Hi Need some questions answered about stocking my tank & compatible species

[lionstorm]

Right now I have in my tank a very large yellow tang that didn't yellow all the way (but he's still beautiful) And 3 damsels that I'm calling my squatters because they are temporary residents and after the tank is established and finished cycling they will likely hit the road. I checked levels today and they are looking really good, 4 days ago trites were up very slightly but today ammonia and nitrites both show zero. pH is around 8.0 temp 78 and sg looks good. Tang was swimming a little funny, its probably nothing but sometimes he leans a little when he swims, not a lot or for a long period of time but just the fact that he did it at all worried me is this a tang tendency?
Also I'm looking at compatible species right now before I evict the damsels, lionfish is on the menu and yes i know the damsels have to go before the lionfish comes or else they'll turn into $4 snacks each. But I'm also looking into getting a porc puffer fish, would one of these cause problems with a lionfish? I wanted dogfish originally but someone told me he would nip at the lionfish's fins too much and stress him to death so dog face is out. But my lfs has an adorable porc puffer and I was curious if that would be a problem with a red volitans lionfish and yellow tang. Also if it would be anyone else have any suggestions for another breed of fish that would be compatible and attractive with a red lf and yellow tang? Thanks for reading all this I really appreciate it I love this hobby so much thank you.

 

[clarkiiboi]

Your tank at the end of cycling? TrItes up then down? PH is low. If so, there is a reason the tang is swimming the way it is.....not a stable tank. I cant give ya all the answers, but just slow down, get as much info as you can, get things in check/stable first. Also in the aggressive forumn they may help more, since that is what you seem to be leaning towards.

 

[wrassecal]

I think your yellow tang may be in trouble. They need a stable tank with plenty of algae. The nitrites are very dangerous for it. If I were you considering what you want to do, I'd see if you lfs will take the tang back and like suggested above post in the aggressive forum becuase of the fish you are interested in.

 

[lionstorm]

Originally posted by LionStorm
I checked levels today and they are looking really good, 4 days ago trites were up very slightly but today ammonia and nitrites both show zero. pH is around 8.0 temp 78 and sg looks good.
I really apologize for getting mad over this but dont you people know how to read? Trites are gone, they are back down to zero. I said that. If you are going to jump and scold me at least read what I wrote correctly before you do so.

 

[jumpfrog]

You may want to keep a close eye out on the tang for a few days and continue to watch your levels for a few more. Glad they're at zero and hope they stay that way. If your tang is acting a little funky, give him time to get over it or show other signs. Tangs get sick easily and even a little "trites" could show as ich in a few days. I think the overall point was that a little patience right now would be prudent. Plus it gives you more of a chance to do research like you're doing.
Some say puffers and lions don't mix as some puffers become nippers. I think a small lion would go well with your tang once you're sure it's healthy. Stay away from the volitans as it would outgrow your 75.
If you haven't lurked in the aggressive forum you may want to. Lot's of discussion around the same subject you're asking about.
Good Luck!

 

[clarkiiboi]

IMO, I didnt jump or scold. If you thought so, then that was not how I meant it. I was just trying to clarify.

 

[lionstorm]

Originally posted by Wrassecal
nitrites are very dangerous for it.
Clarkiiboi i was mostly referring to that statement sorry i should have clarified. He went off on a tangent about how I was killing my fish because there are trites in the tank after i said my recent test showed that there werent any. Im still keeping an eye on the levels they look good, the Tang is swimming more normal now we just got him a few days ago so he might have just been adjusting? Dont know but he seems to be doing great now thank you for the advice everyone i appreciate it.

 

[wrassecal]

Originally posted by LionStorm
after the tank is established and finished cycling they will likely hit the road. I checked levels today and they are looking really good, 4 days ago trites were up very slightly but today ammonia and nitrites both show zero. pH is around 8.0 temp 78 and sg looks good. Tang was swimming a little funny, its probably nothing but sometimes he leans a little when he swims, not a lot or for a long period of time but just the fact that he did it at all worried me is this a tang tendency?
I did read it. "after tank is established and finished cycling" "4 days ago trites were up very slightly" and "tang was swimming a little funny. IF your tang was affected by your cycle just because you are reading 0 now doesn't mean it's going to all of a sudden be OK. No need to be harsh, just because you didn't know any better and put a tang in a cycling tank. I hope you, your tank and especially your tang all do fine