Fish selection for a 350 gallon reef tank, tangs mostly  6/13/08
So I have began to start fish selection for a 350 gallon reef tank that I will be pursuing in a couple of years. I'm planning now so I can put aside money and get it right. My biggest obstacle I believe is fish selection. I love tangs and with such a big tank I have a lot to choose from, but will they be compatible. After reading about each fish I have a couple questions. I want to get an achilles, sohal, purple, and hippo. I have read that achilles and sohal should not be kept with each other because of territory issues. What are your suggestions and/or experience with these 2 fish.
<Place the Sohal last... period>
I understand the difficulty of the achilles and plan on having this fish first. Other tangs I am interested in are, powder blue (could be quarrelsome with achilles), clown tang (another difficult fish), unicorn, and perhaps a Naso. I'd like to keep 4, maybe 5 tangs. Other fish I have in planning are, flame angel, six line wrasse, pair of clowns, yellow blotch Rabbitfish (not sure, cool fish, maybe not in the cards), along with some type of school, like chromis, or Anthias. How do you feel this community will do together?
<Should be fine in a volume this large>
My main concerns are the achilles and sohal, these are the 2 must have fish that I really want.
<Can be done. Just as I state, the Sohal should be considered the tank's alpha fish>
Any other suggestions of other fish would be generous.
<... too numerous to list>
If size is an issue of the tank, I am willing to go even as high as 400 gallons. I'm thinking about a tank like 6 feet long, 3 feet deep, 30 in. high. which would roughly be a little under 350, if I extend another foot, it would be at roughly 400. With the fish in mind, what would be the most successful size? Thanks a lot
<The bigger the better... I'd trade a bit longer or wider for the height being reduced a bit. Bob Fenner>
 

To Tang Or Not To Tang?! – 06/09/08 Afternoon all :D <<Greetings Carolyn!>> Have searched through the site but can't quite find what I'm after, so here I am, pestering again (sorry!).... <<Not a bother…happy to help>> I'm planning my upgrade and all being well, am going for a 450l tank plus 70l sump (this is assuming my floor will support the weight). <<Ah! Excellent…>> Currently I'm the proud owner of a pair of black and white ocellaris clowns and a very podgy mandarin in a 70l nano. <<Hmm, a bit small indeed>> Before I so much as buy the tank, I'd like to get an idea if my current stocking wish list is ok? <<Alrighty>> Would like to add (in order...) Small shoal of Anthias (probably Lyretail) or chromis <<Mmm, Pseudanthias squamipinnis is one of the larger species (up to about 5-inches), I don’t know that a “school” would be best here. Perhaps a smaller species? Maybe Pseudanthias bartlettorum…?>> 4x Banggai cardinals (with a view to form pairs) <<Can be “feisty” with one another>> 2x orange/white ocellaris clowns <<Might work…but is a risk considering the two “black and whites” you have already>> 1 Randall’s shrimp goby/ pair of blue cheek gobies <<Considering the rest of your stocking plan…probably best to stick to a single specimen>> 1x Copperband butterfly fish (once tank has good algae growth) <<I’m guessing the algae are to help foster “pod” production to feed the Butterfly? Even so, you will need to get this fish eating “prepared” foods (e.g. - frozen mysis, glass worms)>> 1x coral beauty 1x venustus angelfish <<Again…introducing two species from the same genus (Centropyge in this instance) “may” work…but would be a better risk in a larger tank>> 1x yellow tang/purple tang (either or, would like both, but think they may turn each other into sushi?! ) <<Is pushing it I think…better one or the other. And I would add the Butterfly first, to avoid trouble there (similar body shape)>> I'd love a regal, but information is conflicting - am I right in thinking that a 100 gallon tank really isn't enough for this fish in the long term? <<That is “my” opinion, yes. This species especially, seems to suffer from developmental retardation from just “growing up” in a “too small” system…in my opinion>> I'd love another tang but don’t' want to overstock and I suspect I'm sailing close to the limit as it is! <<Indeed>> Any advice would be gratefully received – <<I hope my comments prove useful>> I'd be interested to know how many fish you've saved from folk like me who seem to always want just one more fish :) Carolyn <<I can only guess at the effect of this site on the hobby, much of which, I think, can’t be easily measured by the queries received. But as a collective effort, it is likely thousands…maybe even tens of… Regards, EricR>> Re: To Tang Or Not To Tang?! - 06/10/08 Thanks Eric, <<Quite welcome, Carolyn>> Once again, a savior to my future fish! <<Hee-hee! Am happy to help>> Now to make sure the floor will support the weight... <<We do have some FAQs re…have a look here (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/aqstdfloors.htm) and among the associated links…and give me/us a shout if we can help. EricR>>

Moonlighting/Tang Selection – 05/05/08
Hi,
<<Hello>>
Guys, what do you think about moonlight?
