Sad situation for all around!

pura vida mi · 01/31/2010, 08:46 PM

6 month old mostly softies 90 gal bow, refugium, 175 live rock, 3/4" sand bed.

Stock list:
Sailfin tang....read below
Midas blenny
Mated pair gold band clowns
Orange spot goby
Lawnmower

Sailfin "QUIZZY", was the first fish introduced. Beautiful strong fish. The boss of the tank no question. Have attempted to introduce new fish with ZERO success however. This past Wednesday 4 of them (naso/flame/madarin/lawnmower). However sailfin harrased all but the LM non-stop, and lost them all except LM. Naso Friday, mandarin & flame this AM. No bites, just nonstop flashing/chasing.

What I have learned in the last 4 months. Sailfin in a 90 gal bow - not good. Too agressive of a fish if you do not add all stock together. Even then, large chance of issues. LFS (2 hours away) did not do a service to advise/not advise a noob on how we want tank to be. Store has sold me these fish over the last 4 months (sailfin/pair true percs/pair black percs/blonde naso/royal gramma/lawnmover/naso/flame/madarin/midas). Did give some credit, on a few of them. However with a sailfin I realized = zero chill tank.

So with a sad heart tonight, I removed the sailfin and took to him to an in-town LFS. I know (truly hope) this was/is the right thing to do. However my 10 yr old son cried all the way too and back from the drop off. He continues to beg me to go back and call the owner to open up and get QUIZZY back. Hard on a dad!

Would appreciate RC's help with........

1) Tell a brother he did the right thing.
2) Pls make livestock suggestions (pr GB clowns/midas/orage spot/lawnmover) are current stock.

Shane Hoffman · 01/31/2010, 09:05 PM

You definately did the right thing. A 90 is way to small for a sailfin, especially as they age.

rbnice1 · 01/31/2010, 09:31 PM

My advice is dont name fish. Fish die or can become agresive and if you personalize them to much your kids will always have panic about them. I have had to change out fish or had them die and my kids dont even notice anymore.

pura vida mi · 01/31/2010, 10:07 PM

Thanks to you both. Will continue to name fish however. Have had tanks for years and we/he has always done so. My son is envolved with the entire reef building process as well.

Something to note is that he wants to be a small animal vet. Update to above, he understands now this was the best long term move.

What about 90 gal livestock suggestions???

TexasMike · 01/31/2010, 10:19 PM

In my 90, I currently have:

3 Chromis
2 Clowns
1 Starry Blenny
1 Scopas Tang
1 Yellow Watchman Goby

You may consider getting a Scopas if you want a tang. The one I have I recently purchased a couple weeks ago. He gets along with everyone and they don't get as large as the other tangs, thus not needing as much swim room. Someone may chime in and correct me though.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...381&pcatid=381

Looks better in person than the picture imo.

-Mike

pura vida mi · 01/31/2010, 10:24 PM

Thanks TexasMike. Do you have the blue/green chrmois and how is their agression?

TexasMike · 01/31/2010, 10:30 PM

Yes. They are blue/green. Each one is bigger than the other. They all get along, but on occasion chase each other around.

sharky's machin · 01/31/2010, 10:31 PM

Scopas tang is an awesome fish. If you are set on getting a tang, I would add it last. Clowns are great, I like true percula or false percs.

Never had chromis before but they are aggressive towards each other and eventually you will have one, at least that's what I've heard.

Firefish as really cool too. I have a mated pair and they just sorta float around and dart under rocks when the lights go out. Interesting fish to watch though.

TexasMike · 01/31/2010, 10:35 PM

Forgot to mention the shrimp I have are a Cleaner and Pistol shrimp. Watching the pistol shrimp and goby pair up is pretty interesting to watch. The pistol is a work horse constantly fixing up their cave. Although, he is a new addition (1 week) and I think he was just trying to figure out which setup was best for him/them. He's calmed down with his latest creation.

TexasMike · 01/31/2010, 10:38 PM

I bought 2 firefish, but both disappeared. One disappeared the 2nd day I had him/her and the other about 3 weeks ago. They are cool fish though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky's machin

Scopas tang is an awesome fish. If you are set on getting a tang, I would add it last. Clowns are great, I like true percula or false percs.

