Cardinals: pair not getting along

[carb850]

I have a pair of ORA Bangai Cardinals that I purchased a month ago. After having them about 4 weeks, I noticed one stayed hidden and wouldn't even come out for food. I didn't tank long for it to start looking pretty bad. I was able to separate it out for a week and during the time it was doing very good. Eating well, fins looking better etc. This evening I reintroduced it back into the tank. At first, the two Cardinals were swimming side by side. However, hows later I noticed the weaker one hiding and the larger one trying to chase it.

They are currently in a 40G tank. I will relocating them to a 30G long in a few weeks then in about a month my 120G will be ready. I was wondering if I should remove one (which) or just do my best until the 120G is ready then put them back together. The only concern I have is that once I get to the main display up that it may be a lot more difficult to catch.

Oh, the dominate one gets along fine with the other tankmates.

 

[FMarini]

they aren't a pair, and as such one will dominate the other.
consider moving the weak fish or get a bigger tank.

 

[carb850]

I will have the 120G up in about a month, but if I don't seperate them the weaker will never make it. Then I fear if they still fight in the 120G that I will not be able to remove one as easy, although when the weaker one gets stressed it was pretty easy to catch.

 

[snorvich]

Yes, they are not a "pair" and they just don't like each other. In a large enough tank it should be no problem. If you cannot separate them now, waiting will probably be too late.

 

[carb850]

I removed one and returned him, all is back to normal. Bummer, I like the idea of having a pair but it just wasn't happening.