<<As in how it relates to aquaria I presume…it can be a nice effect, but is hardly a necessity…in my opinion>>
Is it a necessary to have it or it is just a marketing deal?
<<Some folks claim it induces “spawning” in fish and corals… I do think it can be useful re not plunging the tank in to total darkness when the lights go out, thus affording the fishes a chance to find their nocturnal accommodations. But I don’t think it is a “necessary” option>>
I am thinking about my last fish in tank, what do you suggest amongst tangs that I like (sohal, japonicus, leucosternon ....)?
<<In my opinion, Acanthurus japonicus is the hardiest and most suitable of the three for your tank…with A. leucosternon being a better choice over the Sohal>>
I have regal tang, yellow tang, 2 x percula, 2 x convict blenny, 1x Stenopus and 1 x goby in tank 130x50x50 cm.
<<Adding another Tang is pushing it, I think (It would be better to “replace” the Regal Tang)…and will certainly mean no more fish additions here>>
Thx in advance,
BR/Petar
<<Happy to share. EricR>>

Tank stocking
Time for a Tang? (Stocking Questions) – 03/08/08
Greetings,
<Hey there! Scott F. with you today!>
I have a 125 gallon SW tank that is 6 feet long with a deep sand bed and about 120lbs of live rock. The only fish are a 2.5" Yellow Watchman Goby, a 4.5" Finespotted Fairy Wrasse, and a 2.5" Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse. The tank kind of looks deserted, but at the same time, I don't want to overcrowd the fish.
<Nice attitude! Too many aquarists seem to adopt an attitude that they can go crazy with stocking their large tanks with tons of fishes, and lots of them actually follow through with this!>
A small handful of snails and hermits make up the rest of the livestock. I was thinking of adding an Ornate Wrasse (H. ornatissimus), Whipfin Fairy Wrasse (C. filamentosus), Long Fin Fairy Wrasse (C. rubriventralis), and a Hepatus Tang. Is there enough space for these fish to live comfortably at adult size, or should I forget about the Tang? Would these fish get along? No other fish will be added afterwards.
-Victor
<well, Victor, I like your stocking plan. I'm a bit hesitant about the Tang, however. Although I believe a 6 foot aquarium is really the minimum that I would use for a Tang, I'd think about it seriously. The P. hepatus gets quite large (like a foot long), and really needs a pretty large aquarium (like 8 feet long) for long-term success, in my opinion. I'd pass on this fish in favor of a smaller Tang, such as a Zebrasoma species (like Z. flavescens), or perhaps a Ctenochaetus species. Otherwise, I think you could go with one more smaller wrasse species and the aquarium would be fully stocked, IMO.>

Powder Blue tang... mis-placed tangs  1/12/2008
Hi, I have a powder blue tang that I recently purchased about three weeks ago. I made sure he was acclimated but I don't have a QT, which I am getting soon,
<Yikes...>
he was fine until now that he began to show vertical white markings on the sides of his body and a big bump in the center of his stomach!!!
