New introduced WC tropheus not eating

[bicnvu]

I introduced two 3.5 inch adult wc tropheus last week (4/27/10) to my juvenile tropheus tank. Both are males, one is Chimba and the other a Bemba. As I am told, they were acclimated and eating NLS. Since in their new home, the Chimba have not even attempted to eat while the Bemba is eating normal. The Chimba is alpha male. He’s aggressive with other fish and owns the tank. After a chase, he goes back to his corner of the tank. In a matter of minutes, he would move to the middle of the tank between the rocks and then goes back to his corner of the tank. Doesn't appear to be injured and he’s not breathing hard so I am unsure if he has bloat or what. Any help will be greatly appreciated…

Tank size – 175g cycled last year
Filter – eheim 2262 and wet/dry w/ mag 1200
Stocks – about 45 juvies 1.5 – 2 inches
Weekly 50-60% water change

Tank Parameter
Nitrate – 20 ppm
Nitrite – 0
GH – 300 very hard
Chlorine -0
Alkalinity – ideal
pH -8.4 to 8.5

Previous owner tank parameter:
Nitrate – 0
Nitrite – unknown
GH – unknown
Chlorine -0
Alkalinity – ideal
pH - 8.5

[CichlidFan]

I would try holding off on all feedings for say 48 hours and then try feeding them ....when I used to keep my chimba colony at work, they would "fast" over the weekends and chow down on monday.....keep an eye on the entire tank population for any extra aggression though....but this might help turn them on so to speak...?

CF

[myjohnson]

told you.

once a colony is set don't mess with it.

If you want to add some new fishes, then you are always taken a chance.

Lights off, remove all rocks, no feeding.

[bicnvu]

I didn't have much luck this morning either....after about 60 hours of no feeding, light off...Not even interest in eating at all. I am considering moving him to a smaller 30g along with some 40+ Malawi frys. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

[geoff_tropheus]

Is he the only fish not eating? All your other juvinile fish are eating?

What food are you feeding them right now?

If this is the only fish not eating, and all the other fish have been eating in the 12 days or so you have had him, I would isolate him.

Then watch him for a few days, and see that he eats ok. If he is eating fine, then this is a agression issue that will have to work out with lots of rock moving and water changes to see where you stand. If he is not eating, then you need to talk to the previous owner and ask again what food he had him eating before he sold him to you.

Try some flake food also, he might take a bite.

[bicnvu]

Is he the only fish not eating? He didn't eat from day one and he is the only fish not eating.
All your other juvinile fish are eating? All are eating and is not hiding or shows sign of being sick.
What food are you feeding them right now? The juvenile are eating nls. The previous owner had fed the Chimba nls as well.

Unfortunately, I only have a second 30g tank where i keep my frys. The only option is moving him in there, which I did. Thanks for your help and will consider your suggestions with my best effort.

[geoff_tropheus]

lesson learned:

Always quarantine your new fishes, and be EXTREMELY careful adding WC to tank raised fishes.