Altum became timid after adding tank mates

Had 5 large (20 cam tall) Altums for about 1 year. They used to be shy but still comes out to the front of the tank for food. I wish they were less shy so I added 30 pcs of assorted tetras that can handle low ph last month.
The Altums became very timid and freak out when I approach the tank. They will swim like crazy at the back of the tank, even when I am standing in front of the tank without moving.
I gave them one month to get used to the new tetras but it is not working. And its not going to be easy to catch back the tetras from the 622 tank without injuring the Altums running into driftwoods.

Why? and How?
Help

[elimmel]

Just leave them alone. Sooner or later they'll realise tetras are live food and then no more shy shy liao

Originally Posted by elimmel

Just leave them alone. Sooner or later they'll realise tetras are live food and then no more shy shy liao

I tested out with 3 endler guppy first. They ate them and it wasn't an issue so I went to get 30 tetras as friends/food . And they are not adapting after a month.

Could it be that, the tetra brought diseases to the tank and the Altums became unstable?

[elimmel]

Any change in food intake? From pic, can see some clamp fins.
Just make sure your water maintenance is tip top and not make anymore changes that may stress them further.

[zonkkie]

If you really feel that tetras are the issue, you can use the reverse bottle fish trap method to avoid spooking the altums further. Step by Step link below. The altums will be too big to go in and you should be able to retrieve the tetras.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/fish_trap.php