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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/7/2006 3:02:12 PM
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| Kelly For the first time ever I today saw a Ctenochaetus tominiensis in excellent condition (and awesome colors to boot). Well....needless to say, the little fella is now in my QT and doing well it seems. Actually it seems to be doing so well that I'm beginning to wonder if it would be a good idea to shorten quarantine or just dip it and introduce it in my 180G, as I'm concerned that a Ctenochaetus wouldn't be happy with just BB and some PVC hideouts for an extended time. Your thougts?
In Tranquillo Mors - In Fluctu Vita
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| Mikkel, Wow, nice fish! I would not recommend cutting the QT period short. It may take a couple of weeks for a parasitic or bacterial infection to appear. QT period not only is a time for observation for opportunistic pathogens but also a time when the fish "bulks up"/ build its immune system in a nonthreatening environment. They can get used to living in a glass box and eating prepared food without feeling stress from tankmates that have already established territories and routines. Most fish have been in a minimum of three systems (collectors, wholesalers, LFS). During this time they have been exposed to a myriad of opportunistic pathogens and stress. They have also been shipped a minimum of two times. They also have not been fed or fed minimal due to shipping. Dipping the tang may cut down on some parasites but does nothing for bacterial or viral infections. If you do introduce the tang and it becomes ill, attempting to get it out will be another issue. Bottom line.....maintain good water parameters, feed the tang a varied diet enriched with beta glucan and vitamins and be patient. Thanks for posting. Love to see a pic of your new tang! Best of luck.
Kelly
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In addition to the points Kelly brought up, I think you answered your own question inadvertently. If the tang is doing so well in the quarantine tank, what is the reason for rushing things and introducing it to the display?  Tangs in general are so disease prone that rushing one out of quarantine and into a display would be the last thing on my mind. In addition to the "normal" parasitic diseases, Ctenochaetus species also seem more prone to bacterial infections of the mouth. So keep your eye on that as well. Good luck!
Steven Pro, yeah that is my real name.
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Group: Forum Members
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| Probably should have mentioned that I have been looking for a Ctenochaetus for a loooong time, but all the specimens I've seen usually have had some shipping damage - especially the mouth indeed seems to be very vulnerable. They're pretty expensive 'round here (hawaiiensis - OUCH!), so it was observed very carefully before I made the purchase. Thing is, as far as I recall the natural diet in the wild is very different from what I'm able to provide in the clean QT (no detritus, substrate or LR) and this is one fish that'll receive all the TLC possible. Anyhoo, I've decided to turn a couple of valves and turn my frag tank into a temporary QT - it could do with a little cleaning anyways Pics will follow
In Tranquillo Mors - In Fluctu Vita
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