<Mmm, a pic would be helpful here. Do know that Tangs do have "bumpy stomachs"... do accumulate triturating material ("sand") that aids in maceration/digestion...>
Now I made a huge mistake when I bought these fish since I am still a rooky in salt water aquariums, but now I am wondering what can I do to help him? I read all day during work, and let me tell you what a wonderful job you guys do. My 55 gal
<Too small for this species...>
fish tank includes two clown fish, a yellow tang and the blue powder tang.
<... ditto>
Also I have about 80 lbs
of life rock, a Bak Pak protein skimmer/filter. Please help.
<You need to "go back a few steps"... re/assess your situation, make a plan... I'd return or give away at least both the "powder" tangs here. Read re their Systems, Health on WWM... and re the use of Spectrum Thera... but there is no way the present mix you have will work. Bob Fenner>

Blue Tang vs. Tang
Tangling With Tangs (Possible New Tang Addition)  12/4/07
I have a very small Blue Tang that I've had for 6 weeks in a 28 gallon tank for quarantine and observation.
<Excellent practice!>
It will be moving to my new 125 Gallon (6' long) tank when the tank is ready. What other Tang, if any can co-exist with a Blue Tang, that would be simultaneously added to the 125 gallon. Thank you
Frank
<Well, Frank, I'd probably only add another Tang of a different genus, such as a Zebrasoma species or a smaller Ctenochaetus species. That's about it, as far as another Tang goes. Anything else would really be pushing it, IMO. As it is, the Blue Tang will probably need larger quarters at some point. Don't forget to quarantine the new Tang as well if you get another one. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Tang Compatibility...Wanting To Add One More! – 07/23/07
Hello and thanks for all the useful information!
<<Hiya Michele!...glad you find it “useful”>>
I love reading the dailies.
<<Me too! [grin]>>
I had a quick question on compatibility. We have a 220-gallon (6' x 2 1/2' x 2') mixed reef (predominately SPS with a few LPS and zoos), 200-pound live rock, 1-2 inch sand bed, 75-gallon sump and 50-gallon fuge.
<<Excellent>>
The fish include a Naso tang (7''), yellow tang (4''), two-barred rabbitfish (4''), and a pair of Clarkii clowns (1-2").
<<Very nice...I have a somewhat larger system though very similar (minus the zoanthids) and among others I too have a Naso Tang (Blonde color morph), a Yellow Tang, and a “pair” of two-barred (Siganus doliatus) Rabbitfish>>
All fish have lived peacefully together for over a year except the rabbitfish which was added about six months ago.
<<I see>>
The two tangs and the rabbitfish show no aggression toward each other and even appear to shoal together.
<<Ah yes, not so much “shoaling” as just making sure one doesn’t get something the others don’t [grin]. As for the aggression...providing a couple hundred gallons volume is very helpful...and the Naso and Zebrasoma species are also somewhat on the lower end of the Tang “aggression meter” in my opinion>>
Even at feeding times and when Nori sheets are present, there is no aggression.
<<Agreed...though they do become “excited”>>
So onto the question....we would like to add one more fish, but do not want to lose our peaceful reef or push the stocking limits.
<<Understood...and wise>>
Would we be pushing it with another tang from a different genus?
<<Depends>>
My husband would love a Sohal tang, but I am worried about the aggression factor as it ages.
<<Definitely an “alpha” personality among Tangs>>
Plus, even though it's a different genus, it looks a lot like the Naso tang to me. Do you even think we have room (psychologically and bioload) for another tang and if so, which one would you recommend?
<<Ahh...I’m glad you recognize the “psychological” issues here...so important to Tang health/longevity in my opinion. A smaller more peaceable (as Tangs go) species is doable I think... Acanthurus japonicus (NOT to be confused with A. nigricans) or maybe a Ctenochaetus species like C. tominiensis or C. strigosus>>
Then, with the infamous "just one more fish," would we have room for a Scott's Fairy Wrasse down the line (with QT on all new arrivals)?
