skitish dempseys

[Andrewtfw]

I have a bunch of Jack Dempseys growing out in a 75g tank. Every time I walk in the room, regardless of time of day, they throw themselves to the gravel and scurry to hide. The only time this does not happen is when I have not fed them in a few days. Immediately after feeding, they return to this behavior. I change 50% of the water weekly. The tank has an FX5 and a large sponge to clean the water.

I am looking for suggestions as to what could be the cause and how to remedy the situation. I tried adding dithers, but the dempseys killed them. I have ruled out crashed Ph, Nitrates and the heater being the cause.

 

[dogofwar]

Add some bulletproof dithers like tinfoils and they'll be out and about....

Matt

 

[Prince]

I have the same problem with four Green Terrors I have to try this.

 

[marge618]

Add some bulletproof dithers like tinfoils and they'll be out and about....

Matt

Tinfoils. Another good idea from Matt.
My jd's are always out and about. No dithers. Their tank is situated away from foot traffic.

 

[dogofwar]

I have a Dempsey (thanks to Mike and Tony, my "agents" at the ECC).

He's the most outgoing of all the fish in the tank...to the point that his boldness makes the Blue Labs and Nanos come to the front (if for no other reason than to get something to eat)...

Matt

 

[Andrewtfw]

They only freak out when someone first walks in the room. Someone suggested perhaps they feel the vibration of the footsteps through the tank and are not used to it. I am unsure as to if this is happening or if it would result in this reaction.