My fish won't leave the bottom of the tank?

Question

So I have a fairly new tank and bought some tiger barbs and tetras. I know people who have these fish, and I know that they're not particularly known for being "bottom swimmers". But my fish won't leave the bottom portion of the tank even for food! Could this be normal? I've also noticed that when the light is off in the tank, they move about more freely. Could the light have something to do with it???

They've been in the tank for almost 3 weeks and hte temp is 78

Answer 1

Sounds like they are just taking time to settle in. Sometimes a bright light will do this some too and make it harder for them to adjust, but eventually they will settle in and start acting like you expect. As long as they are eating some they will be fine.

Answer 2

You did not specify which fish are staying on the bottom. Are both the neons and the barbs staying,or one and not the other?
They are both very active fish. Barbs grow bigger,neons do not.Both are bet6ter off if kept in schools of 6 or more.The neons could become food for the barbs and may be staying on the bottom for security,and the barbs are there too because they want to bully the tetras.It could be that the light is too strong.The neons feel more secure in a planted tank,so they have a hiding place to go to. It would be better if you kept them in separate tanks.

Answer 3

Your light may be too hot and/or bright. Check the wattage.
Or, if the fish are still "new" to the tank, then they're getting used to it.

Answer 4

Is the water too cold??

Answer 5

thats what happend to me when my fish died

Answer 6

no, they are just not use to thier surroundings give them time