<<If you can acquire a healthy/feeding specimen...though they are prone to jumping>>
We had also considered a shrimp goby and pistol shrimp combo, but did not think the 1 inch sand bed would suffice.
<<Not the best>>
Thanks!
<<Regards, EricR>>

Re: Tang Compatibility...Wanting To Add One More! – 07/24/07
EricR,
<<Hello Michele>>
Thanks for the reply!
<<Quite welcome>>
We suspected the Sohal would not be appropriate.
<<Indeed so...in my opinion>>
My vote had been for a Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) or a Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), but we will look at the Acanthurus japonicus that you suggested.
<<Hmm...though a bit larger than A. japonicus, you could probably get away with adding A. coeruleus>>
It's funny....my husband actually almost came home with one last week, but we were concerned we could not differentiate the white faced from the powder brown and we didn't trust the LFS.
<<I see... Do take a look at this article for comparison, both fishes are featured and the differences in appearance is readily apparent: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/GoldRimSs.htm >>
Just to take all temptation away and stop a crazy purchase, you better spell it out to me that the Atlantic Blue and the Regal are also not appropriate! =)
<<I would avoid A. hepatus... This is a big, beefy, and high strung fish requiring LOTS of space for long-term health. My first choice for your system would be the A. japonicus, but as stated, I do think you can get away with the A. coeruleus...though this last will likely mean “no more fishes” for this system>>
Thanks as always for the help!
Michele
<<A pleasure to assist. Eric Russell>>

Tangs and Anthias in a display at my fish store   6/13/07
Hello!
I have been reading your FAQS/articles for a number of years now and have finally encountered a question that I could not find an answer for on the site.
<There are, assuredly... lifetimes of these!>
I am in the final stages of opening a fish store and I have 3 large acrylic tanks (they are 8 ft. x 4 ft. x 18 in., holding roughly 300-350 gallons of water apiece, not including the sumps). These tanks will be for selling corals out of
<Mmm, please pardon (my usual) kibitzing... but why so deep? Cheaper, easier to work in, illuminate specimens in shallower water...>
and I would like to keep in each of these tanks, a handful of 'show' fish which won't be for sale.
<A good idea... to add interest, keep some pests (algae, snails, worms...) reduced... Nice place for store "mascots">
In one of these I would like to keep Surgeons. My question is: what would be your suggestions as to how many would be a good number and what specific types of tangs do you think will do well together?
<Mmm, better for each tank/system to have just one species/genus really... Likely a Zebrasoma, Ctenochaetus... perhaps a smaller Acanthurus...>
I have successfully kept (and still keep in my tanks at home) a yellow and hippo/regal tang in a 125g for close to 5 years now, but I would like to have something different and maybe not quite so 'common' for display at the store.
<I understand... there are several choices...>
I hope this is not getting to be too much but I would also like to keep a school of Squarespot Anthias in the second of these three tanks, and was wondering what your suggestions would be as to how big of a school I should have; and what male:female ratio you would suggest. (The anthias would be the only fish in this tank)
<Mmm, one alpha male... perhaps a couple of already not-quite so alpha males along with... and an odd number of sexually indeterminate juveniles/females... a total of under twenty>
(I know you're probably waiting for my questions about the third tank now, but I really don't have a clue as to what I want to keep in that one yet....so if you have any suggestions....) ;)
<Oh... this will come to you in time...>
Please feel free to edit my letter in any way you see fit, especially my 'subject' line as I couldn't really think of a completely appropriate way to word it.
Thank you in advance for your time and your advice, it is very much appreciated.
Nicole
P.S. I would like to thank you all for your FAQS/articles on the aquatics business as they have helped us tremendously in getting our business set up.
<Congratulations on your new enterprise! Please do send along your URL for our posting, promotion when you have this up and going. Bob Fenner>

Which Tang For My Aggressive Tank? – 06/12/07
Hello crew and thanks for taking the time to provide great marine aquarium expertise.
