A story of flame and beauty...

srusso · 12/19/2010, 04:16 PM

So I have had a coral beauty for a couple of months... Just a few hours ago I was at one of my favorite LFS... And I saw it. The Christmas island flame angel that I always wanted....

All the knowledgable reefers already know where this is going... I couldn't help myself... I took the gamble, knowing the risks. Had him bagged and put him in my tank. Had him flowing in a QT cup for about an hour. My coral beauty saw it flowing around and showed very little aggression. The interactions seemed promising, and about an hour and a half later I opened the cup....

Needless to say it wasn't the "hello" I gambled on...

Half hour of tail and head swishing, a few nips and all seeded to calmed down. Another half hour later and the flame was doing most of the chasing but only when it saw the beauty.

Another half hour and the two can calmly cross each others paths without freaking out. Like roommates that aren't pleased with each other. Both have resumed the normal dwarf angel behavior, pecking the live rock and swimming through the rocks.

That bring us the the present time... They can come within centimeters from each other and showing no aggression to each other. They are both the same size (knowing this may help). Their interactions seem to be getting better by the second... Keeping my fingers crossed and prayers flowing. This dream of flame and beauty may just become a reality for me....

Video to follow shortly....

Sk8r · 12/19/2010, 04:23 PM

I wish you luck.
They will sometimes calm down. If WWIII starts again, you may be doomed to a larger tank...or try moving a rock spire to break up or change territory. Fish are easily confused if the topography changes.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 04:34 PM

Switch to HD

joeychitwood · 12/19/2010, 04:35 PM

One thing I've found to be true in reef keeping is that individual fish or corals don't necessarily behave as expected. Lawnmower Blennies don't always eat algae. Angels don't always nip at corals. Similarly-sized tangs and dwarf angels don't always fight. And supposedly peaceful fish can behave like the Spawn of Satan, killing their tankmates and raising havoc.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 04:35 PM

srusso · 12/19/2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sk8r

I wish you luck.
They will sometimes calm down. If WWIII starts again, you may be doomed to a larger tank...or try moving a rock spire to break up or change territory. Fish are easily confused if the topography changes.

A larger tank would start WWIII in my house... lol

I may add some more rock, but all seems well right now.

Thanks for the luck, I need all I can get right now!

srusso · 12/19/2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

One thing I've found to be true in reef keeping is that individual fish or corals don't necessarily behave as expected. Lawnmower Blennies don't always eat algae. Angels don't always nip at corals. Similarly-sized tangs and dwarf angels don't always fight. And supposedly peaceful fish can behave like the Spawn of Satan, killing their tankmates and raising havoc.

When the fighting started, I though to myself... "What have I done!!" horrified

I just watched it all happen like a car crash!

But now that things calmed down so quickly I feel like my chances are much better...

Funny you should mention lawnmower blenny! Mine actually got ****ed at both of them once the fighting started and gave them both something to think about!!

Toddrtrex · 12/19/2010, 04:59 PM

If you every attempt this again, I would suggest using an acclimation box -- it works wonders. My newest addition, a multi-colored dwarf, spent a week in there. It allowed the other dwarfs, Coral Beauty, and a venustus, to get used to it, and allow the multicolored to get used to eating the food I use. The acclimation box was one of the best things I purchased recently.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

If you every attempt this again, I would suggest using an acclimation box -- it works wonders. My newest addition, a multi-colored dwarf, spent a week in there. It allowed the other dwarfs, Coral Beauty, and a venustus, to get used to it, and allow the multicolored to get used to eating the food I use. The acclimation box was one of the best things I purchased recently.

I kind of did this, with a small cup. Too small to house the fish for a week but it allowed me to see if all hell was going to break lose before actually setting him free. But I will get one... I am sure this will not be the last time I am tempted to take a gamble on livestock.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 05:56 PM

Very short chases seemed to have began, in particular areas... Kind of like their saying "get off my lawn!"

Palting · 12/19/2010, 06:08 PM

This is like daytime TV drama, with a video to watch, too! Good luck, and keep us posted!

