Help!

I just added a small yellow Tang to my tank and he/she went straight down :o and got stung by a Stichodactyla haddoni (fluorescent green carpet anemone). I can see the spot, a small white mark right before her tail. I can also see, what I assume to be the lateral line, a whitish line.

Will my tang survive??

She's still swimming around and appears to even be nipping at the glass and rock some.

I've read a lot telling about the sting but can find what happens after...

Please help :shout: with any advise!!

Thanks!!

Chances are good the tank will be fine. I'd keep a close eye, feed well and keep your water in the best condition possible.

I must ask, since you posted this in the nano section, how big is your tank? A yellow tang (or any tang, for that matter) is not an appropriate fish for a nano.

Thanks...

I have macro-algae and copepods in the refugium. She seems to be nipping at things. It might be hard since I just added her... Can you suggest a 'can't resist' that I can offer.
She is staying pretty well to the back lower part of the tank. Although she has gone real close to the anemone a couple of times!! :unsure:

Should I do anything specific that might help her stress/injury with the temp (77.6F) lights or water...i.e: keep lights off, slow current...
I did turn off an extra powerhead.

This is a 40g - I have 3 others (5,5,12)...I guess I should have posted elsewhere? I was kind of in a panic :huh: How big can nano go?
* TANK DIMENSIONS: (L)24" x (W)20" x (H)20".
*150w 14,000k with 2 x 24w Actinics supplements
* (2) ) LED-HO 2 watt moonlights.
*Full size direct-skim refugium on back
* Refugium Dimensions (L)23" x (W)5" x (H)19.5".
* PC light strip for refugium.

anything you can add would be greatly appreciated!

moved this thread to the "tangs" forum.

that tank is to small for that fish, as Phurst has said. tangs need ALOT of swimming space and a 40 can not provide that for them. not to mention that the will easily outgrow that tank. i would not be surprised if you contract ICH with that fish in that tank. sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but trade him in on something more acceptable for a tank the size of yours.

:bash: OUCH!

...and you didn't even offer help with the 'right now' situation.

You want to kick me again while I'm down.

sorry, i also meant to say that i do not think the tang was stung. yellow tangs have a white spot just before their tail, it is a normal trait among them. the lateral line that you are seeing could have been a preexisting condition that was enhanced by the stress of being in the small tank. there is little known as to why MHLLE (marine head and lateral line erosion) happens, but many believe that it is due to stress and malnutrition.

i did not mean to "kick you while you were down", but everything that you are describing sounds to me like the tang is showing signs of stress from being in such a small tank. so in a round about way ... i DID offer help for the "right now" situation. the tank is likely the cause of the problems.

The spot you are seeing may be normal on a YT. Are you sure you are not seeing the diamond shaped spot that most YTs have where their tail meets the body? If the the tang really did get stung, I dont think there is much that can be done about it other than wait and see.

I just got her today, about 2 hours before my post. So I doubt my 40g is the cause of her/his stress.
She/he is 2 1/2" and I planned to have her in a larger tank before she's 4".

size of the tang does not matter. the tank is still to small.

i do not know how to say it any other way. sorry if it sounds harsh, but it is the truth. how was the fish acclimated ??

Any way we can get a pic of the wound? I agree with poppin_fresh that if it was stung, there's not really anything that can be done. If it's still alive and acting somewhat normaly, then the sting isn't going to kill it. You'll still need to keep pristine water conditions and keep it well fed in order to let the wound heal up without getting infected.

My YT goes nuts for nori and mysis, and they're both fairly nutritious.

I'll just add, (and I'm not preaching here), that at 2.5" the tang has already outgrown your tank.

Acclimation: I floated her for 20 min. then added 1/3 cup of my tank water, I waited 5-8 min. added another 1/3 cup and continued this until the bag was full - poured off half and start the same process until the bag was full again - poured off 3/4 and added her to the tank.

