CBB Not Eating Yet

[dkelley]

I'd give it a test run. Basically, get the tangs attention and bring out the mirror, a liitle tape to hold in place will keep the tang occupied.

All I have to do is walk up and the tang is all about seeing what I have for them. Little guys are well fed and cared for.

 

[Reefering1]

place the mirror before adding cbb

 

[Goaway]

All I have to do is walk up and the tang is all about seeing what I have for them. Little guys are well fed and cared for.

All you need to do is get him to see his reflection.

place the mirror before adding cbb

Agreed, and feed everyone just before cbb goes in.

 

[j.falk]

The first question everyone should be asking is, "Is it in a 15 gallon tank?". After that CBB thread the other day...

 

[dkelley]

I'll go grab that bigger mirror in a bit and then tape it up. Feed the crew again and then place the CBB.

This plan sounds great, still nervous. I won't get to this for a few hours, I'm still "working". At lunch I'll go grab that mirror and get it taped up. I work from home.

 

[Oldreefer44]

I have had one for 18 months. As mentioned before mine likes Masstick but it it hard to broadcast feed so the others, Tangs and Angels, get most of it. Mine likes mysis but prefers the Reef Nutrition liquid version. In my case I think the fact that I have a lot of Aiptasia in my sump and overflow (we are talking dozens) keeps it fat and happy and I never see one in the display tank.

 

[dkelley]

The first question everyone should be asking is, "Is it in a 15 gallon tank?". After that thread the other day...

Funny, I read that thread. It's in a 20 right now but the display is 140 and not overstocked at all. Should do fine when it moves over if it isn't to nervous/stressed I suppose.

 

[dkelley]

Update, the CBB has entered the DT. The dwarf angel is not approving but is only chasing at the moment, nothing to crazy yet but I'll keep an eye out. Sailfin is to freaked out about the mirror to care at the moment.

 

[Goaway]

How big is the cbb?

Can try to offer snacks to calm the angel down.

It might seem excessive, sometimes they need to know their food supply is not threatened.

 

[dkelley]

CBB is only a few inches including the snout. I think the sailfin would be doing the same without the mirror.

I did feed them some nice frozen before the CBB went in. I'll throw in some clams.

 

[dkelley]

I do have a larger fish trap that can double as an acclimation box. Curious if I should put the CBB in it although now it would be going in a smaller space than it was in originally. I also don't know if that will help with aggression. Maybe I need to go get some plexiglass and section off some of the tank.

Just thinking out loud here.

 

[Reefering1]

Does the copperband seem scared and trying to hide or just escaping the chase and right back to exploring?

 

[dkelley]

Does the copperband seem scared and trying to hide or just escaping the chase and right back to exploring?

Hiding in a corner. Stressed unfortunately.

 

[vaguelyreeflike]

Looking for some tips or reassurance that it will still be fine. I have a new CBB as of Monday night so it's been three whole days not including the first night and last night and I don't really see this guy eating. Picking at rocks and such but doesn't go after anything I have offered and seems more afraid of the food magically appearing from either a pipette or I just pour in a little in case the pipette was the issue. Still nothing.

So I have tried frozen mysis, LRS reef frenzy, and live black worms so far and no response. I didn't medicate the tank until last night where I just put prazipro in just in case there were flukes maybe causing an issue. He would jerk his head a little and then swim fast from time to time which led me to believe there was a chance for flukes. That was just last night so I might be starting the clock fresh again? Also prazi can be an appetite suppressant but I thought it was worth the risk.

This morning I pulled some cheato out of the display tank and put it in there with him because I know it's full of nice bugs and whatever else is crawling on that, this way he can possibly hunt down as he sees fit.

Just some reassurance or some tips would be great. I'm not freaking out, he is still swimming around pecking at rocks and such but not swimming erratically.

Everyone is fast to give up on these fish, don’t stop trying. Bloodworms are usually a hit, but unhealthy in the long term. But it can get him eating until something better arrives. Dose garlic into the tank a few mins before feeding to get him hungrier. Continue trying all of those options but attempt other things as well.

Things I’ve attempted:
-clams on half shell
-thinly slices squid to look like worms
-white worms/vinegar eels
-copepods
-freshwater and regular mysis shrimp
-krill and plankton
-flakes and pellets (one didn’t want ANY frozen, but immediately picked up flakes for some reason)

Each CBB will be different, some will love brine shrimp, others strictly bloodworms etc.

 

[Reefering1]

is it non stop attack? Angel doesn't care about mirror? Food not distracting it?

 

[vaguelyreeflike]

Also ensure he’s in with peaceful fish that are good eaters, but won’t shove him aside. I try to give my CBBs a tomini roommate as they come in small, are very docile and eat anything like a champ. If it sees other fish eating, it’s more likely to try whatever was offered. But if it’s getting shoved out of the way or harassed during meal times, it won’t eat.

 

[dkelley]

is it non stop attack? Angel doesn't care about mirror? Food not distracting it?

Yeah, even the sailfin is in on it if the angel chases the CBB out of the corner and away from the mirror.

 

[dkelley]

Also ensure he’s in with peaceful fish that are good eaters, but won’t shove him aside. I try to give my CBBs a tomini roommate as they come in small, are very docile and eat anything like a champ. If it sees other fish eating, it’s more likely to try whatever was offered. But if it’s getting shoved out of the way or harassed during meal times, it won’t eat.

Thanks, some good stuff to think about here.

 

[Reefering1]

What size mirror? Did you get more one? If it seems like too much, turn tje lights off. I've noticed mine out and about before lights on. He needs to learn ther tank and how/ where to escape

 

[dkelley]

What size mirror? Did you get more one? If it seems like too much, turn tje lights off. I've noticed mine out and about before lights on. He needs to learn ther tank and how/ where to escape

I got a door hanging sized mirror. 18" X 48" but I just stood it against the tank so only a portion is visible. Should I put it sideways and tape it up there showing the whole spread?

I have thought about blacking the tank out but then I can't observe what is happening. lol This is kind of stressful.