Clownfish with seperation anxiety

The mandarin, the angel, the blenny, and the nem, all raise a flag with me in a 4 month old tank. However, there are exceptions to every rule. What lighting do you have over the QT? is there any chance that the LFS can take the nem for a bit if so needed?

 

The QT is soon to be upgraded to t5s but it is running coral sun t8s that run at 10,000 watts

 

Here are my 2 cents if you care for them, If not, then you can ignore the rest lol. Mandarines eat pods, which usually require a well established tank, usually +1 year at least, with lots of gallonage. 55 gallons is on the small side for a dwarf angel, although it can be done with proper feeding. Be sure to include angel food and marine sponges in your feedings. The BTA needs strong lighting to survive, it may also need additional feedings and stable water quality. Which is why an established tank is recommended. The lawnmower blenny eats algae, which needs high nutrients to grow in significant quantities. High quantities of nutrients can be very bad for all the other species listed above. Quick breakdown of my 2 cents.

Jake

 

Thanks. I see what your saying and did my research prior to adding. The blenny gets supplemental algae strips and stays fat and happy. I also supplement pods weekly.

 

I still feel as though the newer tank is the problem with the nem. I hope I didn't come across as a stickler on my advice, seems like you have done research, and everyone's tank is different. Was just my advice/experience.

 

Thanks for the help

 

I don't know I was much help lol, but you're welcome.

 

Personally, I believe the age of the tank is relative- if your parameters are stable, age shouldn't be an issue. Also, 4 T5HO tubes is plenty of light.

What I do see is a strong possibility of over-feeding. A nem's digestive system is extremely slow; feeding too often or foods that are too large can easily result in an internal bacterial infection. With sufficient lighting- and especially with a resident clownfish- one shouldn't require additional food at all.

 

the color is actually pretty good and it looks attached although barely....is it sticky to the touch? It seems unlikely that anything else is picking at it with the maroon in it all of the time. It's not clear how long you've had the nem....they do need some time to acclimate to a new tank and they do shrivel and expel waste - I might just try to leave it alone for a bit and keep an eye on it. I also wouldn't feed it too much until it settles in. In answer to the question about the maroon, it could have irritated it by its actions. Maybe it's just stressed - new tank, maroon constantly in it, etc.....moving it to another new tank may have actually stressed it more.