Tropical Fish Forums

[FloridaBoy]

Ahhh, yes... Plotosus linneatus, yes, I have seen this "tumbling ball" but sadly in aquariums or video only and with smaller schools, but it is fascinating to watch, like a waterfall as wave after wave of catfish moves ahead... THIS is what I am talking about, I really wish more aquarists will get out into the ocean and observe these creatures, I have gathered so much joy from watching adult Emperor Angels guarding their territory, a big Clown Trigger moving across the reef, giant Mantas being serviced by Cleaner Wrasses, Clownfish in giant anemones, it's so hard to describe, aquariums offer just a glimpse... dang it, okay now I need to go diving again.
_________________
Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[Peppermintboy]

Hey man no beginner should start with marine fish in the first place. They are big challenges and hard to maintain. So I'm just saying that no beginner should start with a marine tank. They should start with TRopical fish for a year or 2, or even 3

[Flame Angel]

I think that common or ocellaris clownfish are great for begginners, or even just to cycle the aquarium. I introduced mine after around 3 weeks of cycling the aqaurium, and they survived many problems. As a beginner, a long chain of events happened. Firstly nitrate problems, then diseases, fin rot, white spot ect. These little fellers survived it all.
I think there are two main 'paths' for marine fishkeeping, there is the peaceful reef side, or the fish only aggresive predatotor side. Damsels are great as beginner fish if you are planning to go the aggressive side, while clownfish are great for reef tanks with other peaceful inhabitants.

[FloridaBoy]

I agree with the idea that Ocellaris clownfish are great for beginners, but not for cycling tanks; in my experience they are actually very sensitive to ammonia. Glad to hear of your success and best wishes for your tank.
_________________
Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[art_of_war]

You know what? I'm taking back what I said here.

[FloridaBoy]

Well thanks for your kind words my friend...
1. I would say the Mimic might be okay (you never know with Tangs and aggression) but be sure to put any new additions in a QT for 3-4 weeks; your system sounds like it's doing great and I would hate to see that "one more fish" ruin it for you. Keep in mind the Hepatus will grow quickly and easily attain 8-10 inches or more in captivity so it will need plenty of space. If you are truly having HLLE issues as I see on your other post, hen perhaps it's a sign your DOC's are rising and water quality is going south so maybe best to hold off and observe for a while.

2. Here are a couple of worthy links from the Hauters and Fenner's gang regarding the curing process:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/filterselection/a/aa111901_4.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lrcurefaqs.htm
_________________
Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[art_of_war]

Florida,

And this one also.

[FloridaBoy]

They are likely tank raised clowns, thus associate people with food and not predators.
_________________
Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[art_of_war]

....

[FloridaBoy]

The peculiar bobbing/wagging motion is also found in juvenile French Angelfish and juvenile Sweetlips... I suspect this is a defense mechanism possibly to mimic a poisonous or bad-tasting nudibranch which also swims with a wagging, flapping motion...
http://www.amonline.net.au/FISHES/fishfacts/fish/pchaetodon.htm
_________________
Keepin' marines happy for 25 years