Lionfish help, agressive tank mates

tcate88 · 07/07/2013, 08:47 PM

I got a black volatile lion tank for my tank, i havent had fish in my tank for over 4 months only 6 peppermint shrimp, and two emerald crabs. who survived my ich outbreak, and have cleared up an apeista outbreak. Now that i have introduced a young lion fish they have all been very aggressive towards him, pinching at his fins. i have fed them frozen shrimp too so they are not hungry i dont know what to do. Should i use my ich treatment which i previously bought before knowing it would kill the shrimp when used, or would that cause my ammonima levels to sky rocket, even if i remove them ASAP. not worried about them much know the lionfish will soon eat them. thanks any help it much appreciated!

namxas · 07/09/2013, 08:41 AM

If you have true peppermint shrimp, they really shouldn't be bothering the lionfish...in fact, I'm surprised the lion hasn't eaten them unless the lion is very small. Large emeralds, however, have a bad rep for snatching at fishes, but at some point, will also be eaten.

However, if the fish is being harassed, you'll want to get rid of the offending critters ASAP, but do NOT try to poison them with meds...you'll trash your tank's biofiltration system if you do this.

Stress to your fish will likely land you right back with a tank full of crypto all over again, so if you can't trap them, pull out the rockwork and catch the crabs.

07/07/2013, 08:47 PM	#1
tcate88 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 1	Lionfish help, agressive tank mates I got a black volatile lion tank for my tank, i havent had fish in my tank for over 4 months only 6 peppermint shrimp, and two emerald crabs. who survived my ich outbreak, and have cleared up an apeista outbreak. Now that i have introduced a young lion fish they have all been very aggressive towards him, pinching at his fins. i have fed them frozen shrimp too so they are not hungry i dont know what to do. Should i use my ich treatment which i previously bought before knowing it would kill the shrimp when used, or would that cause my ammonima levels to sky rocket, even if i remove them ASAP. not worried about them much know the lionfish will soon eat them. thanks any help it much appreciated!

07/09/2013, 08:41 AM	#2
namxas Things With Stings R Us! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Carson, CA Posts: 5,087	If you have true peppermint shrimp, they really shouldn't be bothering the lionfish...in fact, I'm surprised the lion hasn't eaten them unless the lion is very small. Large emeralds, however, have a bad rep for snatching at fishes, but at some point, will also be eaten. However, if the fish is being harassed, you'll want to get rid of the offending critters ASAP, but do NOT try to poison them with meds...you'll trash your tank's biofiltration system if you do this. Stress to your fish will likely land you right back with a tank full of crypto all over again, so if you can't trap them, pull out the rockwork and catch the crabs. __________________ Greg Current Tank Info: too many to describe, but i think the count is up to "lucky 13"!