care for blue spotted tang

[RockfordE4]

Hi,

I'm new to this hobby, so bear with me. I've recently got my first fish, a blue spotted tang - he's about 5 inches head to toe. He's been in my tank for two days now, seems lively and is showing the right signs with feeding and all that.

The thing is, within two hours of him going in, he turned a brown colour and he's stayed that way. Am I doing something wrong? Is he stressed? What should I do?

My tank's a 95 gallon sumped one, with parameters like this: SG 1.025, temp 24, ammonia 0, nitrites less than 3, nitrates less than 10.

[axonify]

I'd double-check that nitrite test, just to be sure. A cycled tank should be nitrite-free, so that's a concern. How much rock are you running in that 95-gallon tank of yours? I've read that color changes in tangs are often a sign of stress. Also, be aware that tangs are pretty prone to ich, so it's good to know how to treat it if it pops up.

By the way, I've never come across a blue spotted tang before - would you mind sharing a picture of your fish?

[floralix]

If you're getting nitrite readings, that's likely your issue.

[RockfordE4]

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate it.

I did some more tests yesterday and got AMM = 0, Nitrites = less than 3, Nitrates = 25. Did a 25% water change and re-tested, nitrates are back down to 10.

I've got about 50 kg of live rock in the tank, it's been cycled for about 5-6 weeks now. Started with a clean up crew - 20 snails, a sea hare, 6 red legged hermits, 5 dancing shrimp, a small star, 4 glass shrimp and a Snakelock anemone that's already divided.

The journey back from collecting the fish was a bit of a mission, 2 1/2 hours. I did rush the acclimatisation a bit, but I added more water to the bag and left it for 3/4 hour to get the temperature right. The fish seemed happy, pecking at the algae and any passing particles.

It fed within hours on some broken up prawn. I haven't fed the tank since Saturday, worried I might have increased the nitrates by overfeeding. The fish seems happy enough, it's almost like it's blended into the surroundings. I've got plans to add some more livestock, but I'm worried something's not right, just not sure what.

I'll post some pictures, but a Google search will bring up plenty of the species.

Regards,
Stuart

[zenko9]

Before adding more livestock, I'd get the nitrites and nitrates sorted out, aim for as low as possible, ideally zero nitrites, any reading is bad.

[RockfordE4]

The previous owner told me the blue spotted tang changes colour when it's happy, turning light blue, so the brown colour probably means it's unhappy. I added a yellow tang today and it seems they're paired - as soon as they met, my blue spotted tang turned light blue again, instantly changing from brown.

They're inseparable now, it's like they're meant to be. I'm probably worrying too much, the LFS said the same. I do want to get the nitrates down to zero, but amm and nitrites have been zero for a while. If I overfeed, nitrates will rise, but if amm and nitrites stay zero, that means the cycle is working correctly, right?

[zenko9]

If your nitrites and ammonia levels are zero, then your water parameters are fine. However, I'd advise you to double-check for any fluctuations in these levels before adding more fish. Rushing into things can be disastrous, and I'd hate to see you end up with a tank full of dead fish. The thing with saltwater aquariums is that problems can arise quickly, but it takes time and patience to achieve success.

[floralix]

if you have nitrites you shouldnt be adding any more fish, check that first before adding more, people rush into things and thats when the problems start, anything good comes slow in saltwater.

[axonify]

I couldn't find any good pics of the blue spotted tang on Google, but the blue spotted Kole tang is pretty close. Two big fish in four days, it's a bit concerning, especially since they're not exactly small fish like clowns. You should probably slow down a bit and focus on getting your nitrite problem under control first.

[RockfordE4]

If you're getting nitrite readings, that's likely your issue.

I am adding fish because I genuinely believe my water parameters are stable. I've got zero ammonia and less than 3mg of nitrite - the test results will measure as less than 3mg, so I'm taking that as zero nitrites. My nitrate levels are around 25, which I consider acceptable.

Bambam, you said if my nitrites and ammonia are zero, then my water is fine. I'm inclined to agree. I've been monitoring my parameters closely, and I'm confident that my tank is cycled.

I do have some concerns about the nitrate levels, but I'm not sure if I should be worried. If my ammonia and nitrites are fine, should I be concerned about nitrates at levels of 25 or less? Is there a problem that I need to fix?

As I mentioned earlier, my blue spotted tang changes colour depending on its mood. It changes when it feeds, when the lights go out, and even when it swims with its mate. I see a happy fish, albeit a bit insecure. I honestly don't think there's a problem with my water parameters, but I'm happy to be told otherwise.