no delicate way to say this .....

[susan2626]

i added a small hippo tang to my tank 4 days ago. he has been greedily taking all foods and looks quite healthy and active but... he is constantly pooping. at almost any time of day he has some poop coming out (brown, solid strings). is this normal?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

thats good and healthy.

 

[marie]

One of the reasons why tangs don't do well in small tanks, they're swimming fertilizer machines

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

Plans for a much larger tank in the future? I hope.....

 

[Kiel'thalin]

I hope you have a good skimmer, and this would make 5 fish in your 40 gallon? If you don't have a good skimmer I would keep on top of the detritus build up or problems are likely to occur.

 

[jda]

It is normal. Also, if you feed the fish like it requires, it can grow from 1" to 6" in a year or so. Mine did - it went from a 90G -> 125G -> 210G and now it is getting ready for a 650G as soon as I catch it.

These fish also need vitamins or else they will get Hole in the Head and Lateral Line disease. I soak formula II pellets to feed mine.

 

[Alarmguy66]

Cmon, dont get extreme on this guy. A clown Goby and a neon goby hardly even count as fish, most of the others are small. Until the fish do some serious growing he is most likely fine.

 

[susan2626]

thanks everyone for your input - it is all very helpful. yes, i know the hippo will get big but when he gets too big i will trade him out for a smaller one. i sort of agree with the last poster who said that a neon goby and a clown goby really don't take up much room. I have about 15 narssarius snails, many hermits and a sand sifting star to take care of the detritus and i am meticulous with water changes. i soak all the food in selcon and also use kent zoe for vitamins so i am hoping the current mix of fish will all work. That said, i really do appreciate everyone's input even if somewhat critical. I love these forums and keep an open mind to learn as much as i can.. thanks.

 

[susan2626]

and yes, i have a good skimmer (!) thanks