Algae Problem & Fish Problem

[Big_Pun]

I would get rid of bio balls use rock rubble instead, also some chemi pure elite would help, on pc lights replacing every six months is usually best. bio balls are nitrate factories after a while.

[justahobby]

Fading, discoloration yes. You can see where the face of your angel is turning yellow. The blotches, to me, look bacterial.

You are calling the Angel a large. The trigger a medium. Your angel is still young and will grow a lot more. I take that to mean your trigger is around the 3-4 inch range. Picasso's aren't overly aggressive (at that size) and I would be surprised to find out he is causing the issues w/ your larger angel. It would be more likely if you told me you had a undulated or clown trigger.

Was the trigger a new addition or was he there first? Might make the difference of he is aggressive when you aren't around.

The damsel, on the other hand, is small and has irresistible flowy fins that could stimulate prey drive in the trigger.



WOOT! 1,000 Posts.

[lrg]

Fading, discoloration yes. You can see where the face of your angel is turning yellow. The blotches, to me, look bacterial.

You are calling the Angel a large. The trigger a medium. Your angel is still young and will grow a lot more. I take that to mean your trigger is around the 3-4 inch range. Picasso's aren't overly aggressive (at that size) and I would be surprised to find out he is causing the issues w/ your larger angel. It would be more likely if you told me you had a undulated or clown trigger.

Was the trigger a new addition or was he there first? Might make the difference of he is aggressive when you aren't around.

The damsel, on the other hand, is small and has irresistible flowy fins that could stimulate prey drive in the trigger.



WOOT! 1,000 Posts.

They've both been together over a year.

I reckon the damsel is being picked on which is fine - I just didn't want fin-rot spreading through the tank.

Sorry about the miscommunication re Angel - he is med - as he is just changing color now. (Looks large to me compared with everyone else in the tank!!)

I will try what everyone has said - - bio balls are about 4+ years old. (LFS is an active promoter of bio balls which is why I have so many.) I'll check my nitrates and post as soon as I can.

Image of Trigger to make sure I'm not screwing up the name:

[corruption]

I would disagree with the sentiment about bio-balls stated in this thread, especially in this situation. Since you're running a FOWLR setup, and not a reef, chances are the bio-balls are a benefit... especially considering that this is a pretty hefty bioload for a 55 gallon tank. I would concur with everyone about food though -- brine shrimp has next-to-no nutritional value... its somewhat like potato chips for fish. Get em some mysis, or one of the many saltwater 'formulas' and I bet you'll see improvements all around.

I also agree with justahobby -- the spots don't appear to be related to the typical color morph when leaving juvenile stage..

-Justin