2003-05-19
2003-05-19 - 3:17 p.m.
My marine tank is ready for its next fish. All nitrates are at zero, a green algae bloom has begun, and everyone has staked out territory. Since it's only a 55 gallon tank (curses!), the options are a little bit limited. I want them to have plenty of room to stay healthy, plus keep the tank balanced between top, mid and bottom swimmers, mixed algae munchers and carnivores, blah blah blah. It's like having a living puzzle and trying to find the next piece without upsetting the balance you've already achieved. Here are some of the critters I'm considering: Velvet Wrasse, Dragon Wrasse, Bicolor Angel, Lemonpeel Angel. Some of the decision is about price. The last lemonpeel angel I saw for sale was $60. The bicolor angels run closer to $40. I do have a gift certificate, but still. Do I really want to spend $60 on a fish that may die two days later? The wrasses are less expensive, but they're bottom swimmers, and I already have that area pretty much covered with a scooter blenny and cleaner shrimp. Or I could cave and get a Pacific Blue Tang. They're so gorgeous, and they're one of the few tangs that aren't cyanide caught, but they're supposed to be difficult to care for. If only all decisions in life were this much fun.
Comments: Speak your piece!
former / latter
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