cycle, watch your ammonia and nitrite levels for a week before doing anything else. If the fish are still hiding after this go to #2.

2.) You removed some fish. The dominant one probably. Now others (since they are all cichlids) are going to fight for and/or become more territorial. The way to solve this, is to add more usually. However, do not just add random little fish like neons or minnows because you run the risk of giving the fish you like disease. Slowly add more cichlids or other fish that can co-exist with them, if this turns out to be your problem. Something like this is usually due to a balance of fish.

I have a Discus tank with 4 discus an angel and several types of tetras. The 4 discus used to always hide and pick at each other and ocassionally the faster, larger angel would jump in. The angel was always fast to eat all the food also due to the other hiding. At first I thought it could be the light, then I just assumed it was the discus picking on each other, no matter how many I kept adding. But one day I decided to remove the angel...all 4 discus were out the next day swimming in a school and eating food out of my hand practically. It is all a delicate balance for territory and co-existance. Sometimes you need to add more, sometimes you need to remove some.

GL

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--->Pictures of my 75g Amazon tank<----

Well if removing didn't help... i'll try adding... What should i put with these?

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What to do today, water change?

Next time use ammo chips or something, those chemicals dont always work and if you OD it MIGHT cause issues with the fish. to put it in better terms its kinda like hanging out in the garage with the door closed and a car running, some win at that game some dont. They have to injest everything in the tank their skin absorbs minerals tas do their gills, toss a chemical in there and it might have ill effects on the fish.

I use 1 chemical and one chemical only, Right now it is prime since cycle is hard to find( yes I keep it cold).

ok I am still new to using chemicals.

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What to do today, water change?

This is truly a delima, of huge proportions, I agree with everything these guys say, but i cant wrap my mind around a festae, and a buttokofri being scared of angels, and ive seen certain, and a few fish hide from the bully of the tank , but everybody is hiding here. something about this puzzle is missing. I know this is asking a lot but could you start from day one and by the numbers tell us each step you took leaving out nothing???

Prime is great if you can find it. It removes chlorine and chloramines and detoxifies ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and heavy metals.

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--->Pictures of my 75g Amazon tank<----

I am anti chemical in water due to the quality of just our drinking water and the quality of our waterways, I seen what chemicals can do and it really isnt pretty.

lost an entire lake for 2 years due to the chemicals they added to combat bacteria and plants in the water, it wiped out the entire fishery in that lake.

hundreds of natives just floating it was very sad.

I am no expert but just my own tanks I would never and frankly I think of all you members tanks as my own as well.

The only place I can find PRIME is about 40 minutes SE of me.

probably could find prime online...ok tank is fine. all the fish are back to normal...swimming around, eating, etc. the angels are back to swimming at the top. i think they just needed to adjust to big tank changes.

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What to do today, water change?

Good to hear every thing is fine now, however watch the sand getting into your filtrs, sand can destroy the impeller in your filter very quickly. A good fix is pantyhose, it stops the sand from getting into your filter very well and is inexpensive.

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My Giant Gourami has a gun and refuses to take his meds.

Check out my tanks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyOK8Ymd9l8

Dont the folks look at you funny when your in Wally World buying panty hose??

erm ,yes they do LOL

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My Giant Gourami has a gun and refuses to take his meds.

Check out my tanks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyOK8Ymd9l8

I'm sure i have some old ones i could use... where would i put the panty house, over the intake?

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What to do today, water change?

Yes. Does a good job keeping out the sand. Sand can destroy an impeller very fast. Makes for an expensive substrate.

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My Giant Gourami has a gun and refuses to take his meds.

Check out my tanks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyOK8Ymd9l8

honestly, i am considering going back to gravel.. but instead of those tiny little ones.. i was thinking about keeping a thin layer of sand and covering the bottom with those natural rocks they sell... likethis. http://www.petco.com/Assets/product_...443035252C.jpg

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What to do today, water change?

the sand sucks... i think i'll just go back to regular gravel :(

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What to do today, water change?