imminent death signs

seppomania · 10-02-2004, 04:49 PM

My tank has been up and running for about 2 months-
I've got one damsel, one pink spotted goby, and one flame hawk-
despite warnings, I've decided to roll the dice and introduce a scooter blenny to the family- (he was previous companions with the flame hawk from another tank when the owner lost interest and returned his fish to the LFS I frequent)
Anyway, everybody is getting along great-
but I'm concerned about feeding the blenny- he cruises around right now pinking through the live sand and rocks, but ignores the food I feed all his tank mates-
How will I know if he's not getting enough food?

Craig Manoukian · 10-04-2004, 03:42 AM

Welcome seppomania.

Without knowing your tank size or how it is set up, it sure seems as though you are adding fish too ealry and too fast. In general it takes eight to ten weeks for a tank to cure and stabilize to the point of adding livestock. You want to introduce fish once per month to allow the biofiltration to adjust to the bioload. The general rule of thumb is 1" of adult fish per five gallons of tank water.

As for the blenny, did you observe it eating food at the LFS before purchasing? Blennies are omnivores and can eat meaty foods or algaes depending on the species.

Can you edit your profile and add your tank setup and information in your signature? A blenny scientific name would also be helpful. Thanks

amcarrig · 10-04-2004, 03:59 AM

[quote author=Craig_Manoukian link=board=Fish;num=1096771767;start=0#1 date=10/04/04 at 06:42:12]As for the blenny, did you observe it eating food at the LFS before purchasing? *Blennies are omnivores and can eat meaty foods or algaes depending on the species.
[/quote]

Have to point out that scooter blennies are not blennies at all but dragonettes. *Their primary diet consists of copepods. *If you're lucky, you may get one to eat frozen mysis but if you don't, the fish will slowly starve to death unless you find a way to replenish the supply of pods in the tank. *

Craig Manoukian · 10-04-2004, 04:45 AM

Good point AC ergo the request for the scientific name. A postive ID would be most helpful in diagnosis, eh?

amcarrig · 10-04-2004, 06:44 AM

You mean I have to read the entire post?

I must have missed your request for the scientific name....it's always helpful to have when talking about....stuff

Craig Manoukian · 10-04-2004, 07:24 AM

[quote author=amcarrig link=board=Fish;num=1096771767;start=0#4 date=10/04/04 at 09:44:29]the scientific name....it's always helpful to have when talking about....stuff *

[/quote]

Much better than speaking in generalities and flyin' by the seat ofour pants!