I think your right about not being stung. The YT is swimming around and nipping at rock and glass. Thanks Poppin-Fresh and Phurst for the support. I saw her jump after touching it and just assumed... another dumb move. That's 3 for those counting. What started as a very exciting day for me has really crashed. I guess you could say I'm really stressed from this really small tank... I'll put myself in hiding.

dont hide, i am in no way trying to "bash" you ... that is not my style. i am just trying to help you understand WHY things are going the way they are.

if it makes you feel any better ... when i first started in the hobby, i had a tang in a 55 !! that tank was to small too, but i did not know. so i am NOT blaming, bashing, or condemning you. just trying to help you. i would suggest that you ask here before adding anything to your tank. we will tell you what the requirements are for that species that you are looking into. MOST LFSs are in it for the money and only want to sell you something, even if they know it is going to die in a week. we , on the other hand, have nothing to gain and will try our best to help you keep from wasting money.

i put a yellow tang in a 46g and it contracted ick killing everything in my tank, hope yours goes better

eesh. ouch photojohn. i had that happen with a puffer in a 16g tank. that was dumb of me.....of course this was riiiight when i started saltwater....i also had a couple clowns in there...not to mention 2 hippo tangs. BOY WAS THAT A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. i wish i had found this site sooner..haha

but anyway yes, this site is very good when it comes to somebody making a mistake (such as being new and putting a fish in too small of a tank) nobody here will really bash on you because were all there once. at first you may think thy are out to get you, but really, they just go by the rules here about how much space a fish truly needs to thrive in a tank. when i first started on this site i posted a mistake of mine...and i was afraid to even come back and post a reply...but i did, and when i realized how everyone on here is actually quite helpful....i would turn here before going to ask my lfs. because there are some reefers on here who have been in the hobby it longer than ive been living. lol

but anyway, please, stick around, read some other random posts where somebody had a small tank with a large fish or messy one, you will see how everyone gets warned about the disaster that could happen. and it will help u learn how everyone responds to something on the forums.


OK im done with my inspirational speech.... hope you enjoyed it.... buh bye!.


:)

:fish: Hello Blosserl!

I hope your tang does better with each and every day, as I can imagine your anxiety over your new tank buddy. Also, sometimes there are pre-existing conditions and ailments that livestock have before you ever purchase them, that does not become apparent until after the fact. For this reason, many hobbiest choose to use a QT for newly aquired purchases before placing them into their DT. I am glad that you show concern for your new friend and I look forward to hearing more updates on your tank. Happy Reefing! ;)

I totally agree pvt.

My LFS is probably like many in that the information they provide is sketchy at best and motivated by making money. They told me when I was new to SW that a yellow tang, hippo tang, and a CCB would all be fine in my 46g! Along with bad lighting advice and other live stock blunders I have decided trust no LFS, but to research everything myself and ask people here.

i dont know if anyone has mentioned it but you may want to dip nori/frozen foods in garlic to possibly help prevent ick. I was told it works but there isnt any conclusive scientific evidence. A cheap possible immune booster if nothing else.

I soak all my foods in garlic before I feed them. It is known to boost the immune system and there is some evidence that it helps rid fish of internal parasites.

Ok, you've patted by back (thanks pvtdonut and Skurvey Dog)

I have to show myself because this place is just too good to not be able find my place here.:cool: I'm in this hobby and want to get and do the best I can in it.

I know I was a bit sensitive. Emotions were running high. I'm new to the hobby and new to forums. I really do believe you guys, this site, is great. I only found it about a week ago and almost immediately committed to donating a little each month because its a great site and service. I know that I'll get more the few dollars back in knowledge and support.

I was in a panic. When I saw my yt go right into the anemone and jump I thought the worst. I posted too fast without giving myself time to settle and think. Heck, I couldn't even remember the yt had that white 'v' mark....I swear it looked like a burn! :blush:and at the moment I would have sworn it was not there before she went in!

So about my yt: she is doing really good 'right now'. PhotoJohn, thanks, I had read in several places about the benefits of garlic also. So I am/will be using it to supplement/soak her food, I also alternate some V3 by H2O Life. She loves the purple seaweed that I have offered, much more than the brown. But I will continue to offer her both and other foods so that I can be more sure that she gets all the nutrients I can provide. She is quite a 'chow hound". Eating mysids, brine, Rod's Food, Cyclop-eeze, Silverside...

And Yes, I will, also, consider and look into a more proven successful environment: maybe some local sw/reefer, or me getting a larger tank sooner then I anticipated. The latter will probably win.

But, I will not 'send her back' or take her to a lfs, unless I have a promise of their selling conditions. For one, she was shipped from CA (I'm in TX) she certainly doesn't need that trip again. Second, she doesn't need to be sold to the next unknowing (possibly uncaring) hobbyist that might have even worse conditions then I do.

Note about lfs: I have been very disappointed in the ones in my area (that is why I ordered). Not only is the information lacking, conflicting, or flat out wrong but they are selling their livestock as soon as they get them! They may have been shipped and/or driven 4+hours from Dallas. No time to acclimate, settle, quarantine, anything. It makes it very hard to try and support your lfs.

