I feel saddened as I found my five day old sail-fin tang laying on the bottom of the tank. Prior to dieing, it was acting strange by hanging around the bottom and seemingly swimming in rather erratic patterns. It definitely was not eating. I served up about five different varieties of food but none seem to work.
This is the second fish in a row that has died this way. I bought one about two months ago that did the same thing. My wife is adamant about not buying any more fish as it is heart-breaking to see them not make it.
If you have any advice, it sure would be appreciated. I have four other fish that are doing great. My water parameters are good and I bought this fish from a very well known and respected shop.
I have a Blennie, clown, flame angel and anthias. No aggression at all. When I first put in the anthias about four months ago, the flame gave it a hard time but they're now compatible. The flame did not show any aggression toward the sail-fin. My tank is almost six months old.
Truly sorry for your loss. I feel your sadness and the frustration did both fish come from the same LFS? By 5 days old is that the actual age of the fish or the length of time you had it? Just curious.
Couple of things I do when purchasing a fish no matter where it comes from.1 Have them feed it, watch how it reacts to the person feeding it and how it eats especially if its by itself. If its shy but eats it may not get food if you have more aggressive feeders. If it doesnt eat well ..... dont buy it good chance it wont eat for you either. It shouldnt show fear it should be happy to be getting food.2 if its doesnt have a date on the tank of when it came in ask how long they have had it. If they dont know or its been less then a week I stay away from that purchase. 3 if other tanks are tied into the system how do the other fish act, look, great breeding place for parasites. Find out if they run copper or any meds in the holding system. And the one thing I have not done and should also do is set up a QT.
Sorry to hear about your bad luck. I have had good success following those steps. I did bring ich home with a fish once and the lfs I got it from QTs everything for at least a week before it hits the floor so a QT is always a good idea.
+1, all very good steps/ things to do when even considering purchasing a fish..... although I always forget to do those things. Thankfully Mike (from Reef Paradise) usually offers up that info when I am talking about considering a fish, and has a nack for feeding fish he knows I like when I am there LOL
Yeah its because he knows that its going to be a better chance of you buying it. lol
I've made the habit of watching a fish at the LFS for at least a week or two. If it's still happy and healthy then I'll buy. If it's sold then I wasn't meant to have it. Nor will I buy any on the day a shipment arrives, although cheaper they arrive totally stressed.
I have to agree with seeing the fish eat at the shop. Not only does it let you know the fish eats, but it also gives the fish a full belly and energy when its released into ints new surroundings. If it takes a few days to get comfortable before it eats, its got that last meal to fall back on for a few days.
Sounds like stress to me. Tangs are pretty suseptable.
Another Death!
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did both fish come from the same LFS? By 5 days old is that the actual age of the fish or the length of time you had it? Just curious.
There's nothing like being a Reefer!
Originally Posted by chort55