The acclimation box sounds like a good idea. I have a CPR in-tank refugium that has been gathering dust since I switched to a separate 20 gal refugium. Might use that one of these days. Wonder if it will work with wrasses? I have a 6 line, and there are some wrasses I've had my eye on.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 07:57 PM

Both seem even more comfortable with each other. When away from the live rock, (swimming in open areas) they completely ignore one another as just any another fish. It's only when swimming close to the rock that they get a little territorial.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palting

This is like daytime TV drama, with a video to watch, too! Good luck, and keep us posted!

The acclimation box sounds like a good idea. I have a CPR in-tank refugium that has been gathering dust since I switched to a separate 20 gal refugium. Might use that one of these days. Wonder if it will work with wrasses? I have a 6 line, and there are some wrasses I've had my eye on.

A day time TV drama... Not a bad idea... It is a good title, hahaha

I have a six line of my own, love the little bugger! people say these guys are very aggressive but mine seems to be the most peaceful fish I own... Let me know if you try another wrasse with yours, interseted to hear your results.

steelerfan1 · 12/19/2010, 08:30 PM

srusso,

may i ask what size tank you have?

srusso · 12/19/2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelerfan1

srusso,

may i ask what size tank you have?

70 gallon 24" x 36" x 18"

steelerfan1 · 12/19/2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srusso

70 gallon 24" x 36" x 18"

thanks. looks great.

srusso · 12/19/2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelerfan1

thanks. looks great.

No, thank you!

geo11 · 12/19/2010, 09:04 PM

Love the colours on those fish!

srusso · 12/19/2010, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo11

Love the colours on those fish!

That's what got me trying this in the first place...

muppet · 12/19/2010, 09:23 PM

How big is that tank?

srusso · 12/19/2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppet

How big is that tank?

Lol Just typed it two posts before but.... 70 gallon 36x24x18

srusso · 12/20/2010, 07:40 PM

Everything still going smoothly, they both look great swimming around! I love it! Fins aren't any more damaged from the initial introduction and spats seem few and far between. I am home all day tomorrow so they will get some more close observation. For the most part I think its a successful addition to the tank however only time will tell.

srusso · 12/23/2010, 03:33 PM

Things aren't going great today...
The flame is suddenly very aggressive, not as bad that the initial meeting but defiantly being a bully. Today I am regretting the purchase a lot. If this continues my coral beauty may not survive... Of course I will do whatever I can to prevent this and return which ever fish I can catch first...
Not a happy camper today.... :-(

Whisperer · 12/23/2010, 03:41 PM

I both videos, the CB looks very afraid of the FA. I will try to separate them before any casualty...likely CB.

srusso · 12/23/2010, 04:23 PM

I tried my luck with a net, I know it's not the ideal method to catch a SW fish but I am getting desperate... Needless to say I didn't even get close... It's odd how the aggression seemed to drop for the first few days and now it's vamped up again. If the aggression doesn't subside or I can't catch one of them by sunday I will take down the tank to get catch it.

Ps. How the hell can a fish know what a net is?! The second I put it in the tank every fish disappeared!

12/19/2010, 04:16 PM	#1
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	A story of flame and beauty... So I have had a coral beauty for a couple of months... Just a few hours ago I was at one of my favorite LFS... And I saw it. The Christmas island flame angel that I always wanted.... All the knowledgable reefers already know where this is going... I couldn't help myself... I took the gamble, knowing the risks. Had him bagged and put him in my tank. Had him flowing in a QT cup for about an hour. My coral beauty saw it flowing around and showed very little aggression. The interactions seemed promising, and about an hour and a half later I opened the cup.... Needless to say it wasn't the "hello" I gambled on... Half hour of tail and head swishing, a few nips and all seeded to calmed down. Another half hour later and the flame was doing most of the chasing but only when it saw the beauty. Another half hour and the two can calmly cross each others paths without freaking out. Like roommates that aren't pleased with each other. Both have resumed the normal dwarf angel behavior, pecking the live rock and swimming through the rocks. That bring us the the present time... They can come within centimeters from each other and showing no aggression to each other. They are both the same size (knowing this may help). Their interactions seem to be getting better by the second... Keeping my fingers crossed and prayers flowing. This dream of flame and beauty may just become a reality for me.... Video to follow shortly.... __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/19/2010, 04:23 PM	#2
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I wish you luck. They will sometimes calm down. If WWIII starts again, you may be doomed to a larger tank...or try moving a rock spire to break up or change territory. Fish are easily confused if the topography changes. __________________ 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%.

