Discussion topic; do you think your fish like it when you rearrange their tank ? I can’t tell if it stresses them out or if they like it… based on behavior they seem very curious and like to boop new or moved items with their snoots. Just wondering how often I should move things around! TIA for your thoughts 🙂
Posted by mxlydm
5 Comments
I don’t think they like it. it resets all their territories and fish aren’t one of those animals who like stuff like that. Bettas do tho
Not sure if this count. Some fish require drastic change in water parameter, flow rate and temperature to trigger spawning. (For example, some species only spawn during rainy season in the wild.) For this reason, you would increase filter flow and add DI water.
I know tiger Oscars will move their belongings right back the way they had them. 😂
It’s not really an issue but it does rearrange territory and throws them off for a few days until they re-establish their home
Most fish despise it, but can cope with it. The curiosity is less “wow, so much new stuff to explore” and more “oh shit, I don’t know if there’s new predators hiding in the new decor, I better find out all the hiding spots”.
Generally speaking, all animals love routine and predictability. The exception (as mentioned) are spawning triggers and learned behavior, e.g. feed heavily after a water change and new fish will quickly learn to wait for food afterwards instead of hiding.
If you want enrichment, varied and especially live foods are the way to go. Hatch some artemia or get a daphnia culture going, maybe.