new aquarium

[leaf]

Hi all,
We have just set up a new cold water fish tank, and have put in the fish, 3 goldfish that we got from the local fair... the tank is 78L with gravel and a few ornaments and it is lit, which the smaller tank never was, and they do not seem to want to come out when the lights are on.. is it something that they will get used to? we wanted to go and get some more fish to go in and were not sure if we should wait until these ones are happy??? any ideas anyone. all help most appreciated XX

[RATTER15]

They will soon get used to the new light, you say "come out" come out of what? I should give them a few days to used to a new set up before adding new fish.

[Thunderbird+]

I agree with what Ratter says, they should soon get used to it, as long as it's a propper aqarium lamp/bulb ( 15 watt )and have it on for no longer than 6 hours a day.
Something floating on the surface ie weed etc may give them some confidence, til they get accustomed to it.

[hammerman]

Firstly, with regards to the above answer, lights can be on for as long or as little as you like. If you have live plants, aim for 10-12 hours a day.

The type of lamp will have no effect on the fish whatsoever...they don't give a damn. It's the plants that will appreciate "proper" aquarium lighting. The wattage of the lighting will depend on the length of the tube so 15w is not an appropriate guideline
I have a 600 L planted tropical tank and i use 10 x 18 watt energy saving lights and the tank looks awesome.

Most fish will feel more confident with lots of hiding places. If you add clumps of plants, rocks and caves etc, the fish will tend to come out more.
Give the existing fish time....they will grow more and more confident. Keep the lights on and leave the tank alone. Don't add any more fish for a week or two, maybe feed two or three times a day but with just small amounts of flake.

Do you have a filter or any oxygen going into the tank ?

[hammerman]

Just in case you needed any credentials....here's my aquarium

http://www.totalfishkeeping.com/index.php?show topic=10928

[leaf]

THanks for all your answers, yes we have plants and rocks and a few ornaments lots of places for the fish to hide, it has filters and proper aquarium lighting.... and today they are all swimming round the tank and enjoyingthe space and places to hid!
once again thanks for all your help!!
Hammerman your tank looks great!!!