Just ordered pair of Helfrichi Firefish from DD, BRS screen top good enough

[GroktheCube]

I lucked out and managed to get a bonded pair of N. helfrichi from DD tonight, these will be the first fish for my new tank (120gal mixed reef, up for 8 weeks), and I'm quite excited. I have QT set up for them with very fine black mesh screen tops (the reptile screen tops), but I "only" have the BRS DIY 1\4th" clear screen tops on my DT.

Will that be good enough to keep them in my tank, or should I try to find some finer clear mesh?

I'm very excited that I managed to snag these guys, but I definitely don't want them to end up on the floor!

 

[Beefy_Reefy]

1/4" brs mesh worked for me. But my DD pair turned on eachother after a month or so. They weren't a true "bonded" pair. Hopefully yours are. Good luck!

 

[Addiction2SPS]

Like beefy reefy, with the 1/4" mesh you will be fine

 

[GroktheCube]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I hope my experience is different from yours beefy reefy.

 

[RayL]

I am so jealous, I have one of them in my tank, never seen a bonded pair and was told not to try my luck with two random ones

These are one of the most beautiful fish IMO

I hope you do In fact have a bonded pair, any chance you can post a pic of them together

 

[steelersfan]

1/4" brs mesh worked for me. But my DD pair turned on eachother after a month or so. They weren't a true "bonded" pair. Hopefully yours are. Good luck!

+1 The same thing happened with my "bonded" pair from DD. It took a little longer, but I had the same outcome. Best of luck with your pair.

 

[GroktheCube]

I am so jealous, I have one of them in my tank, never seen a bonded pair and was told not to try my luck with two random ones

These are one of the most beautiful fish IMO

I hope you do In fact have a bonded pair, any chance you can post a pic of them together

Here they are. I was planning on a Helfrichi being the first fish added to the tank, and when I saw the pair for sale, I couldn't pass it up!

I've gotta say, the experiences of you two with your "pair" turning on each other isn't encouraging, but I'll keep a close eye on them. If they start getting violent, I'll separate them. I'm sure I'd be able to find another home for the other one if I need to.

Did you contact LADD about your issue? Did they offer you any sort of compensation?

 

[dsfireman]

I love these fish. I originally had 3, but on didn't make it in qt. In qt I saw some light aggression between them. However, once moving them back to the 90, they both swim around freely and don't seem to notice each other very much. As far as a top, I never saw much tendency to fly, but I suppose if there was aggression and no place to hide, it might happen. Good luck!

 

[120reefermadnes]

I am also planning on buying a pair today from my LFS and didnt even think about them turning on each other, glad I saw this thread because I probly wont get both now, they arent cheap

 

[120reefermadnes]

How many others have had them turn on each oth?

Any one with succes story long term?

 

[drew2007]

Glad I saw this thread. I was going to order a pair of these myself. I guess I'll be safe and get one. These guys have awesome coloring.

 

[GroktheCube]

It's too bad there's no way to sex them visually. I wonder how much a DNA test would run? That is assuming sex is even differentiated chromosomally with them, I'm not sure.

 

[RossRalliart]

A long time ago I had a hellfrich paired up with a purple firefish, they were introduced individually at different times and they showed no aggression at all. It just luck I guess !

 

[GroktheCube]

Just thought I'd update. Fish arrived today just before 10AM (Good job Fed Ex!).

I've never ordered fish from DD before, and I'm very impressed with their packaging. Floated them for a bit more than half an hour, checked temp and salinity, netted them out and put them in their first QT tank. 10G with lots of PVC fittings, an airstone, and an ATO. The back of the tank is spray painted black. I have the front and sides almost completely covered with cardboard for the time being.

They both appear to be well! Good color, hanging out together inside one of the PVC fittings, breathing normals, swimming (or rather hovering) normally with no signs of fin clamping.

I'm going to leave them alone entirely for today, and leave the tank covered until lights are out tonight. I'll toss a few amphipods on their tank this afternoon so they have something to nibble on if they want it.

I guess I don't have a lot to report, but I'm psyched about having them, and I'm pleased with their condition and the quality of DD's packaging!

 

[drew2007]

Just thought I'd update. Fish arrived today just before 10AM (Good job Fed Ex!).

I've never ordered fish from DD before, and I'm very impressed with their packaging. Floated them for a bit more than half an hour, checked temp and salinity, netted them out and put them in their first QT tank. 10G with lots of PVC fittings, an airstone, and an ATO. The back of the tank is spray painted black. I have the front and sides almost completely covered with cardboard for the time being.

They both appear to be well! Good color, hanging out together inside one of the PVC fittings, breathing normals, swimming (or rather hovering) normally with no signs of fin clamping.

I'm going to leave them alone entirely for today, and leave the tank covered until lights are out tonight. I'll toss a few amphipods on their tank this afternoon so they have something to nibble on if they want it.

I guess I don't have a lot to report, but I'm psyched about having them, and I'm pleased with their condition and the quality of DD's packaging!

Sweet! Since these are nearly impossible to find locally. I will order fish for the first time online. I'm still on the fence whether to get 1 or 2.

 

[GroktheCube]

From what I've read, I'd only get two if you're able to find a bonded pair for sale. I was planning on a Helfrichi being the first fish added to my tank. When I got my DD sneak peak email showing they were going to have a bonded pair for sale, I was on the computer at 5:50 mashing F5 with my CC info copied to the clipboard . I don't think I've ever placed an online order so fast in my life.