what's wrong with the silver dollar fish?

Question

I got 2 of them 3 years ago and one almost a year. When I got the two fish, I had them growing in a ten gallon tank. They didn't seem to be that big until I got the 3rd one. I seen how much space they had, so I was looking for bigger tank. The 3rd one didn't have anything to do with the others. It sat in the back alone since I got it. Months have passed, I finally got a 60 gallon tank. I set it up and waited for the water temp's right then put them in and the water from the 10 gallon was pour into it also. It's filled up to 1/2 way, just to get them used it before adding more water. Nothing new except more gravel and more air bubbles. Oh yea! one new fake plant , same kind it already have. Why are they sitting in the bottom corner and not moving except it tilt itself every now and then to look down or up. Even the 3rd one had join them. You would think "more space" they be everywhere? Specially the 1st two, that chased eachother everyday for past 3 years. It's been 5 days now.

I've changed the water like every month. Only saving the water I kept them in(about 1 gallon) filling it with fresh water from the wind mill place. It's not the water cause you would think , "1 gallon of their water and 9 gallon of fresh water" never did anything to them. I filled it up 1/2 way (1/2 of 60 gallons) and plus their 10 gallon of water. They are ok with the water and the food. Live sea monkey, dried blood worms, dried flakes food, crackers and also cooked chicken(only when I have it for dinner) It's not the food. They quickly eat them like they are starving and race back to the corner. I think they don't know what to do? The lighting is same watt only longer.Water is above 79 degree and below 83 degree. Same as in the other tank. Only thing different is the tank divide the living room into two room, before they were up against the mirror on the wall. Could it be that's the mirror is gone? I'll fix that now and see?

Answer 1

They may still be adjusting to having been moved. For their size, silver dollars can be a timid fish. They also prefer to be kept in larger schools, so if you have the room, I'd think about getting 3 more. And if you have more hiding places (real or fake plants) it makes them less likely to hide - if there;s a quick place they can go for safety, they will come out more often.

Moving the water from the old tank really didn't do anything for the new tank - the bacteria that convert the ammonia that's produced by the fish (and is toxic to them) to the relatively harmless nitrate attaches to the gravel and filter media. If you still have these and they've been kept wet, you should move those to the new tank. Otherwise, ammonia can also be a part of the reason they aren't active. You'll need to keep a eye on both ammonia and nitrite while the tank bacteria is established. This will mean partial water changes 1-2 times a week (10-15% if twice, 25% if once). This would be good to continue even after the tank cycles because it will mean a cleaner tank for you and less change in the water chemistry overall for your fish. If you only do the cleaning/water changes on a monthly basis, this means more work since the tank will be dirtier, and the water chemistry will change more in that amount of time.

Answer 2

can you tell me your water parameters? When was the last time you did a water change? I'd do one now. I think its probably stress, but i need to know your parameters to be sure. Also, are they eating? and hows the lighting?