Is it normal for my guppies, balloon molly and swordtails to hang out under my filter?

Question

my fish stay under the filter for hours just swimming there to they just like it?

i have had my water checked and my temp is norm. I turned off my light and he moved away and is now swimming around.

Answer 1

Usually not - these are fish that should be swimming throughout the tank.

They may be there if the water is too warm (warm water holds less oxygen, and it's where the water comes out of the filter that would have the highest oxygen content). It's also possible that if this is a relatively new tank, that you have ammonia and/or nitrite building up - these can mimic the symptoms of not enough oxygen.

I'd suggest that you check that water temperature first (76-80o is good for most tropicals), and if it's within this range, test for ammonia and nitrite (if you have a test kit), or do a 25% water change and replace the tank water with water that's about the same temperature (remember to add dechlorinator).

If the fish are new, they may just be looking for a place to hide.

Answer 2

Adrians answer could be a possibility in certain tank sizes, but more than likely there isnt enough oxygen in the water. Because the filter churns the water, it exchanges gasses with the atmosphere and oxygenates the tank. So, the fish hang out where there is the most water movement/ oxygen exchange.

What I would recomend is that you install an air stone for a little more surface agitation in the tank. Then your fish will most likely swim around more.

(I will say though, ive had some stupid danios before that would just swim into that filter current all day and night... but since all your fish are exhibiting the same behaviors, I'd still think about an air stone)

Good luck

...based on the new info you provided I would now agree with algrant33 below me. If they swim around when the lights are off then they probably just need some more cover during the daylight hours to be comfortable and use the entire tank. You know theres nothing in your tank that will eat your fish, but they dont so its good to offer them places to hide and set their fears at ease.

Answer 3

Hey I'm 14 and work at a fish store called The Fish Den hope I can help. Okay look I think that you Guppies are getting tired and the water coming out of your filter is a cerent thats to strong for them well how big is your tank and how big is your filter? For a better answer.

Answer 4

A second possibility is there isn't much cover in the tank (i.e. hidey places, holes, plants, lily pads, and the like) and the fish want some place to hide. Fish like having something to be under, so if there isn't enough cover to go around, they'll hide under whatever's available--like your filter.

Of course this assumes you have an in-tank power filter, like I do.

Answer 5

i agree with copperhead

Answer 6

yes.