Powder Blue Tang question

[29reef]

I got a 2" powder blue today. After acclimation and lights out it is pacing the tank constantly. Is this common with PBT? Any ideas on why the fish is so active after lights out, other than the fact it's a recent import. Any help or suggestions for acclimation and common ailments would be appreciated as well TIA.

 

[rpjaws74]

did you turn the lights off after placing it in tank? His probably pacing cause he hasnt found his little nitch...I always leave tank lights on for a few hours so he can find his place n a little cave he can feel safe. makes a difference

 

[humaguy]

They are very active swimmers and always on the move...
Did you qt? They can be ich magnets but after a solid qt sessions with cupramine and prazi they are very hardy fish..
I too would leave the lights off after introducing him to the tank...I typically leave the lights off for a couple of days to all a new fish to settle in....
A pbt truly needs a tank 6 feet long at a min...as I mentioned, they are active swimmers and really need the lenghth...he might be feeling cramped in a 4ft long tank...

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

Your pbt probably is just settling in. It is in a new environment and has to get comfortable regarding its territory, the nonexistent of predators., etc. They are constantly active fish and swim a lot after lights out anyway if there is ambient light in the room.

 

[MrTuskfish]

If he isn't hurting himself, don't worry about it. There's nothing you can do anyway and he isn't going to swim to death.

 

[MrClam]

I am no expert, but I doubt that a 2'' fish feels cramped in a 4' tank, even if it is an active swimmer (24x his body length to swim). I understand that later in life the OP will likely have to move the fish or have issues, but he asked about the current reason not the future.

Id guess just normal stress from being ripped from one container to another.

 

[humaguy]

I am no expert, but I doubt that a 2'' fish feels cramped in a 4' tank, even if it is an active swimmer (24x his body length to swim). I understand that later in life the OP will likely have to move the fish or have issues, but he asked about the current reason not the future.

Id guess just normal stress from being ripped from one container to another.

Tangs grow quickly at that size and need plenty of linear feet to feel comfortable and remain healthy...these fish can stress-out easily which can quickly lead to an unhealthy fish...and as I mentioned they are very active swimmers...the fish is doing exactly what they are meant to do...

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

I assosciate that behavior with aggression. I got an "active" PBT and it killed three other tangs in 36 hours.

 

[pinnatus]

Most times the pacing is due to it seeing its reflection in the glass.

 

[Fish_Hobby]

.... he isn't going to swim to death.

That's a classic, hope you don't mind, but I might have to use that in the future. :lmao:

But give him time and he will settle in.

 

[29reef]

Tangs grow quickly at that size and need plenty of linear feet to feel comfortable and remain healthy...these fish can stress-out easily which can quickly lead to an unhealthy fish...and as I mentioned they are very active swimmers...the fish is doing exactly what they are meant to do...

I didn't ask what size tank to keep the fish in; it's already in my tank. Hopefully someone whose had these fish will respond. I've been keeping reef tanks for 15+ years it's safe to say I know the do's and don'ts of tangs. It went through RX treatment and acclimation prior to going into the DT.

 

[humaguy]

I didn't ask what size tank to keep the fish in; it's already in my tank. Hopefully someone whose had these fish will respond. I've been keeping reef tanks for 15+ years it's safe to say I know the do's and don'ts of tangs. It went through RX treatment and acclimation prior to going into the DT.

You asked a question and I answered...I have had pbts before, including one for 9 years...she swam all the time- including after the lights went out for a bit before settling down...but she did not pace...to me that sounds like a nervous response...I currently have a 6 year old Sohal that swims like a tang should but does not nervously pace back and forth...just curious, if you know the do's and don'ts why put an enormously active swimmer like a pbt in a 4 foot long tank???

 

[alton]

A few months ago I purchased a very small skinny PBT and placed it in my 29 that was loaded with macro algae and only one Pearly Jawfish. As the months went by he got fat and happy. And yes I know you can’t keep a PBT tang in a 29 so I have since sold him to a friend with a 6’ tank. And guess what? I got a call from that friend and he had the same question “did he pace back and forth in your tank” and of course my answer was No. After a couple days it got Ick, so he is now treating the fish for that. As far as what size tank does a PBT belong in, I thought they only grazed a very small part of the reef, attacking anyone who dares to enter their small area?

 

[humaguy]

In the wild they are usaully found alone and do aggressively defend their territory...but they also travel in huge groups and move into other fishes territories to eat their algae supply...

 

[29reef]

Humaguy- A 2" fish in a 48x30 footprint will be fine; no matter how much it swims. Sorry you feel otherwise, your input does nothing to help. So keep your useless negative opinion to yourself. Thanks.

Sounds like this is normal PBT behavior. As the days have gone by the fish has calmed down as predicted hopefully he outgrows the tank someday.

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

Wow pro attitude.

 

[humaguy]

Wow pro attitude.

yup, what can you do...:deadhorse1::deadhorse1:
where are the tang police when you need them?? lol...

 

[alton]

I guess they are looking into the TOTM?

 

[teog]

If he isn't hurting himself, don't worry about it. There's nothing you can do anyway and he isn't going to swim to death.

Ive only have kept 2 powder blues in my short period of reefing, but this looks like sound advise to me. Hopefully things work out.

 

[29reef]

You guys are too much. Instead of sharing information that would be pertinent and helpful. You're just repeating the same jargon that's been said a hundred times. I know the fish will outgrow my aquarium. I know it's recommended to be in a larger tank. I got it anyways, and I'm not taking it out. I'm looking for common behaviors and good feeding techniques for PBTs.

This forum used to be helpful. Thanks to the people who have shared helpful pertinent information regarding care.