Dottyback vanishing act...

[ReefKeeperNick]

Hi guys n gals,

This is my 13.5g Evo...

It's been up and running since Saturday after what was a successful, if reasonably hellish upgrade from my first ever 8gal reef tank. My fish needed more space!!

The move was generally a big success... I've added brand new sand, all of my existing live rock and all of my corals and fish with no fatalities (3 Rhodactis, 1 Toadstool, 2 Kenya Trees, a little section of GSP, my bonded clown pair: Marmalade and Scamp and my Orchid Dottyback: Shiva)... parameters are good across the board).

HOWEVER...my Orchid Dottyback has been missing since pretty much the word go. I know these are secretive fish and they are known for hiding but this one was generally very inquisitive and exploratory in my old setup. I also don't have a vast amount of rock work for hiding in, under or around!

So I guess the questions are shall I just be patient and wait? Shall I do a rescape and search for the fish? Shall I presume the worst?

Naturally I don't want an ammonia spike either if she's decomposing somewhere in the tank. (Yep I've checked the back filter sections)

Thanks for reading and any advice would be great.

Nick

 

[thereefhotspot]

Hi Nick,

I would conduct a short search if I was you. As you stated already, you really don't want your ammonia to spike. Also, I hate to say it, you may just want to check around the floor and behind the tank. Unfortunately, many dotty backs like to jump when they are scared, even what a like to call the "Bulletproof" orchid dotty back is prone to it. AT least that way you can get some closure.

Hope this helps,

Gavin

 

[thereefhotspot]

Hi Nick,

I would conduct a short search if I was you. As you stated already, you really don't want your ammonia to spike. Also, I hate to say it, you may just want to check around the floor and behind the tank. Unfortunately, many dotty backs like to jump when they are scared, even what a like to call the "Bulletproof" orchid dotty back is prone to it. AT least that way you can get some closure.

Hope this helps,

Gavin

I wouldn't necessarily rescape but maybe just lift a few rocks slowly.

 

[ReefKeeperNick]

Hi Nick,

I would conduct a short search if I was you. As you stated already, you really don't want your ammonia to spike. Also, I hate to say it, you may just want to check around the floor and behind the tank. Unfortunately, many dotty backs like to jump when they are scared, even what a like to call the "Bulletproof" orchid dotty back is prone to it. AT least that way you can get some closure.

Hope this helps,

Gavin

Thanks for your reply Gavin!

Very pleased to say that she appeared almost as soon as I hit publish on this post...hiding in the rock work beneath my Toadstool Leather!

Equilibrium has been restored =)

Do you think I would be able to add another peaceful fish to this tank? My bioload is fairly minimal with these three and I'd love to find something new!

Nick

 

[ReefKeeperNick]

I wouldn't necessarily rescape but maybe just lift a few rocks slowly.

Thanks for your reply! Happy to say she's reappeared

 

[homer1475]

A single small fish would not cause an ammonia spike, least it shouldn't in a well maintained tank. This is exactly what your CUC is for.

And no, with 3 fish in a 13G tank, your already at max bioload. The clowns alone will outgrow that tank in short order.