Flame Hawkfish and Shrimps

[bigyankfan]

In my 58, I have the following: tang, hippo tang, mandarin, true perc, foxface, neon dottyback and pygmy angel. I would like to add a flame hawkfish but I've heard that they can eat shrimp. I have a peppermint and coral banded but both are big (for shrimp, that is) about 2" each. Do you think I can safely add a FH? Thanks in advance.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would say you are way too overstocked with the 2 tangs the angel and the foxface to add anything else, as a matter of fact I would lighten the bioload considerably and take some of them out.

Oh and Flame hawks will eat shrimp. It's their nature.

 

[DevIouS]

:iamwithst

 

[scumonkey]

:yeah:....me too

 

[bigyankfan]

I thought that the symptoms of bio-overload were fish aggression and high waste levels. I have no issues with aggression as I have lots of LR and have created many caves and other hiding spots (no chasing or shredded fins). As to the waste issue, my ammonia, nitrates and nitrites are all 0. All of my fishes, inverts, corals, clams, etc. are doing very well (eating, good color, growth). Is there some other issue or parameter involved here that I am not aware of? TIA.

 

[JHOV2324]

Very good question on the Hawk Fish....i was told before they eat the bigger shrimps as well....the other day i was told they dont....:arg:

 

[Deanos]

Flame Hawkfish - It will eat feather dusters and ornamental shrimps, as well as may pick hermit crabs and snails right out of their shells!

 

[prattreef]

A large flame hawk is certainly capable of eating a shrimp, but I have not had problems with them at the size they are typically sold ( they grow slowly) and with modest size shrimps like cleaners and peppermints. This is particularly true if the shrimp are already in residence prior to the introduction of the fish. Is there some risk, certainly, but not a major one IME.

Randy

 

[KathyC]

As to the waste issue, my ammonia, nitrates and nitrites are all 0. All of my fishes, inverts, corals, clams, etc. are doing very well (eating, good color, growth). Is there some other issue or parameter involved here that I am not aware of? TIA.

Phosphates..not to mention Ca, Alk, Mg...
Your tank is too small for all of those fish..IMO

 

[scumonkey]

Fish also GROW (get bigger) as they age

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Read some of the literature out there. Surgeonfish (Tangs and Lo's) should be in large tanks. I kept a yellow tang in my 55 and all was good, but they other fish were small fish. Hippos and foxfaces should be kept in a minimum of a 120 IMO if you are going to keep them in the same tank.

 

[chuck]

I have a Flame Hawk for about 8 months and is about 2" in size, With cleaner shrimp ,snails and hermit crabs. some smaller the 2" some the same size. So far the flame hawk doesn't seem interested in them ..But I guess time will tell.. :biggrin:

chuck

 

[Tito]

Your tank is overstocked but it's not a death sentence - think about getting a larger tank. Tangs need swimming space - a 75 or 125 would be better. Flame Hawk - just throw him in there see what happens. Nature has her own rules. 58 Gallons with that many salt water fish is a problem waiting to happen.