Never had chromis before but they are aggressive towards each other and eventually you will have one, at least that's what I've heard.

Firefish as really cool too. I have a mated pair and they just sorta float around and dart under rocks when the lights go out. Interesting fish to watch though.

sharky's machin · 01/31/2010, 10:52 PM

Sorry to hear about your firefish. They are never more than a few inches apart from each other. Their dorsal fin continually "pops" and moves.

They are jumpers, are you sure they aren't on the floor behind your tank?

TexasMike · 01/31/2010, 10:56 PM

I looked, but didn't see anything back there. I would figure I'd smell something fishy if that happened too. I'm totally clueless on what happened to them. I'm thinking the 2nd one had a cave in and wasn't able to get out or something similar.

Maraschiello · 02/01/2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasMike

I looked, but didn't see anything back there. I would figure I'd smell something fishy if that happened too. I'm totally clueless on what happened to them. I'm thinking the 2nd one had a cave in and wasn't able to get out or something similar.

I've found them in the overflow box, and even a clown in the overflow box, these were the days before I bought a lid. by the way, the fish were fine, just happy to be outta there!

MatthewLaw · 02/01/2010, 11:27 AM

maybe a yellow tang? i know everyone has them but i like them and they're constant swimming is a great site for anyone, whether 8 or 80 years old!

maybe a flame angel or coral beauty? i have not had success with the flame angel but they sure are beautiful fish. i have had good success with my coral beauty but unfortunately passed away due to ich.

Engine8ff · 02/01/2010, 11:34 AM

I think you did the right thing by taking him back. I know it is very hard on the kids, my 5 year old son has all 15 of our fish named and is big into the tank. The problems with tangs is most everyone will say you need a 6 foot tank for them but I have to say that with a 90 gallon bow front with the correct aquascaping you could keep a couple tangs with not problems. I personally have 5 tangs and working on getting 2 more to finish out the fish list. Some less aggressive tangs you can look at that are cool to watch: yellow eye cole tang, blue hippo, the problem with them is prone to ich, yellow tang. One thing I have done with my tangs is make sure I get them at a very young age or try to match the size with the other tangs in the tank. One big thing you want to make sure is not to add 2 of the same species in the your tank, they will for sure fight and not have enough room to get away form one another. Good luck with your ventures and as you find a fish you want to get just ask here and we will help you out.

Sk8r · 02/01/2010, 11:39 AM

Definitely. Tell him it's like keeping Harry Potter in a closet under the stairs. He needs to go off to a bigger world.

pura vida mi · 02/01/2010, 03:20 PM

Thanks all.

Update - LFS is going to add him to a new banks setup of 850 gallon. 90 to 850...heck I could fit in that :-)

MatthewLaw · 02/01/2010, 03:55 PM

good to hear.

on a side note, isn't the LFS taking a risk that your fish has ich and will spread it to everyone else in the 850? (Unless he runs a constant low dose of copper)

SwampyBill · 02/21/2010, 04:35 PM

+1 on the coral beauty. How about a pair of percula or black/white occelaris clownfish (IMO, the most facinating behavior, for children or adults), or a leopard wrasse? I've got all 4 & they all get along.

brycerb · 02/21/2010, 04:38 PM

You should have hopped on craigslist and bought the fish a new larger home.

terri_ann · 02/21/2010, 05:18 PM

Sorry to hear about the Tang but you did the right thing to find it another home. LFS's often do not provide the necessary information about fish compatibility, etc. They seem to only look at their bottom line. There are many fish options available for your softies, lawnmower blenny and 90g. Look online for selections so that you find what you like, what the fish's needs are, etc. Before you purchase, come back to RC and ask for feedback...several people have experienced death of their newly purchased flame angels-possibly do to cyanide poisoning. The mandarin's need special feeding care which usually is live food (copepods) and lots of them!! Here's an example of a website that provides info about a fish's needs(http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSh...ndarinfish.htm). Good luck with your selections ;-)!!

Vin7250 · 02/22/2010, 09:12 AM

-1 on coral beauty. IMO they love to nip at soft corals.

