Lethargic Jack Dempsey

[Larryfish]

Also. I was told to leave my tank light off during this whole process. Is that necessary or was this false also?

 

[kewpiefishypewpie]

If it makes you feel any better, I made a similar mistake when I was first starting out. I didn't properly cycle my new tank and lost a bunch of my fish. My jack dempsey, which I still own, was however hardy enough to survive the ordeal. I'm not saying it's a guarantee that yours will be OK too but they're tough fish, good luck! And the best advice you can get for fish keeping is on this forum- rarely have I received good advice from petco.

 

[Larryfish]

I know. The funny thing is. That the next day when I returned the goldfish they told me they wouldn't sell me another jack unless I bought a bigger tank from them ? For fear of the safety of the fish ? But they put the fish in harms way by not educating me the right way.

 

[ehh]

I don't think the light matters too much. However, the jack Dempsey would appreciate something to hide in or behind.

 

[Larryfish]

I don't think the light matters too much. However, the jack Dempsey would appreciate something to hide in or behind.

I have something in there for him to hide behind. And he does quite frequently. But when he is behind it he stays in the exact same position for hours on end. It doesn't even look like his fins or girls are moving.

 

[ehh]

I have something in there for him to hide behind. And he does quite frequently. But when he is behind it he stays in the exact same position for hours on end. It doesn't even look like his fins or girls are moving.

Ime, jack Dempseys aren't the most outgoing fish anyways. But of the ammonia is through the roof he's going to be uncomfortable and act like it.

 

[tarheel96]

He seems to be doing a little better. But he is way darker then he was when I first got him. ? Is this a sign of stress?

View attachment 1193988

My JDs have always gotten pale when being moved. The darkening is usually a sign that they are not as fearful of their new surroundings.

Do you understand how the cycling process works? If you provide some information people here can help you. What is your ammonia reading? What filter(s) are you using? What water conditioner are you using?

The FritzZyme stuff and other bacteria in a bottle products don't work as advertized. In any case, the ammonia and nitrite oxidizing bacteria form in your filter media so your filtration is very important.

As mentioned, you'll need to perform water changes quite often to keep ammonia and nitrite below lethal levels.