Quick Help with New Tang Please

[Mare100]

I got my husband a Hippo Tang for Father's day....he's been wanting one for so very long. We just got home from the LFS and we have him acclimating in a "hang on" cup for about 1-1/2 hours now.

We are a bit concerned as he is just laying on his side and breathing pretty heavily.

Could he be stressed from being confined in the acclimation cup? He's a pretty good size fish....about 2-1/2 - 3". Should we put him in the tank or keep him acclimating longer until maybe he calms down?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

M

 

[Southern Boy]

Hippos spend alot of time on ther sides wedged in between rocks and ledges.The heavy breathing though might be somthing else.I would say he has been acclimating long enough now.If you put him in the tank and he pursist then it shouldn't be to hard to get him back out and return him for an exchange.

 

[Shagsbeard]

After a point, acclimation has a down side. Confinement and low O2 levels can cause more problems that the shocks you are looking to soften. I'd say 90 minutes is plenty. You really should consider QT for future fish, but I'd go ahead and add the fish now.

 

[cowboyswife]

When hippos are stressed or scared, they will lay down on their sides and look really bad. QT'ing is always best, especially wish such an ich prone fish.

 

[Mare100]

Thanks guys!

We do have a QT and decided to put him in there. He seems to be doing great as soon as we released him. It's only a 10 gal., but he is doing fine for now. We do have a 55 gal. and a 120 gal. we can move him to after we're sure he's okay.

Thanks again!!!!

M