01/31/2010, 08:46 PM	#1
pura vida mi Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East, Texas Posts: 122	Sad situation for all around! 6 month old mostly softies 90 gal bow, refugium, 175 live rock, 3/4" sand bed. Stock list: Sailfin tang....read below Midas blenny Mated pair gold band clowns Orange spot goby Lawnmower Sailfin "QUIZZY", was the first fish introduced. Beautiful strong fish. The boss of the tank no question. Have attempted to introduce new fish with ZERO success however. This past Wednesday 4 of them (naso/flame/madarin/lawnmower). However sailfin harrased all but the LM non-stop, and lost them all except LM. Naso Friday, mandarin & flame this AM. No bites, just nonstop flashing/chasing. What I have learned in the last 4 months. Sailfin in a 90 gal bow - not good. Too agressive of a fish if you do not add all stock together. Even then, large chance of issues. LFS (2 hours away) did not do a service to advise/not advise a noob on how we want tank to be. Store has sold me these fish over the last 4 months (sailfin/pair true percs/pair black percs/blonde naso/royal gramma/lawnmover/naso/flame/madarin/midas). Did give some credit, on a few of them. However with a sailfin I realized = zero chill tank. So with a sad heart tonight, I removed the sailfin and took to him to an in-town LFS. I know (truly hope) this was/is the right thing to do. However my 10 yr old son cried all the way too and back from the drop off. He continues to beg me to go back and call the owner to open up and get QUIZZY back. Hard on a dad! Would appreciate RC's help with........ 1) Tell a brother he did the right thing. 2) Pls make livestock suggestions (pr GB clowns/midas/orage spot/lawnmover) are current stock.

01/31/2010, 09:05 PM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	You definately did the right thing. A 90 is way to small for a sailfin, especially as they age. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

02/01/2010, 11:34 AM	#15
Engine8ff Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hertford, NC Posts: 400	I think you did the right thing by taking him back. I know it is very hard on the kids, my 5 year old son has all 15 of our fish named and is big into the tank. The problems with tangs is most everyone will say you need a 6 foot tank for them but I have to say that with a 90 gallon bow front with the correct aquascaping you could keep a couple tangs with not problems. I personally have 5 tangs and working on getting 2 more to finish out the fish list. Some less aggressive tangs you can look at that are cool to watch: yellow eye cole tang, blue hippo, the problem with them is prone to ich, yellow tang. One thing I have done with my tangs is make sure I get them at a very young age or try to match the size with the other tangs in the tank. One big thing you want to make sure is not to add 2 of the same species in the your tank, they will for sure fight and not have enough room to get away form one another. Good luck with your ventures and as you find a fish you want to get just ask here and we will help you out. __________________ Back at it with a 150DD setting up with Apex, Octo, Mag Drive, BRS, MH and T5 and all the other cool stuff.

02/01/2010, 11:39 AM	#16
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Definitely. Tell him it's like keeping Harry Potter in a closet under the stairs. He needs to go off to a bigger world. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

02/21/2010, 04:38 PM	#20
brycerb Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Isle of wight, VA Posts: 541	You should have hopped on craigslist and bought the fish a new larger home. __________________ -Luckily, my wife is reef safe so I can use my normal income for this hobby. -My cichlids love RO waste! Current Tank Info: 7.5 gallon box with water in it.

01/31/2010, 09:31 PM	#3
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	My advice is dont name fish. Fish die or can become agresive and if you personalize them to much your kids will always have panic about them. I have had to change out fish or had them die and my kids dont even notice anymore.

01/31/2010, 10:07 PM	#4
pura vida mi Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East, Texas Posts: 122	Thanks to you both. Will continue to name fish however. Have had tanks for years and we/he has always done so. My son is envolved with the entire reef building process as well. Something to note is that he wants to be a small animal vet. Update to above, he understands now this was the best long term move. What about 90 gal livestock suggestions???

