Introducing a CBB - Am I an idiot thinking about it?

[kilnakorr]

Some time ago (a year maybe), I tried my luck adding a CBB to my tank.
Although there was no crazy aggression or biting, my purple tang wouldn't let the CBB roam around, and kept it confirned to one side of the tank. I eventually returned the CBB.

Is there any chance that a second try might yeild a different result, or am I stupid even considering it?
Any way to increase the succes?

I could try isolation box, but I'm sure my tang won't care about the CBB if it's just hanging out in the top of the tank, so I doubt it'll make much difference.

 

[exnisstech]

What size tank? I'm not fond of dropping CBBs into a display hoping they will eat. I spend up to 2 months getting mine ready for the DT.
This is my pair in with 8 tangs in an 84x30x25" tank.


Some good info here. I added my method in post #7.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...-a-beautiful-but-hard-to-keep-species.906341/

 

[kilnakorr]

What size tank? I'm not fond of dropping CBBs into a display hoping they will eat. I spend up to 2 months getting mine ready for the DT.
This is my pair in with 8 tangs in an 84x30x25" tank.


Some good info here. I added my method in post #7.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...-a-beautiful-but-hard-to-keep-species.906341/

Thanks. Interesting read.

Tank is just short of 100 gl, just a bit over 4 feet long.
I'm not so much worried about it eating, than I am for it to never be able to swim freely.

 

[exnisstech]

I'd be worried about it eating as well. Getting them to eat is usually the biggest hurdle. Often even ones that are eating at the store stop eating when added to a DT. They almost always stop eating if they are being harassed. Chances are if the purple didn't accept the first one there's a good chace adding another may turn out the same way. I had to use an acclimation box when I added my second one but it was because the female CBB was attacking it not any of the tangs. If you try an acclimation box some rock will make the CBB less stressed than an empty box or one with pvc pipe. This is the box I use for all fish. I had just removed the lid to let the fish out.

 

[kilnakorr]

I'd be worried about it eating as well. Getting them to eat is usually the biggest hurdle. Often even ones that are eating at the store stop eating when added to a DT. They almost always stop eating if they are being harassed. Chances are if the purple didn't accept the first one there's a good chace adding another may turn out the same way. I had to use an acclimation box when I added my second one but it was because the female CBB was attacking it not any of the tangs. If you try an acclimation box some rock will make the CBB less stressed than an empty box or one with pvc pipe. This is the box I use for all fish. I had just removed the lid to let the fish out.

I have access to many food sources, and the last one ate fine, starting with live black worms, then later on frozen mysis.
I had to 'hand feed it' as it was pretty much confirned to one corner where it was left in peace.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

how long did you wait until you took it back? sometimes it takes a bit for everyone to settle down.

 

[kilnakorr]

how long did you wait until you took it back? sometimes it takes a bit for everyone to settle down.

Can't remember exactly, but 2-3 months.
I could keep it fed, but was a hazzle and it obviously wasn't living a good life.

 

[kilnakorr]

Sooo here's an update, as I messed up.

I got the CBB, and added it to an isolation box to see how the purple tang would react.
It didn't react throughout the entire day, and just swan right by the box and fish.

I accidentally got caught in a little side gate in the box and pull it just enough for the CBB to get out...

Question is.
What are the odds the tang will eventually accept the CBB?

Video of the aggression. No crazy chasing, but obviously the tang isn't to happy.



Got the nyos trap in there, but I don't expect the tang to go near it any time soon, and due to rockwork, my options for position is very limited.

 

[Biff0rz]

Sooo here's an update, as I messed up.

I got the CBB, and added it to an isolation box to see how the purple tang would react.
It didn't react throughout the entire day, and just swan right by the box and fish.

I accidentally got caught in a little side gate in the box and pull it just enough for the CBB to get out...

Question is.
What are the odds the tang will eventually accept the CBB?

Video of the aggression. No crazy chasing, but obviously the tang isn't to happy.



Got the nyos trap in there, but I don't expect the tang to go near it any time soon, and due to rockwork, my options for position is very limited.

imo what I would do-

1) trap the tang, put him in the sump for a few months and let the cbb get used to the tank (and eating!)
-or-
2) put up a mirror and let the tang beat itself up - the cbb won't care about the mirror. But this should distract the tang long enough to ensure the cbb settles in (and is eating!)

Method 1 will have more success than 2.

 

[areefer01]

Not an idiot but you didn't learn from the first attempt. Since you already have purchased it and released it in the display throw up one or two mirrors that may occupy the tang. Opposite sides. Also throw up some nori on a clip to keep it occupied. Roll it up super tight so it doesn't gobble it up right way - make it work. Trap the tang and place it in a comfortable acclimation box. Re-arrange some aquascape if possible.

Or return the Copperband.

 

[kilnakorr]

Not an idiot but you didn't learn from the first attempt. Since you already have purchased it and released it in the display throw up one or two mirrors that may occupy the tang. Opposite sides. Also throw up some nori on a clip to keep it occupied. Roll it up super tight so it doesn't gobble it up right way - make it work. Trap the tang and place it in a comfortable acclimation box. Re-arrange some aquascape if possible.

Or return the Copperband.

The release was a mistake.
They got along much better the next day, and for some reason the tang found it's way into the empty trap. Already rehomed.
The CBB is roaming freely, investigating rocks and has a decent appetite.

 

[Cari]

The release was a mistake.
They got along much better the next day, and for some reason the tang found it's way into the empty trap. Already rehomed.
The CBB is roaming freely, investigating rocks and has a decent appetite.

So glad you are finding success, as I asked myself the same question about trying a CBB again. I have a yellow tang, which I was expecting to be the issue. The tang was great, however the Potter’s Angel was a relentless beast towards the CBB. Who knows, maybe that’s why the tang was so good, it was content with the Pygmy Angel doing all the dirty work.
I think CBB’s are beautiful and I have an aiptasia problem I’d love for them to eradicate. Best of luck with the new tank mates!

 

[kilnakorr]

So glad you are finding success, as I asked myself the same question about trying a CBB again. I have a yellow tang, which I was expecting to be the issue. The tang was great, however the Potter’s Angel was a relentless beast towards the CBB. Who knows, maybe that’s why the tang was so good, it was content with the Pygmy Angel doing all the dirty work.
I think CBB’s are beautiful and I have an aiptasia problem I’d love for them to eradicate. Best of luck with the new tank mates!

Those darn fish that won't get along.
My CBB is doing great, and takes mysis like a champ. I stocked up a bit on black worms just to make sure I could keep it fed in the beginning but I just use those as treats between meals now and then.

The happy new addition: