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FAQs about Xanthichthys Triggerfishes, Systems

Related FAQs: Xanthichthys Triggers 1, Xanthichthys Triggers 2, & FAQs on Xanthichthys Identification, Xanthichthys Behavior, Xanthichthys Compatibility, Xanthichthys Selection, Xanthichthys Feeding, Xanthichthys Disease, Xanthichthys Reproduction, & Triggerfishes in General, Triggerfish: Identification, Selection, Selection 2, Compatibility, Behavior, Systems, Feeding, Diseases, Triggerfish Health 2Reproduction,

Related Articles: Xanthichthys TriggersTriggerfish, Red Sea Triggerfishes

 

Questionable Aquarium Service...Trying To Do What's Needed - 09/22/06
Dear Wet Web Crew,
<<Hello>>
My employer has a beautiful 200-gallon salt-water tank, and has a tank service that comes in and cares for this tank.
<<Ok>>
I have a serious lack of confidence in this company because I did a little research on your site and they have made many really bad mistakes.
<<Some do yes, but doesn't mean this one is "bad".  Have you been able to talk to other/previous customers of this company?  Have they done anything to make you feel uncomfortable with their level of service?>>
First, they got the chemicals wrong in the tank, which killed most of the fish.
<<Ahh...I see...sounds like you may have good reason for your concerns...>>
Then, when they replaced the fish, they brought us 5 crabs, a blue-throat Triggerfish, 3 assorted angelfish
<<Mmm...>>
(in separate bags. NOT introduced at the same time), and a pair of ocellaris (among others).  Of course, the Trigger ate the crabs
immediately.  I am an administrative assistant with little/no knowledge of fish, and have been tasked with taking care of their diet, and making sure they get what they need.
<<Sounds like you need to start doing some reading/researching my friend.  Google searches on our site and the NET re the species names will yield much information>>
So I need a little advice from professionals that actually care about the fish.  After the initial eating of the crabs, and the disappearance of one of the smaller Angelfish (which after reading on your site I found out why <<...?>>), the blue-throat trigger has started exhibiting odd behavior.  He lies down at the bottom of the tank on his right side, and just lays very still for long periods on time.
<<Maybe not all that "odd" after all.  Is there live rock in this tank? (should be if there isn't)...Does this tank have any type of decor/rock work?  These triggers will very often "rest" in a hole or crevice in the reef during the day, and definitely at night.  If the tank is not suitably aquascaped the trigger may be merely "resting" on the bottom of the tank>>
He is still eating well (They get frozen shrimp, the cubed kind once a day, and Formula 2 the blue-green algae variety flakes twice daily).
<<Do look in to obtaining some New Life Spectrum Marine pellets and a frozen "Angel" food formulated specifically for their care.  Feed these AND the frozen shrimp, with the flakes, twice daily>>
His color has faded a bit, but he doesn't have any spot or slime on him, and he hasn't rearranged the tank in a while- he used to do that all the time.  I read one of your entries about one having similar behavior in a 20 gallon tank, and you said the tank was too small but I don't think that is the case here- the tank is
200 gallons.
<<Agreed...but that doesn't mean there aren't more/other environmental factors at play here...such as water chemistry or the "design" of the tank itself>>
Could he be malnourished or ill?
<<Maybe...the trigger needs several small feedings of meaty foods daily.  The Spectrum pelleted food and the frozen shrimp fed at least twice a day will help.  For even better nourishment of ALL the fish, consider getting/soaking the food in Selcon and/or Vita-Chem a couple times a week>>
And is there some product or variety of food I should tell my boss to get for him?
<<Ah yes!...as explained>>
Cordially,
Jane
<<I want to help Jane, do write back if you need further clarification on anything...and try to give me as much information about the system as you can (filtration/maintenance/aquascaping (or lack of), etc.).  Regards, Eric Russell>>

Re: Questionable Aquarium Service...Trying To Do What's Needed – 10/11/06
Dear Eric,
<<Hello Jane>>
I just wanted to thank you for your excellent advice.
<<Was my pleasure to provide>>
It has been about two weeks since you emailed me with the suggestions.  We invested in New Life Spectrum Marine Pellets, and we also purchased a lot more coral decorations to go on the live rock.
<<This pelleted food is an excellent staple for your fish>>
We hired a company to change out the coral and clean the tank/maintain the filtration system every two weeks.
<<Excellent...but I do hope you/someone “monitors’ the tank on a daily basis>>
They have been instructed to bring in lots of smaller shells and other such toys for the occupants.
<<Mmm...do be careful not to create detritus traps>>
Our Bluethroat Triggerfish has perked up considerably; I think he may have been suffering from boredom.
<<Indeed...these are intelligent and personable fish...and somewhat “shy” at times.  It’s never good to place fish in a “plain glass box” devoid of proper structure/hiding places...is very stressful>>
All the fish seem to be a little brighter and a lot more active.
<<Good signs>>
Thanks again for your excellent advice and support.
<<I’m glad it proved useful...thank you for the follow-up>>
Peace and Blessings,
Jane
<<Regards, EricR>>

 


 

 

 

 

 

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