12/19/2010, 04:34 PM	#3
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	Switch to HD __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/19/2010, 04:35 PM	#5
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	__________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/19/2010, 04:59 PM	#8
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	If you every attempt this again, I would suggest using an acclimation box -- it works wonders. My newest addition, a multi-colored dwarf, spent a week in there. It allowed the other dwarfs, Coral Beauty, and a venustus, to get used to it, and allow the multicolored to get used to eating the food I use. The acclimation box was one of the best things I purchased recently. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

12/19/2010, 04:35 PM	#4
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	One thing I've found to be true in reef keeping is that individual fish or corals don't necessarily behave as expected. Lawnmower Blennies don't always eat algae. Angels don't always nip at corals. Similarly-sized tangs and dwarf angels don't always fight. And supposedly peaceful fish can behave like the Spawn of Satan, killing their tankmates and raising havoc.

12/19/2010, 05:56 PM	#10
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	Very short chases seemed to have began, in particular areas... Kind of like their saying "get off my lawn!" __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/19/2010, 06:08 PM	#11
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	This is like daytime TV drama, with a video to watch, too! Good luck, and keep us posted! The acclimation box sounds like a good idea. I have a CPR in-tank refugium that has been gathering dust since I switched to a separate 20 gal refugium. Might use that one of these days. Wonder if it will work with wrasses? I have a 6 line, and there are some wrasses I've had my eye on. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

12/19/2010, 07:57 PM	#12
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	Both seem even more comfortable with each other. When away from the live rock, (swimming in open areas) they completely ignore one another as just any another fish. It's only when swimming close to the rock that they get a little territorial. __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/19/2010, 08:30 PM	#14
steelerfan1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 437	srusso, may i ask what size tank you have?

12/19/2010, 09:04 PM	#18
geo11 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 81	Love the colours on those fish!

12/19/2010, 09:23 PM	#20
muppet Misanthrope Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plainville, CT Posts: 2,759	How big is that tank? __________________ Vertex IN-100 Skimmer 5g fuge area in the works JBJ Ocean Pulse 1600GPH wavemaker CoralVue 4x54 fixture running?: 2xATI Blue Plus, 1xRed Sea Pink, 1xRed Sea 12K, 10x1w LED blue moonlights Current Tank Info: Deep Blue 75G RR with 20H sump

12/20/2010, 07:40 PM	#22
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	Everything still going smoothly, they both look great swimming around! I love it! Fins aren't any more damaged from the initial introduction and spats seem few and far between. I am home all day tomorrow so they will get some more close observation. For the most part I think its a successful addition to the tank however only time will tell. __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/23/2010, 03:33 PM	#23
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	Things aren't going great today... The flame is suddenly very aggressive, not as bad that the initial meeting but defiantly being a bully. Today I am regretting the purchase a lot. If this continues my coral beauty may not survive... Of course I will do whatever I can to prevent this and return which ever fish I can catch first... Not a happy camper today.... :-( __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

12/23/2010, 03:41 PM	#24
Whisperer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Punta Gorda, FL Posts: 4,020	I both videos, the CB looks very afraid of the FA. I will try to separate them before any casualty...likely CB. __________________ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten. --------- No one is born with intellect and age guarantees wisdom to no one. Current Tank Info: 120G reef, 30G sump, 10G QT tank

12/23/2010, 04:23 PM	#25
srusso Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bridgeport, CT Posts: 1,869	I tried my luck with a net, I know it's not the ideal method to catch a SW fish but I am getting desperate... Needless to say I didn't even get close... It's odd how the aggression seemed to drop for the first few days and now it's vamped up again. If the aggression doesn't subside or I can't catch one of them by sunday I will take down the tank to get catch it. Ps. How the hell can a fish know what a net is?! The second I put it in the tank every fish disappeared! __________________ 70 Gallon Oceanic \| Coral Reef \| Apex Controller \| Algae Scrubber \|Started 8/14/2010 General Interest Forums > Advanced Topics > Algae Scrubber Basics Thread Basics Write Up - Post #1 \| Quick Troubleshooting - Post #1902 \| Alternate/Updated Sizing - Post #2723 \| Latest Summary - Post #3251 - #3264

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