Weeds

[vlangel]

Ha ha, now you probably can understand how fish can be my first love in my aquarium. So many personalities and interesting interactions among everybody. I find it addicting but to the point where its hard not to keep adding one more. And the danger with that even when I've done my research is that any additional fish can change the dynamics of how everyone interacts with one another. It was hard to realize that the addition of Tommy eventually probably led to the demise of Marmalade. I just never thought of a tang and an orange spot blenny having trouble getting along with one another, even though they both eat a veggie based diet. Maybe it was an individual fluke that Tommy was so antagonistic toward Marmalade, who knows? That is always the risk however so lately since my tank seems to be in a sweet spot with everyone getting along well, I am mostly content to leave things be. Although I do think about looking into open water swimmers, LOL.

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Having more fish is awesome! For sure it is tempting to keep adding 'one more'. The only thing holding me back is the desire to keep stress low for the fish (and therefore me), and to keep the ecosystem functioning as desired. It is a challenge, but also one the funnest parts of the hobby!

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Perhaps a school of Gold Stripe Cardinal fish Dawn?

 

[Michael Hoaster]

I got up early again this morning to see if I could catch the Talbot's Damsels, and to snap some pics. The female damsel is once again playing hard to get, so no luck catching them today, but I'll keep trying. I did get a few pics, but none of the new fish. Waldo is exceedingly shy when I get close to the tank, so it may be a few more days (weeks?) before I get a good shot of him. Max stayed hidden for hours after the lights came on, so no pics of him. It gave me a scare, but he's since come out, and seems fine. I will definitely take more pics, and hopefully the new guys cooperate!

Full width shot. Not the best pic, but I like to show an overview to start. Just left of center/top you may be able to see where the back wall has been grazed bare in a small area. Change is coming!

From the end. Royal Gramma harem and Scarlett, the Tomini Tang. I'm getting a fair amount of bubble algae. This morning I found some partially eaten. Good evidence that Waldo eats that too. Yay!

Stanley was a good poser for me. Isn't he pretty?

A decent pic of one of the Allen's Damsels. Hard to tell but he's BIG! Two are about 5 inches long, and one about 4. Still my favorite damsel!

Hard to believe that the sailfin tang will eventually dwarf the tomini.

A pair of living jewels!

When they're not grazing, these two often follow each other around.

Three amigos.

 

[vlangel]

Perhaps a school of Gold Stripe Cardinal fish Dawn?

Vinny, its so funny that you have suggested those because I was thinking that a school of cardinal fish might be cool. They should be safe from the clutches of Rice Krispies, the snapping shrimp but also get along peacefully with the fish I already have. I am gonna think on that some more.

I wondered about a group of chalk basselets too. The basselets might hover too close to the bottom of the tank to be safe from Rice Krispies however.

 

[vlangel]

GREAT PICS Michael! Stanley is stunning. I like how he and Scarlett buddy around together.
Your aquarium pics look like they were taken by a diver on a dive because your ecosystem looks so authentic and natural. I just love how it has developed.

 

[Michael Hoaster]

I love how fish make friends. Very kind words about the natural look of my tank. Thanks Dawn!

More pics to come!

 

[vlangel]

That is cool when a friendship among fish develops. I have seen it multiple times and sometimes between different species. I have even witnessed fish friends staying close by to comfort an ailing/dying friend, especially with the seahorses. Its very touching to see them do that. Of course I have also seen quite the opposite where there is no compassion and a fish is harassed to death (literally). Like you, I like to try to avoid that at all costs!

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Yep, fish can be mighty cruel. The natural world is without pity. I've witnessed my fair share of it. It just looks so matter-of-fact too. There'll be some poor fish laying on its side, gasping for oxygen. Another fish swims up and says,"hey Ralph, you're not looking too good (chomp). I'll come back (chomp) and check on you latter, when I get hungry again (chomp chomp)."

 

[vlangel]

You made me laugh when you described Ralph's dying experience but when it's happening in your tank it's not funny at all!

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Got some new pics for ya! Mostly of Miracle Max, the Regal Blue Tang.

I wanted to get a better full width shot. The seagrass has never been taller. Can you see Stanley, the Sailfin Tang, in the middle of it?

The Blues Brothers, or um, Blues Cousins?

Max. "I'm, outta here".

More fish in this one.

Everybody wants to be in this one.

Not a great shot, but the best I got of (Where's) Waldo, the Foxface.

"Let's try to spread out more, for a better composition". Can you spot the Talbot's Damsel, just below Scarlett, the Tomini Tang?

 

[vlangel]

Miracle Max must be fitting in well for you to get so many pics of him. He looks very nice and as he continues to grow, his size will be an attractive comparison to the blue damsels. The Foxface is a great addition. He looks pretty good from what I can see.

I presume everyone is eating well?
What a wonderful little piece of the ocean you have there.

 

[Michael Hoaster]

The damsels still chase Max a little, but with much less gusto. I love this fish! The more I see him, the more I realize that the Blue Tang is my favorite fish. They're just so smart and quirky, and beautiful!

I think the Foxface will need a few more days before he doesn't dive for cover at my approach. His coloring varies with activity and location, like a chameleon. Sometimes he flashes his fins rhythmically, advertising his poison secret.

Everyone is eating well and I'm still feeding heavy. It's kinda fun, feeding the tank more. Everybody get fat!

 

[Michael Hoaster]

More pics!

Stanley posing hard. Go Stanley, go stanley!

Tangs on patrol.

Stanley working it with the Gracialria. Looks so cool!

Scarlett is still the most graceful fish in the tank. She's a beauty!

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Looking Good Michael!

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Thanks Vinny!

 

[vlangel]

Stanley's pattern is just so beautiful. I can't blame him for posing, he must know what a handsome fish he is, LOL.
I love the pics. I have green envy, meaning I wish my tank had more green in it like your tank.

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Stanley is a looker, with great, juvenile colors. He's also the king of the tank. He could grow into dinner plate size!

Glad you like the pics. It's good to get back into practice. Fish are challenging subjects. I hope to get pics of Waldo the Foxface, when he flashes his fins. They're almost like daggers. Really gorgeous. He's a weird fish. Rarely in a hurry, sometimes hiding in camouflage, sometimes boldly in the open, but still a bit shy these early days.

Max and Waldo look to be the fastest and slowest moving fish in the tank.

 

[vlangel]

Hi Michael, I am glad that the forum is finally back up and running. I am not comfortable with the new format yet and I can not remember who Max is, LOL. I usually go back and look at old posts but that seems harder now, at least from a phone.

Ahh, I just got on the chromebook and can read earlier posts. Now I see Max is the blue tang! I am glad that he is doing well. It must be cool to have 3 different tangs in your tank. There is something nice about tangs, a certain grace to their demeanor.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

https://www.sharksupply.com/cleaners.htm
Here is another place to get cleaners & plants.
Unlikely as it is they seem to be very responsible in their business.
Search the site & check them out.