cowfish cautions

[Aquamarina]

Many thanks for the input.

The chemical I was advised to use was Ruby Reef "Hydroplex-- for treatment of bacterial and parasitic infections". I followed the instructions for amounts to be added to the initial bath and to the Q. tank.

I bought 5 fish because I was told that introducing just one or two to the main tank would cause stress to the new fish. Two Tangs were purchased as there are 4 already in the main tank and one of those is constantly being driven into a cave by another Tang--the new 2 were to help ease the bullying. Other fish in the main tank include a triggerfish, 3 damsels, a wrasse,and some large clownfish, which all seem to be quite territorial and dive-bombed the cowfish for the first couple of days. As well, there is a butterfly, 2 small clowns, a PJ cardinalfish and a couple of stars.

One factor I didn't mention is that there was a rock placed in the Q. tank by the previous owner and I left it there. There was some suspicion the rock harboured some sort of toxin. However, exactly the same type of rock is what has been used extensively in the main tank, so I don't feel that the rock is an issue.

Looking forward to hearing any more ideas on the probable cause of death. How many and what sort of fish would you suggest I get, when I get up the courage to go shopping again?

[Canadian Man]

Originally Posted by Aquamarina

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Looking forward to hearing any more ideas on the probable cause of death. How many and what sort of fish would you suggest I get, when I get up the courage to go shopping again?

Yes, WELCOME!

Anyway I bet alot of what happened (as some have hinted at) was or may have been caused by stress. In the future I would say add one fish at a time to your quarintine tank and then when you feel confident add that fish to the main tank.

If the fish you are adding are not of the same species/body shape there shouldn't be too much to worry about. Of course you alway risk something not getting along with something else. Just don't add a yellow tang to an allready established scopas tang in your tank.

[StirCrazy]

What other fish are already in the tank, at 4 tanks in a 220 gal tank in my opinion your have to many already and this could be why one is getting bullied.. I think a 220 should have 2 tangs at most, but you will find some opinions that varry from 1 tang to maby 3 . but I think most will agree 1 or 2 is all there should be in a 220.

but let us know what else is in the tank and then people will be able to help you more.

Steve

[Quinn]

Six tangs and three or four other large fish in a 220?!

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by teevee

Six tangs and three or four other large fish in a 220?!

Let's all remember that this tank came as is and aquamarina is learning along the way. This is where we get to help someone, not chastise them.

I agree that 2 (and very maybe 3) tangs is enough for that tank. They get very territorial. So do triggers. What type of trigger and wrasse is in there now? Clowns are the meanest SOBs ever to enter an aquarium (IMO).

Please provide a list of all fish and the type of filtration you have currently. Do you have a protein skimmer? Is there liverock in the tank, and if so, how much. Any other info you can think of would be helpful. Thanks!

[Quinn]

Originally Posted by reef_raf

Let's all remember that this tank came as is and aquamarina is learning along the way. This is where we get to help someone, not chastise them.

Not an attack, just a gasp. No offense intended.

[Aquattro]

Sorry Quinn, I didn't mean to imply you were attacking, I just saw the tone of the thread going that way and your post was there, waiting to be quoted.

[Aquamarina]

[Please provide a list of all fish and the type of filtration you have currently. Do you have a protein skimmer? Is there liverock in the tank, and if so, how much. Any other info you can think of would be helpful. Thanks![/quote]

The following may not be strictly accurate, as I am getting the names from pix on the net. The tank came with:
4 yellow Tangs
1 Picasso trigger
1 Pyjama cardinalfish
1 b/w striped butterfly (this is the largest fish)
1 4-stripe b/w damsel
3 blue/gold damsels (one disappeared in January)
2 ocellaris clowns
1 ? tomato clown (1 stripe)
1 ? maroon clown (2 stripes)
1 blue/green wrasse
2 choc. chip starfish
1 feather duster (eaten and newly grown again)
1 lobster (in a cave, and never seen clearly)

-no live rock, as far as I know, but there is a lot of reddish and grey lava-type rock

-bio-balls in a tower next to the tank for initial filtration
-protein skimmer

I do appreciate your help and interest. Thanks.

[Aquattro]

It sounds like there is plenty of swimming room for the fish. Normally you wouldn't put that many tangs in there, but I have a feeling they are smaller than they could be and if they're getting along, great. The trigger can get really big and eat things you'd rather it didn't. The clowns and damsels are going to harrass anything you add, just because they're like that. The wrasse sounds like a lunar, which can also get fairly big (and hungry).
One of the concerns with adding more livestock is whether the filtration can handle the increased bio-load. Can you post pics of the tower and skimmer?
If it were me, I wouldn't add more fish. Certainly not any tangs! Ultimately you need to figure out how good your filtration is and can it handle more. If the tangs now have been there for a long time and not properly fed (nori, etc) they may be stunted and not take up as much room as they should. They can get to 8 inches or so. You can also figure out any areas that don't have fish and maybe find a fish that fits that niche. Let's see what others say!!

[EmilyB]

I don't think some of us are supposed to say anything...