Did I make a mistake??

[ericdi2]

I have a 50 gallon uniquarium, 45 pounds live rock, 4 inch live sand, 2 inch yellow tang, dottyback, maroon clown, and lawnmower blennie. Tank has been up and running since Jan 2001. Today I added a coral beauty, and a 6 line wrasse. From what I have read, I thought they would all get along, but dottyback and 6 line wrasse are not. More like dottyback's mission is to get rid of 6 line wrasse. I was able to catch the new little guy, (easily), and put him in a clear container, floating on top of the aquarium. My feeling is I should bring him back. Is there any hope? What should I do?????
Diane

 

[newkie]

Whew boy, its crowded in there! I'd return dottyback and return the tang unless you plan to upgrade your tank. Pick up Pocket Guide To Marine Fishes by Scott W. Michael and check out tank size requirements... its a handy and inexpensive book plus gives you reef compatability.

[ November 08, 2001: Message edited by: greenbud ]</p>

 

[Goldmoon]

Wrasses and dottybacks together are a no-no...
I would return the new guy to the LFS I don't think he has a chance.. well him or the dottyback.
The rest should get along fine.
Good luck

 

[ericdi2]

I don't plan to add any more fish after these. Isn't the rule 1 inch of fish per 2 gallon??

 

[Goldmoon]

Many people don't like tangs in smaller then 75g tank.. personnaly my husband has a yellow tang in his 46g and the tang is not stressed at all and healthy. I don't think 5 or 6 fishes in a 50 gallon tank would be called crowdy.. but that is only my opinion.
Many people have the same thing if not more but are just keeping it quiet.
If we analyse your tank. Your tang is the one that needs more swimming. Blenny is a rock guy. Dottyback, as long as you have holes in your rocks, it is a happy one. Maroon might get big but generally clowns are not big swimmer. Coral beauty likes to swim around more... The only problem would be if they can not define their own territory, so that depends a lot on how your rocks are placed. We have about the same in our 46g tank and there is no problem at all whatsoever. But all tanks are different and can not really be compare to each other.

 

[ericdi2]

Well, I just returned 6 line wrasse to lfs. They gave me a full credit. I feel really bad for the poor little fish. He was really a good looking fish. Oh well, hopefully he will find a better home.