Mirror effect in a QT help!

[shy07guy]

How do I get rid of the mirror effect in my QT tank? With the exception from the bottem cuz I do not want any substrate. I put a white towel over the top but left the front open. The fish are still puffin up at the walls its kinda funny but how bad is it?
Sincerely
Derek

 

[taikonaut]

Due to the difference in refraction index, what you see as a mirror is not mirror for the fish. They just see thru it like a glass window. The top water/air surface is different, and it is like a mirror with a hole in the middle. If you ever put your head inside a fish tank, you will know what I am talking about.

 

[Anonymous]

Cover the sides with black plastic. The fish.. what kind of fish are puffing? Puffers?

 

[taikonaut]

Looking at how the fish bump into rocks and powerheads, I don't know if they can see the black plastic...

 

[shy07guy]

They are bangii cardinals they dont literally puff up but the extend al their fins to try and look bigger and meaner.
Thanks for the help. Is it really that much of a stress problem for them or should I just leave it be?

Sincerely
Derek

 

[Anonymous]

Are you postive they're not squaring off with each other? Twice previously I've posted, and at least once someone else has posted that these fish WILL become very aggressive with each other as they mature. It's very frustrating to know that we're being essentially blown off here.

 

[shy07guy]

Yes I am sure they are not doing it to eachother they all swim in the center then one or two will swim closer to the glass turn facing the glass and raise his fins sometimes even bump the glass. None of the other fish are that close to him that he could be doing it to them they are all looking staight at the glass as well doing the same thing. When they swim past eachother I do not see this behavior either. Hope this helps
SIncerely
Derek

 

[cdeakle]

shyguy,

you really should listen to seamaiden and other RDO/admins here. They really know there stuff and they are here because they care not because there getting paid to!

That said, you shouldnt house these guys in groups. Best if only one per tank. read a description of what I found, I belive I posted this once for you already:

"Due to its aggressive behavior towards conspecifics, it should not be kept in groups"

 

[taikonaut]

... unless you can get two to pair up...

 

[shy07guy]

Sorry I did not mean to blow any ones opinion off so I apologize to seamadien. I posted my question about these guys to several people and some breeders said that if they were captive rasied they had no problem keeping 2 or 3 together. I also kept in mind that they can be agresive so with that in mind I had my lfs get 3 for me that were captive breed and raised, with the idea that if there is any agrssion I can bring one or more back to him which he agreed to. So far they do not seem to bother eachother at all. I have my Video camera to record them at night to make sure nothing happens when I am not watching and so far they are doing great, however if something does come about I also know that it will be a sign to take one or two out and back to the store. I appreciate all the help I get on the forums and truely did not mean to upset anyone
Sincerely
Derek