[Delphinus]

Eli

Two things...

One, not feeding fish is a bit of an outmoded notion. Basically, the forefront of thought these days is, "if it has a mouth, FEED it!" Heck, this goes for corals and anemones too, that we used to think were photosynthetic only. The animal will live a much healthier, happier existance. I recommend you start feeding your fish. Start off with things like mysis, and nori, and other seaweeds for the herbivores. Trust me, tangs need to EAT. They have a insatiable apetite. If they're not eating, they're hungry, and if they're hungry, they're stressed. Unfortunately, it's pretty simple math. You and me, stress is, "my boss is a jerk" or "customers are so stupid" or whatever. Stress for an animal is "I am going to DIE!! I do not want to DIE! Please!!!" That's why stress leads to depressed immune responses. Imagine feeling that way. You can't have a full, happy life going every day like this. Keep their stomachs full, and I guarantee your fish's health will improve.

Two, stocking levels. Basically, our tanks are little itty-bitty boxes that fit neatly into our houses. There's just no way we can fit everything we like into them. At some point, we need to start making choices, because we can't just do it all. If we try to do too much in one system, the end result is something will suffer. We all need elbow room. Imagine living your whole life in an office cubicle. This is where you eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, have sex, etc. Except for the sex part, it pretty much sounds like jail. But even prisoners get to go outside once in a while. Sounds pretty bad. But remember, it gets worse. Because not only are our fish confined to this space, they have to share it with others. Standing room only. At best, it will lead to stress (and remember, it's the "I am going to DIE!!! DIE!!!!! DIE!!!!" kind of stress). At worst, someone is going to crack from that stress and go postal, and beat the crap or even kill another.

So, I know it's tough, but you have to pick. What is it that you want to accomplish. What is the focal point of the reef tank, and build the system around that. Trying to replicate the natural environment as best as possible.

Remember, in the ocean, there's plenty for things to eat. At best, our tanks are only a small footprint of ocean. They can't compete with Mother Nature. We have to do our part as well. Which comes in the form of feeding, good water management, water changes, good water current, choosing suitable tankmates, keeping stocking levels to a minimum, and so on.