How to get a Tang to eat nori? - Page 2

slider162 · 09/29/2007, 06:08 PM

So I had another ich outbreak. My QT had slowly turned into a 20G nano. The naked Ocilaris that I purchased over a month ago must have brought it over. Week 4 I saw ich. The DAY before I was going to put both into the display like we had discussed. So I figured I would purchase the last two fish on my list, hypo them all, and get it over with. I purhcased a 4" Foxface and a Flame Angel. All 4 have been in the 20G while I preped my 50G tall this week. I drilled it out, built an overflow, sump, and all of that fun stuff. They are sitting at .011 right now. I am on my way down to .009. I noticed another spot of ich that wasn't there the other day. So now I am totally convinced that it has to get below .010.

Anyway, in an attempt to stay on topic, it would appear that the foxface has taught my tang to eat nori off of the clip. The Foxface has been extremely shy this week, but is coming around. I put a fresh strip of nori on the clip and stood back around the corner. The Foxface and tang came out and started pecking at it. I also noticed a little color coming back from the HLLE in the tang. The 50G should be up and running tomorrow and the 4 should be in there by Tuesday. So I guess the moral of the story is, don't buy nickel sized tangs without some other herbivore in the tank already to teach them how to eat nori.

Victor1046 · 09/29/2007, 06:18 PM

I think my tang has this also. If water quality is improved do they improve?

slider162 · 09/29/2007, 06:26 PM

I don't think anyone really knows what causes it. Water quality, carbon, stray voltage, and lack of vitamins are some culprits. The one thing that is certain is that they only get it in captivity. It is a sterile wound meaning it does not require antibiotics. I believe it can be reversed given the proper water quality and nutrition. This can take several months.

lildraken · 09/29/2007, 10:21 PM

I cut the nori into tiny pieces that will fit into their mouths with little effort. It's true they have to learn, or acquire a taste for nori. Once they acquire the taste, I cut them into thin strips so they can suck it up like spaghetti. I think they appreciate that better than having to graze for their food.

I've had my tangs recover from HLLE by improving water quality and lots and lots of nori! they also seem to like raw shrimp!

09/29/2007, 06:18 PM	#27
Victor1046 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Delray Beach FL Posts: 427	I think my tang has this also. If water quality is improved do they improve? __________________ Victoria Current Tank Info: 110Gl, 2X250 MH 2X96W ACT , PS, 2 Tom Clowns, bi-color blennie,flame angel, brain, colt, BTA, Xenia, Red & Yellow Zoe, Green Boniopora, Red Cynarina, Trumpet, Hammer Coral, mushrooms, leather,

09/29/2007, 10:21 PM	#29
lildraken Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: ft lauderdale, florida Posts: 433	I cut the nori into tiny pieces that will fit into their mouths with little effort. It's true they have to learn, or acquire a taste for nori. Once they acquire the taste, I cut them into thin strips so they can suck it up like spaghetti. I think they appreciate that better than having to graze for their food. I've had my tangs recover from HLLE by improving water quality and lots and lots of nori! they also seem to like raw shrimp! __________________ "All that I know is that I know nothing"... Socrates Current Tank Info: 110 gal w/ 30 gal sump/ refugium, octopus skimmer, 6x54w T-5 fixture; 55 gal freshwater w/ Butterfly Tail dragon eye goldfish

09/29/2007, 06:08 PM	#26
slider162 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orange City, FL Posts: 346	So I had another ich outbreak. My QT had slowly turned into a 20G nano. The naked Ocilaris that I purchased over a month ago must have brought it over. Week 4 I saw ich. The DAY before I was going to put both into the display like we had discussed. So I figured I would purchase the last two fish on my list, hypo them all, and get it over with. I purhcased a 4" Foxface and a Flame Angel. All 4 have been in the 20G while I preped my 50G tall this week. I drilled it out, built an overflow, sump, and all of that fun stuff. They are sitting at .011 right now. I am on my way down to .009. I noticed another spot of ich that wasn't there the other day. So now I am totally convinced that it has to get below .010. Anyway, in an attempt to stay on topic, it would appear that the foxface has taught my tang to eat nori off of the clip. The Foxface has been extremely shy this week, but is coming around. I put a fresh strip of nori on the clip and stood back around the corner. The Foxface and tang came out and started pecking at it. I also noticed a little color coming back from the HLLE in the tang. The 50G should be up and running tomorrow and the 4 should be in there by Tuesday. So I guess the moral of the story is, don't buy nickel sized tangs without some other herbivore in the tank already to teach them how to eat nori.

09/29/2007, 06:26 PM	#28
slider162 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Orange City, FL Posts: 346	I don't think anyone really knows what causes it. Water quality, carbon, stray voltage, and lack of vitamins are some culprits. The one thing that is certain is that they only get it in captivity. It is a sterile wound meaning it does not require antibiotics. I believe it can be reversed given the proper water quality and nutrition. This can take several months.