Now, a note about me: as I stated I am new to the hobby, but I did not go into it lightly. I did research and I am committed to my responsibility. Believe me when I say, I will do everything (with your help) to give my aquatic family the best I can. When I take on a project/hobby I am pretty intense (maybe even obsessive); first to point that out will be my PLH, I can put quite a strain on time, family and the wallet with my 'projects'. I have read a lot online and in books (I have at least 15 now). I, by no means, think this qualifies me as any more than a 'newbie/rookie", but I am committed. I am often told/razed that I am a perfectionist. I don't take that to mean I'm perfect, but, rather that I'm a bit of a nag, somewhat bossy, oh heck! a pain in the a!#!

So you might say right now "Why'd she get a Tang for a 40G tank?!" Well, I am trying to learn, I did not say everything I read 'sticks". Although, I have read (and been told) of minimum tanks requirements of 40G, and yes - even LESS! "Well They are flat out wrong!",you say.

So here's the 'Catch 22', they say the same thing about you!! So here I am, trying to learn, love, create this great little world and everybody knows the answers that I need to know... But they are not the same answers!!

At a lfs I was being given some information; when I offered & asked something (a little contrary to his info) that I had read - he said, with the utmost confidence, " they're wrong, don't believe what you read online or even in some books. Many books are out of date and there are 'forum members' with an agenda to sell and/or support a certain product. Many companies even pay people to watch and post for them.'" So I asked him, "So how do I know that I should believe you? I mean you have an agenda to make sales in this store." I tried to be very nice about it, I was not trying to insult him - I do think I learned some things from him - but (as he was rolling his eyes at my 'aquired' information and I'm certain deciding he really couldn't get away from me fast enough) I was trying to point out the dilemma of this hobby; there are so many ways to get to the same place. Yes, there is science involved, and many certain facts: Ammonia = death. 2+3 does equal 5. But there might be a lot of little different ways to get 2 and/or 3. ....Don't even try and tell me 'generic' is the same as 'name' brand!! I'm not saying generic might not work, or even be better... but, it is not the same! And it might work for some and not for others.

Also what's right today may not be absolute tomorrow. If I have learned anything 'absolute' it's that! Somethings that were impossible and unheard of 10, 5, even 2 years ago are not today.

One more point: Forums (and trying to learn something new) can be a very intimidating. Some members, maybe a lot, have a hard time getting up the courage to post. Just a few the concerns: your words/grammar, you hope, are legible; watch our spelling; hope you don't sound like a complete idiot. Get by that and still nagging in your mind you KNOW that your question was most certainly asked and answered before and somebody will be rolling their eyes 'here's another one' and/or 'if you had just read/looked before posting' or even worse ' did this one even think before they....'.

So my hopes are that you master reefers and gurus of knowledge (who's input we soo want, need and appreciate:love!:), will understand and remember that we might feel a little like Alice (or the Scarecrow), appearing before the great Wizard in the land of Oz. We don't know what's behind that curtain yet, we don't know what or who to believe. Presentation is important!

There it is, thank you for your indulgence... I hope there's not a character limit :o

So, :fingers: Can I still stay and play, I'll be nice

I do want, and I will value all your learned experiences, opinions and constructive criticisms. I will try not to be so sensitive; although when in crisis that can/will be hard. Might you try to be gentle, patient and allow us 'newbies' a learning curve, our mistakes are not intentional.

....We're just trying to stay afloat :sailing:

^^Thanks for the wonderful post!^^ I think that the question of which information to believe is one of the most difficult things in this hobby. Like you I tend to do lots of research. I've been on the forums enough to know those people who are knowledgeable and whose advice I value. As a rule of thumb, unless it is one of my trusted sources, I wait to see if all the advice agrees. If one person's advice is out there I tend to discount it.

As a TR staff member let me say THANKS!
I really do believe you guys, this site, is great. I only found it about a week ago and almost immediately committed to donating a little each month because its a great site and service. I know that I'll get more the few dollars back in knowledge and support.
If everyone did this it would be great!

