How to deal with fish"loss"

[DipSpit]

Just venting, eh?

Recently, due to their size, I had to say goodbye to a Vlamingii and a Naso that I have had since they were 1-1.5" max. They weren't displaying any captivity aggression and seemed 100% contented, but I knew it was time.

At about 2 years and 6+ inches the two best-buds departed my system and were given to another local reefer where they will be living in a 600g tank from my 180g cube.

I hope they will live a long and comfortable captive life.

Seems silly, but I'm bummed!

 

[eatbreakfast]

You did the responsible thing. You looked out for their interest over yours. More reefers should do that. It still stinks that you don't have them though.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I'm going to give you a big thumbs up for doing that.

 

[revhtree]

Just venting, eh?

Recently, due to their size, I had to say goodbye to a Vlamingii and a Naso that I have had since they were 1-1.5" max. They weren't displaying any captivity aggression and seemed 100% contented, but I knew it was time.

At about 2 years and 6+ inches the two best-buds departed my system and were given to another local reefer where they will be living in a 600g tank from my 180g cube.

I hope they will live a long and comfortable captive life.

Seems silly, but I'm bummed!

You're an amazing hobbyists. I'll just say that.

 

[wkscott]

You were lucky to find someone with a larger tank, especially since your 180g is already quite large. Too many hobbyists buy fish which will outgrow their tanks and later find it impossible to find them good homes. I have been guilty of this, but I'll never do it again. A couple of years ago I adopted a kitty from the shelter and they kept emphasizeing that I was offering a "forever home." I now take this attitude towards fish.

 

[DipSpit]

You did the responsible thing. You looked out for their interest over yours. More reefers should do that. It still stinks that you don't have them though.

The way I see it is no matter which way you slice it we are hugely inconveniencing these creatures. Even the largest, most impressive, expensive and well maintained aquariums pale in comparison to an Indonesian, Fijian, etc.. reef. The trade back, I like to think - mostly out of justification - is that they also aren't at risk of being eating. To give them the best home you can (whether that be the one you maintain for them or one you find for them) is the sort of unwritten contract you sign when you buy them

I'm going to give you a big thumbs up for doing that.

Heh, thanks, but still a bummer.

You were lucky to find someone with a larger tank, especially since your 180g is already quite large. Too many hobbyists buy fish which will outgrow their tanks and later find it impossible to find them good homes. I have been guilty of this, but I'll never do it again. A couple of years ago I adopted a kitty from the shelter and they kept emphasizeing that I was offering a "forever home." I now take this attitude towards fish.

Luckily the Hampton Roads area, where I live, has en ENORMOUS reefing community - like HUGE. Lots of great stores - owners/staff, hobbyists and knowledge combined here. The 600g belongs to a great aquarist who maintains a gorgeous store. Lucky for me and my boys.