Flame angel won't eat...advice?

Jakepen · Nov 17, 2016

So I got a flame angel, six days ago. My tank is a 3' 30 gallon, eight months old, all parameters are in check. He spends a lot of time picking at my LR. As of now I feed NLS pellets, and brine on occasion. I think he has eaten a few pieces of brine, and maybe one pellet. Overall doesn't seem to interested though. He is very active, and seems quite healthy. I did not QT him. I'm heading to some fish stores this weekend, (2 hours from me). What should I buy? I'd like new food, vitamins, I'm not sure? I don't know fish very well, more into coral.

Joey waid · Nov 17, 2016

They really seem to like mysis.

Diesel · Nov 17, 2016

Give it some time, 6 days is pretty early when in your DT.
Did the fish went through a QT period?
If it is picking on the rock IMO it's just a matter of time.

psirex · Nov 17, 2016

Mysis or brine

Jakepen · Nov 17, 2016

Diesel said:
Give it some time, 6 days is pretty early when in your DT.
Did the fish went through a QT period?
If it is picking on the rock IMO it's just a matter of time.

No, no QT time. That's what I think as well. Really just want to know what to feed? I read rods is good, or selcon or vita Chem?

Diesel · Nov 17, 2016

All is good but to get them to eat just stick with one supplement.
Larry's is IMO the go to food if a fish has difficulties.
A few drop of garlic from Aquaforest and also from AF the vitamin supplements.

deaclauderdale · Nov 17, 2016

2nd the garlic drops.

Jakepen · Nov 18, 2016

So he takes in the NLS pellets, then spits them out. Does this mean he simply does not care for them?

Bugger · Nov 18, 2016

Have you tried clams on the half shell

Jakepen · Nov 18, 2016

Bugger said:
Have you tried clams on the half shell

No idea what this is? The fish stores near me are a absolute joke. Fortunately I'm heading to a big city this weekend, and plan on picking up a few different foods, vitamins. I don't have any of that stuff for my fish (more of a coral guy). So any advice on what to get is appreciated.

Bugger · Nov 18, 2016

http://www.jlaquatics.com/ocean-nutrition-frozen-clams-on-the-half-shell-8-oz.html

johnl99 · Nov 18, 2016

Jakepen said:
No idea what this is? The fish stores near me are a absolute joke. Fortunately I'm heading to a big city this weekend, and plan on picking up a few different foods, vitamins. I don't have any of that stuff for my fish (more of a coral guy). So any advice on what to get is appreciated.

It's exactly what it sounds like, frozen clam on half of a shell, I feed it to each of my tanks once a week, good for picky fish. I would also try live brine if available.

Jakepen · Nov 18, 2016

Oh alright, well none of that is local for me. Can't justify spending $40 on a bag of clams (after shipping).

dochow · Nov 18, 2016

Go to grocery store, buy 1 fresh scallop ($1.50). Wash it in RO/DI water. Take a small sliver cut from it. Then chop this up with a knife into very small pieces. I guarantee he will eat it.

Take the scallop, wrap it in plastic wrap. Put that inside a small Tupperware container. Then freeze it.

You now have a delicacy high in protein and omega fats for your fish. Additionally you can soak it in selcon (amazon) and garlic (amazon).

Let me know

4FordFamily · Nov 18, 2016

Mysis works but a failsafe is live brine. If it refuses this it has no chance. 6 days for a flame angel is a long time not to eat. Live blackworms may also help as well. Those two are your best chance aside from mysis.

Did you test for ammonia?

My flame angels typically eat within hours, even in a qt. Certainly after two days unless they're too far gone.

Good luck!

edinphilly · Nov 18, 2016

You need to feed better. Especially if you're not quarantining... I don't either so not criticizing at all. I like Larrys Reef Frenzy frozen food.

Check this out....
A discussion on immunity

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/A-discussion-on-immunity.209701/

psirex · Nov 18, 2016

Jakepen said:
So he takes in the NLS pellets, then spits them out. Does this mean he simply does not care for them?

Feed him live or thawed\frozen...

Jakepen · Nov 18, 2016

edinphilly said:
You need to feed better. Especially if you're not quarantining... I don't either so not criticizing at all. I like Larrys Reef Frenzy frozen food.

Check this out....
A discussion on immunity

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/A-discussion-on-immunity.209701/

I completely agree, I do and want to feed better. I've just selfishly devoted most of my attention towards the needs of my corals, rather than my fish. What are the staples I need to be feeding? I'll check out that discussion as well thank you.

Jakepen · Nov 18, 2016

4FordFamily said:
Mysis works but a failsafe is live brine. If it refuses this it has no chance. 6 days for a flame angel is a long time not to eat. Live blackworms may also help as well. Those two are your best chance aside from mysis.

Did you test for ammonia?

My flame angels typically eat within hours, even in a qt. Certainly after two days unless they're too far gone.

Good luck!

Well I thawed some brine and put it in the tank, he didn't go crazy but he definitely ate some pieces. Still very active, curious, and always pecking at rocks. So I don't believe he is sick, just mad that I don't offer better food! And no I didn't test for ammonia, no point. Levels are never high, or even detectable. Have recently been trying to raise my nitrates.

4FordFamily · Nov 18, 2016

Jakepen said:
Well I thawed some brine and put it in the tank, he didn't go crazy but he definitely ate some pieces. Still very active, curious, and always pecking at rocks. So I don't believe he is sick, just mad that I don't offer better food! And no I didn't test for ammonia, no point. Levels are never high, or even detectable. Have recently been trying to raise my nitrates.

I've noticed that they're hypersensitive to it over the years. Good luck with the lil guy!