Hello Blosserl! Glad things are doing great now and enjoyed reading your post. We all were newbies at one time or another and we all are still learning and growing. I firmly believe that anyone can find criticism and hard looks anywhere and that sound advice and encouragement is what one needs when they are having problems or a crisis. Whether it be real or imagined. The only "Dumb" question is the one that is never asked! And there may be times when one does not have a solid answer here, but there will be someone who can lead you to information so that you can research on your own. The reefers here are a family and have various knowledge. Everyone can not be a head, hand or foot. But when all the different parts are put together, we have a complete "body." It is not a genius, but it does function and does learn from trial and errors. :up: TR is a wonderful family and I'm glad you are now part of it.

As far as serving our own interest. No one here gains from their own personal advice or direction as would the LFS. There are however TR's sponsors who post here, but they are members with integrity and a solid, sound, dedication to the reefing cause and will plainly tell you that their opinion is not based on their personal, financial profession and at times has them not replying to some posts as they feel one might think it a conflict of interest. With time, you will come to know who has your best interest at heart. We speak from personal experience and learned knowledge. And Carmie gave you some very valuable advice. :up:

"So how do I know that I should believe you? I mean you have an agenda to make sales in this store." Oh, and I must say that was brilliant on your part. I love a free thinker. :love!: Always ask questions.

I have to throw my .02 into this post. :D

You have a YT in a 40 gallon tank...so what?

I have never been the type to jump down someones throat because they do something that goes against popular thinking. I have heard the arguments on all sides regarding the swimming room certain fish use in the wild, versus what we supply in our tanks. The way I look at it, the second we take a creature from the ocean and place it in a tank, we are going against natures plan. If your YT is well fed, has a decent amount of swimming room and good water conditions then why is your fish considered worse off than one kept in poorly maintained 500g tank?

Obviously there is some discression and personal comfort that should be observed here. If you make the decision to put a large fish in a small tank and observe thats its not happy, but choose to do nothing, thats a decision YOU have to live with. At the end of the day though, its your decision.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!! I can breath a sight of relief :p

I really hesitated to make that post but I felt I needed to. I'm glad that it was received the way it was intended.

Poppin-Fresh, your comment:
"The way I look at it, the second we take a creature from the ocean and place it in a tank, we are going against natures plan. If your YT is well fed, has a decent amount of swimming room and good water conditions then why is your fish considered worse off than one kept in poorly maintained 500g tank?"
...I was making almost this same comment to someone yesterday!

I really am researching a larger tank , 75G-100G, but like most things I need to compare and look at all the options before deciding (if anyone can recommend a manufacturer, please send it my way - I need to pop over to the equipment section and see what I find there). Heck, it was only a matter of time anyway... does anyone have just ONE tank?? There are so many wonderful fish, inverts, corals.... It's impossible to only pick a few.
....and I thought I was only going to do a 10-15G nano.:rotfl:

Well, I'm glad to be a part of the TR group (and I don't have to change my logon:cool:) - I'm going to need you!
You'll be hearing a lot from me :D

glad i did not scare you off and to see that you are going to stick around !!

seriously ... i hope that i did not come off to harsh on you. i am going to be working on how i word things from now on. it is hard to judge a "tone of voice" on the internet. again, i apologize if i offended you in any way. hope we can help each other with the hobby.

You are one of the family now. We will all be over for Sunday dinner!

lol one of the lfs's by me has AMAZING prices for All-Glass Aquarium tanks. they have a contract with them. on their pricing sheet, the tank that i have, (65 w/ overflow) i payed 240$....if i was to get it from this lfs, it would have been about HALF that! only thing is, they need to order it. i knew exactly what i was getting when i purchased my tank. i rather pay a lil extra and see what im getting instead of paying less and having a surprise. if there was a way for them to directly ship it to u in TX, that would be neat.... i think a 100g tank is like...$190, with an overflow.... not too bad.... then u can use your 40 as a sump for it. just ask around and see who has the best prices.

;-)

:cheers: lReef lKeeper
I appreciate your concern and attention. It is hard to convey/interpret 'tone'.

CarmieJo
Dang - can you believe my roast is too small TOOO! :tongue2: I better get right on that as well!

pvtdonut :w00t!:
Wow! where are you?? My 40G is staying up as display (it has a back sump, refuq, HQI, T5HO lighting - I love it). But at those prices I could buy a 40-60 as well.

Happy Sunday - have a good one!


If you guys get a chance - I was reading posts last night, and there's a post "sick fish not to sure what to do" that I shared some info that I found (and am trying) ... please take a look and add your input. I was going to start a new post when I read it, so I just jumped in there... Hope that was ok - I clearly stated that my post was info not advice!

lol unfortunately...im all the way in NY... =[

and i just read ur post in the other forum. those products sound interesting.