Quarantined Kole Tang

Mcasteel · 08/27/2007, 10:09 AM

I purchased a Kole Tang over the weekend to put in my 75 gallon reef tank. I set up a 10 gallon quarantine tank to observe any illness and to make sure he's eating. I intended to keep him in this for 2-3 weeks. This is day three and he continues to hide in the rocks. If I sit for about 10 minutes, he comes out and swims along the back, but he hasn't touched any of the Red Tang Heaven or the piece of romaine lettuce. I've been reading that the Kole's graze on algae on the live rock. Is there a certain amount of time, if he's not eating that I should go ahead and put him into the main tank? I do have algae growing on the back of the tank and also on most of the rocks. I'm not sure if this would entice him to feed. Thanks.

scotmc · 08/27/2007, 11:13 AM

I also have a tang in QT. I feed him Nori and he is eating a large strip a day. Why do u have rock in a QT tank? You shold have used PVC elbow. DId you see him eat at the store? If you have no other fish in your 75, you could add him as a last resort. I would try the noi first. Tangs are very shy fish, his actions are not out of the norm.

Mcasteel · 08/27/2007, 12:30 PM

Thanks for your help. I'll try the Nori. I have two pieces of live rock in there to help with the cycling. If I have to add any medication, I will remove the rock.

oct2274 · 08/27/2007, 01:23 PM

I would not recommend using copper based medication if he does come down with ich. Tangs tend not to do well with copper. If he does get ich, treat him with hyposalinity. Tangs seem to be more sensitive to poor water conditions as well. If your displays tanks water conditions are good, try changing 50% of your water out of the QT with some water from your display tank to help the cycle and ensure the water is not what is effecting his appetite. I've noticed that high nitrates or phosphates can sometime curb their appetite while in quarantine. Verify the pH of the quarantines tank's water as well. If it is low then slowly, over days raise it. People tend to overlook the water quality in quarantine tanks alot of times and this definitely effects the fish's appetite. doing 25% water changes every day or two from the display tank should ensure the water quality in the quarantine is ok and adding freshly made water to the display tank never hurts either

08/27/2007, 10:09 AM	#1
Mcasteel Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Riverview, Florida Posts: 85	Quarantined Kole Tang I purchased a Kole Tang over the weekend to put in my 75 gallon reef tank. I set up a 10 gallon quarantine tank to observe any illness and to make sure he's eating. I intended to keep him in this for 2-3 weeks. This is day three and he continues to hide in the rocks. If I sit for about 10 minutes, he comes out and swims along the back, but he hasn't touched any of the Red Tang Heaven or the piece of romaine lettuce. I've been reading that the Kole's graze on algae on the live rock. Is there a certain amount of time, if he's not eating that I should go ahead and put him into the main tank? I do have algae growing on the back of the tank and also on most of the rocks. I'm not sure if this would entice him to feed. Thanks.

08/27/2007, 11:13 AM	#2
scotmc Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 765	I also have a tang in QT. I feed him Nori and he is eating a large strip a day. Why do u have rock in a QT tank? You shold have used PVC elbow. DId you see him eat at the store? If you have no other fish in your 75, you could add him as a last resort. I would try the noi first. Tangs are very shy fish, his actions are not out of the norm.

08/27/2007, 12:30 PM	#3
Mcasteel Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Riverview, Florida Posts: 85	Thanks for your help. I'll try the Nori. I have two pieces of live rock in there to help with the cycling. If I have to add any medication, I will remove the rock.

08/27/2007, 01:23 PM	#4
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	I would not recommend using copper based medication if he does come down with ich. Tangs tend not to do well with copper. If he does get ich, treat him with hyposalinity. Tangs seem to be more sensitive to poor water conditions as well. If your displays tanks water conditions are good, try changing 50% of your water out of the QT with some water from your display tank to help the cycle and ensure the water is not what is effecting his appetite. I've noticed that high nitrates or phosphates can sometime curb their appetite while in quarantine. Verify the pH of the quarantines tank's water as well. If it is low then slowly, over days raise it. People tend to overlook the water quality in quarantine tanks alot of times and this definitely effects the fish's appetite. doing 25% water changes every day or two from the display tank should ensure the water quality in the quarantine is ok and adding freshly made water to the display tank never hurts either