01/31/2010, 10:19 PM	#5
TexasMike Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clear Lake, Tx Posts: 165	In my 90, I currently have: 3 Chromis 2 Clowns 1 Starry Blenny 1 Scopas Tang 1 Yellow Watchman Goby You may consider getting a Scopas if you want a tang. The one I have I recently purchased a couple weeks ago. He gets along with everyone and they don't get as large as the other tangs, thus not needing as much swim room. Someone may chime in and correct me though. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...381&pcatid=381 Looks better in person than the picture imo. -Mike

01/31/2010, 10:24 PM	#6
pura vida mi Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East, Texas Posts: 122	Thanks TexasMike. Do you have the blue/green chrmois and how is their agression?

01/31/2010, 10:30 PM	#7
TexasMike Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clear Lake, Tx Posts: 165	Yes. They are blue/green. Each one is bigger than the other. They all get along, but on occasion chase each other around.

01/31/2010, 10:31 PM	#8
sharky's machin Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 585	Scopas tang is an awesome fish. If you are set on getting a tang, I would add it last. Clowns are great, I like true percula or false percs. Never had chromis before but they are aggressive towards each other and eventually you will have one, at least that's what I've heard. Firefish as really cool too. I have a mated pair and they just sorta float around and dart under rocks when the lights go out. Interesting fish to watch though.

01/31/2010, 10:35 PM	#9
TexasMike Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clear Lake, Tx Posts: 165	Forgot to mention the shrimp I have are a Cleaner and Pistol shrimp. Watching the pistol shrimp and goby pair up is pretty interesting to watch. The pistol is a work horse constantly fixing up their cave. Although, he is a new addition (1 week) and I think he was just trying to figure out which setup was best for him/them. He's calmed down with his latest creation.

01/31/2010, 10:52 PM	#11
sharky's machin Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 585	Sorry to hear about your firefish. They are never more than a few inches apart from each other. Their dorsal fin continually "pops" and moves. They are jumpers, are you sure they aren't on the floor behind your tank?

01/31/2010, 10:56 PM	#12
TexasMike Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clear Lake, Tx Posts: 165	I looked, but didn't see anything back there. I would figure I'd smell something fishy if that happened too. I'm totally clueless on what happened to them. I'm thinking the 2nd one had a cave in and wasn't able to get out or something similar.

02/01/2010, 11:27 AM	#14
MatthewLaw Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Coast US Posts: 1,564	maybe a yellow tang? i know everyone has them but i like them and they're constant swimming is a great site for anyone, whether 8 or 80 years old! maybe a flame angel or coral beauty? i have not had success with the flame angel but they sure are beautiful fish. i have had good success with my coral beauty but unfortunately passed away due to ich.

02/01/2010, 03:20 PM	#17
pura vida mi Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: East, Texas Posts: 122	Thanks all. Update - LFS is going to add him to a new banks setup of 850 gallon. 90 to 850...heck I could fit in that :-)

02/01/2010, 03:55 PM	#18
MatthewLaw Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Coast US Posts: 1,564	good to hear. on a side note, isn't the LFS taking a risk that your fish has ich and will spread it to everyone else in the 850? (Unless he runs a constant low dose of copper)

02/21/2010, 04:35 PM	#19
SwampyBill Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: St. Pete, FL. Posts: 2,369	+1 on the coral beauty. How about a pair of percula or black/white occelaris clownfish (IMO, the most facinating behavior, for children or adults), or a leopard wrasse? I've got all 4 & they all get along.

02/21/2010, 05:18 PM	#21
terri_ann Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 841	Sorry to hear about the Tang but you did the right thing to find it another home. LFS's often do not provide the necessary information about fish compatibility, etc. They seem to only look at their bottom line. There are many fish options available for your softies, lawnmower blenny and 90g. Look online for selections so that you find what you like, what the fish's needs are, etc. Before you purchase, come back to RC and ask for feedback...several people have experienced death of their newly purchased flame angels-possibly do to cyanide poisoning. The mandarin's need special feeding care which usually is live food (copepods) and lots of them!! Here's an example of a website that provides info about a fish's needs(http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSh...ndarinfish.htm). Good luck with your selections ;-)!! __________________ Happy Reefing!! :) Current Tank Info: 180g mixed 40B Anemone 5' raceway frag tank

02/22/2010, 09:12 AM	#22
Vin7250 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Connecticut "The Big East" Posts: 1,144	-1 on coral beauty. IMO they love to nip at soft corals.