<<Thanks for the compliment...and you are welcome>>
Here is my situation. I currently have a 125g FOWLR tank. I have the following fish: Niger Trigger,
<<Mmm, a slow growing but very large fish. Though not likely to reach full size in captivity, this fish is known to grow to 18” in the wild and would be better placed in a system with twice the capacity of yours>>
Assasi Trigger, Flame Angel and a Harlequin Tuskfish. I have had the fish for about two years and want to make a change to control some of the algae and relocate my overly aggressive Tuskfish to a new home.
<<I see>>
So the remaining fish will be the Niger, Assasi and Flame. The fish sizes are as follows: Niger (4.5"), Assasi (4") and Flame (3"). The question is which tang would be the best choice given my tank size (125g), the aggressive tank-mates and the need to be a heavy grazer?
<<With a few exceptions regarding tankmates and appropriate sizing; and of course proper diet, space to roam, system husbandry, etc., most any Tang species will fare well with other aggressive fishes. Tangs are not “peaceful” fishes and can wreak havoc of their own accord...a fact many uninformed/misinformed hobbyists become all too aware of when trying to crowd these active, even high-strung fishes in to too small an environment. As for a “heavy grazer,” my best experiences re is with the Sailfin Tang...but again we have the issue of too small a system for this fish (it too can reach 18” in the wild)...and it is my opinion that Tangs are especially prone to developmental disorders from being “raised up” in too small an environment. For your system the smaller Yellow (Zebrasoma flavescens) or Scopas (Zebrasoma scopas) Tangs would be a better choice in my opinion, or even a White Cheek/Gold Rim Tang (Acanthurus nigricans). I think you could even add one of the Zebrasoma species “and” the Acanthurus and be fine...if you decide to trade-in/move the Niger Trigger. Another “grazer” option I would like to throw at you is one of the species of Rabbitfishes. Though usually quite peaceful, these fishes are generally left alone by other fishes, largely due to their poisonous spines (and we aquarist must also be aware/cautious of this). The smaller “Foxface” species make great aquarium specimens and often (though there are never any guaranties) will “out-graze” many Tangs. Whatever you decide upon; Tang or Rabbitfish, I recommend specimens of 3”-4” in size to be placed with your other aggressive fishes>>
Thanks again.
<<Regards, EricR>>

Re: Which Tang For My Aggressive Tank? – 06/17/07
Hello again crew.
<<Hello Vincent...EricR here again>>
Thank you for all the excellent advice.
<<It is our pleasure to serve>>
EricR helped me with some recommendations that are attached below for reference regarding Tang selection.
<<I hope you found them of use>>
I have decided to follow his recommendation regarding the Niger.
<<All for the better in the long term my friend>>
As a recap I have a 125g FOWLR that will have a Flame Angel and an Assasi Trigger.
<<Yes...I recall this>>
EricR recommended a Yellow Tang and a White Cheek. I would rather like to add a Kole Tang and the White Cheek and wanted to find out if the Ctenochaetus and the Acanthurus would create an incompatibility problem.
<<Not in my experience, given a large enough environment...with your current stocking level (sans Niger trigger) this combination should be fine. And if Bristletooths interest you, another option to the Kole Tang might be Ctenochaetus tominiensis, the Flame Fin or Tomini Tang. Though be aware they are a bit more difficult to keep and less readily available, but still a fine aquarium specimen in my opinion when acquired healthy and kept well fed>>
Also, is there value in considering 3-4 Green Chromis to distract the Tangs and cut down on potential aggression?
<<The Chromis will do little if anything to distract the Tangs, but if the latter are added together I doubt you will have much trouble anyway. The Chromis could potentially wind up as a treat for the trigger, but if there are sufficient escape routes, the Chromis will add some diversity/interest to the tank>>
Thanks again for your continued advice.
<<A pleasure to share. Eric Russell>>

Tang compatibility and introduction order  3/28/07
Hello WWM crew!
