billyboy2

I'm not sure if something is wrong with the blue tang I have. He almost seem's stupid!...the reason for my question is lately i see him just drift or hang (not swimming..just still) and he slowly moves toward my filter pickup tube...usually moves away but has also gotten stuck on his side lately. I have seen it twice, not sure if he liked being stuck there or couldn't escape but he wasn't stuggling just hanging out stuck to the filter. i have just been unplugging it to stop flow, and he swims away like nothing happened and seems fine. Could i have a handicaped fish?

Shawnie

Hi billyboy...if the tank was just started this month, how was it cycled and do you have an ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate reading? Im not a salty person but that doesnt sound like hes feeling well and I dont think he would be "stupid" ...I hope some of our salty members can help!

Mike

Yeah, thats not their normal behavior. If the live rock has been in the tank for 4 weeks with little to no nitrates I think it is probably cycled, unless it was completely dried out and devoid of life before putting it into the tank.

Was the fish acting this way at the store? What are you feeding it? Is it eating what you offer? Tanks mates harassing it?

Also, you may already know this, but just in case, a 35 gallon is too small for them long term. They need lots of swimming space and they get too big for a 35.

Mike

cerianthus

I cant say if anything is wrong with your BT. Maybe he feel comfortable at that location.
Is it pretty new addition to tank? what are its tankmates?
Is it showing any patches of white or paleness in coloration in the face or along the lateral line on either side/both? Is it eating well and have full tummy?
DO you have FOWLR of Reef Set Up? If either, I strongly doubt any problem with water issues but how about posting the results?
Many times, I have added well cured (by me) LR and fishes at the same time w/o consequences but wouldnt recommend until you feel comfortable or have better understanding of what LR can do as I have learn by dealing with uncured/cured LR for just about 20yrs.

Sorry for all the questions but just trying to understand your tank.

I've seen such behaviors (some by intake tube or by other equipments) from other tangs including BT but usually to avoid confrontation with its tankmates.

Hope all is well!.

billyboy2

the water parameters are: nitrate/nitritate 0ppm, salinity 1.024, pH 8.2, temp 82F, ammonia levels 0ppm. As far as tank mates go i have a pair of percula's hosting a BTA, 2 skunk cleaners, 1 peppermint, 1 blue legged hermit, 1 scarlet hermit, and a pair of damsels. None of my critters are picking on the tang, everyone seems to have there own territory and all seem quite happy. Even the Tang seems quite content, it's almost like he fell asleep and didnt realize he got stuck to the filter tube. I have noticed he is a very picky eater and when fed eats very little, have been feeding him frozen prawns chopped into tiny bits with little result, seems to like to chew on it more than eat it. when he does eat it will be only the smallest of pieces of food. Don't want to loose the little guy he is the second addition two my tank as far as fish goes....the pair of perculas was first. Any help is appreciated i dont want to loose the little guy. Thanks alot for the advice

Matt

DO you have any pics of your Tang?

-Matt

billyboy2

here he is

Attached Images

tang.jpg (362.9 KB, 42 views)

Matt

WOW He is a beauty

He looks healthy but maybe his problems are internal and not external.

-Matt

billyboy2

It's very hard to say....most of the time he acts very healthy, occasionally i find him hiding on the floor the aquarium even at times on his side(usually at night) not sure if thats normal. my main concern was the filter was going to kill him eventually, he hasn;t done it recently so maybe he's learned his lesson. i'll continue to monitor him thanks for the help!

Matt

Yeah just keep checking him

Any other pics of your tank?

-Matt