CichlidFish.com - Fish That Think.

I got my shellies about three weeks ago and they still won't come out when I approach the tank.  They're alone in a 10 gallon tank, with some black sand, fake plants, and plenty of shells.  they haven't been  out and about much an last night was the first time I got them both to eat.  And the male's gills are enlarged, like they are infected, and both fish have increased respiration.  the male's aren't red or anything but he acts like they itch. the tank is kept at 81 degrees at all times and the filter, though new, has some very well colonized sponge in it.  the water is crystal clear, I dont know what is wrong.  I also did a big water change the day before I got them from the store, so nitrates should be nonexistent.

Hi, Samanthia!  What are your ammonia, nitrite, and pH readings?