Cuban hogfish <hlth., sys.> and other questions... Refugium algae...   1/31/07
Hello Crew, thanks for this great outlet of information.  I have a Cuban hogfish around 3 inches I have had for about a month.  I initially had him in a 10 gal quarantine tank but a week ago I put him in my 29 gal reef refugium (5" DSB) to give him more room.  Almost the whole time I have had him he has hidden behind whatever available structure that was in the tank.  He has eaten little since his arrival.
<Not atypical, or to be unexpected...>
I feed him live ghost shrimp, scallops, and dried anchovies.  He snubs any pellet/ flake food offered thus far.
<Time, patience...>
For day upon a time he will just hide and not come out when the food is offered.
<Also reasonable behavior>
If I take out his hiding place he will swim around and explore but as soon as the structure is replaced back to the hole he goes. What can I do, if anything to speed up his acclimation to aquarium life?
<Mmm, little... this species needs much more room... and time>
He is the only fish in the tank including the (46 gal) reef tank.  Do you think putting a saltwater acclimated molly in the tank would stimulate him from his hiding spot?
<Mmm, maybe>
Also do these fish have a broom like fins, like the broom-tailed Wrasse?  
<Not really>
I'm wondering because his fins look uniformly ratty.  
<Likely resultant/shipping damage... will repair in time of its own accord>
I have one other unrelated question. Would I be better off buying more algae for a mud/algae (mud less at this time) sump to lower nitrates or building a coil denitrator?
<Either perhaps... maybe both>
This is for a 120 gal reef tank with a full bio load.  I currently have a 27 gal sump with two types of algae in it.
The lights in the sump are on 24/7.
<... Depending on the species... Really only Caulerpaceans can be illuminated continuously... other algae require a/the dark period...>
Thanks again for this site.
Chad
<Thank you for your letter. Bob Fenner>

Re: Cuban hogfish and other questions... HLLE issues    1/31/07
Thanks for the reply. Do you think I should go ahead and place the hogfish in the 46 gal reef tank?
He was placed in the 29 gal so I could keep a close eye on him. Eventually after he becomes more boisterous I will transfer him into the 120 gal reef tank.
<I would do this straight-away... You are aware of the possibility of a Bodianus species consuming crustaceans et al. I take it>
The fish's lateral line seems slightly exposed from about the middle of his body the base of his tail. Should I be worried?
<Mmm, no... you should be aware, pro-active... could very well be neuromast destruction/HLLE beginnings>
I have a Passer Angle
<Angel>
fish that developed hole in the head (which is now healing fine) it seemed like a day after I placed him in this 46 gal tank. He was in there to fortify before going into the 120.
<Good plan>
Does the erosion take place that fast
<Can>
or do you think it could have taken place in the quarantine tank and just went unnoticed? Thanks again and it is truly an honor to hear from you.
Chad
<Mmm, and you. Bob Fenner>