[Meric]

I have a friend who has a 120Gal Tank, 5'X2'X2' with Normal Output lighting. She is of the opinion that she knows everything to know about saltwater fish, yet she never reads the boards or researchs any fish before she buys them. She is a terrible impulse buyer.

When she setup her tank, after it cycled, I gave her my Zebrasoma flavescens as a gift. This was a beautiful 5" fish that I put in my quarantene tank for 2 weeks in hypo salinity before giving it to her to make sure it was free of disease/Ick and in great health. At the time I told her not to put any other tangs in her tank since I felt it was too small for anything except maybe an additional keyhole tang. She had the tank up and going with my tang for about a month when last week she wanted me to go with her to the fish store to buy a new fish.

I told her I couldn't make it and to wait a day. She couldn't wait and went up to the pet store and purchased a 4" Zebrasoma veliferum. As soon as she told me this, I told her to take it back as the (2) tangs of the same family would most likely fight in a 5' tank, not to mention how big this tang can get. She refused saying "I have kept these two kinds of tangs in my tank many times before. They just have one fight and then it's over". Of course I asked if any of them live to adulthood.

Long story short, 1 week later both fish fought each other to death and she is blaming the pet store for giving her fish ick. I'm PO'ed at her for killing (2) tangs, one was one I had for 6 months, and I don't plan on giving her anymore fish.

[saltjunkie]

i wish people would give me fish.. you did a good deed, and tried.. thats all you can do.. and both of you learned from this event.. well you learned.....

sorry about the fish.. for some reason i get attached to my fish and hate to see them go anywhere especially if i am caring for them and they are doing good... cause i feel like someone else will just not care and kill them... i feel that way about everyone.... even on the boards.. even though it isnt true as most have beeter set ups and husbandry skills better than mine.... it is just my attitude to the animals i choose to care for..

[Poseidon]

Sad story, amazing how she was able to transfer the blame!

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

Sad story, amazing how she was able to transfer the blame!

Indeed! This is one time where I see Meric's signature line applies.

[Reefland]

The educational efforts that you put forth are commendable; that's all you could do.

[WHOSYOURDADDY]

I agree with everyone - most of us learn compatibility among fish but there are a few "Know it Alls" that feel mother nature does not apply to them. I think we all have come across them.

Cheers to you for being a friend - a thumbs down to your friend for not caring enough about the fish that she accepts the responsibility for. My personal opinion is that she murdered them. I have no respect for a person like this. Maybe you can get her to view this post she may begin to understand that she really needs to begin to learn "How to be a Reef Keeper". She needs to understand that these are not tank raised but caught in the wild - they still maintain all their natural habits and aggression.