<Marc>
First off, let me congratulate you on your web site, there so much info found on it (though it sometimes takes a long time finding it, since it is so huge, but, hey, no big deal).
I currently have a 125 gallons reef tank (Perfecto, 72x18x22) with a 60 gallons sump (with something like 50 gallons of water in it). My return pump is a Velocity T4 (1500 GPH) which also feeds the refugium section of my sump (in which I just added light with a small ball of Chaetomorpha). I have 2 Seio 1500 et 1 820 (for approximately 30X) for water motion. The filtration of this tank is accomplished by approximately 140 pounds of LR (mix of Fiji, Sulawesi and Brazilian) and a Beckett Protein skimmer (46" tall, diameter of 8") with an Iwaki MD100RLT pump in recirculation and fed by a Mag7. It is lit by 2 250W MH bulbs and 2 6' VHO (165W each).
Now for the livestock. I only have a couple of corals for now (the tank has only been up and running since November 2006), but I plan to add more as it matures.
I have :
- Iridis wrasse (Halichoeres iridis)
- Yellow tail damsel
- Green clown goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus
- Lawnmower blenny (Salarias fasciatus)
- Banggai cardinal (Pterapogon kaudneri
- 3 peppermint shrimps (Lysmata wurdemanni, which made a terrific job on Aiptasia :)
- 2 cleaner shrimps (Lysmata amboinensis)
- Several hermit crabs and snails
The 2 cleaner shrimps and the iridis wrasse were added 4 days ago. The cleaners are doing great and have taken cleaning station on a rock (haven't seen them clean a fish yet though). The wrasse is also doing good, besides the fact that it had me worried the second and third day. It buried itself in the sand for the night (which I've heard/read is normal for these fishes), but didn't come out until 9 pm (my lights are on from noon to midnight)! Today, I don't know at what time it came out, but when I came home at 5 pm, it was already swimming nicely. It easily accepted frozen food, but was reticent with flakes for the first 2 days.
<Don't really eat much dried/prepared food>
So, my question was (sorry for the long intro!) : I wish to add tangs to my setup (not right now, maybe in a couple of months) and would like your advice on the species I've selected. I'd like to add :
- Achilles tang (Acanthurus achilles)
<Yikes... not easily kept in captivity, and very prone to protozoan complaints>
- Blue hippo tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
- Desjardini sailfin tang (Zebrasoma desjardini
<A gorgeous species... but does get very large...>
My concern is mainly about the achilles (and a little about the hippo). I've read/heard it wasn't a very hardy fish. What advice could you give me on that fish?
<Mmm, just that... I would hold off for now on an Achilles... really do much better in very mature, large systems... the other two would be okay here>
To reduce aggression between the tangs I plan to add all three of them simultaneously. Do you think this is a bad idea?
<Mmm... well, I would likely place the Paracanthurus first... wait a few weeks, then the Zebrasoma... not so much that they will fight to the point of real damage, but the increase in bio-load, the change in dynamic with the other livestock... less stressful to stagger here... and leave out the Achilles>
Also, some people told me the hippo tang needs a larger tank once at full size. What is your opinion on that?
<Likely will be fine here for a very long time>
Here are the other fishes I would like to add (in the order I would add them)
- Pair of percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula)
- One or two purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora)
<Two would be far better than one>
- Green mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus)
- Bellus angelfish (Genicanthus bellus)
- A butterfly, probably a longnose (Forcipiger flavissimus or the longirostris)
- Tangs!
I would also like to introduce schooling fishes. I had some chromis before (Chromis viridis). They are nice fish, but I'd like something more colorful.
I thought about anthias, but some can be hard and require frequent feeding to ensure success.
<Mmm, do look around... seek out a grouping that are not "too" thin... there are some quite hardy species for a setting like yours>
Which would you recommend and how many would you put in my setup?
<Please see WWM re the Anthiines... likely two species... Perhaps squamipinnis and Bartlett's... but there are several other choices>
I also recently discovered the chalk bass (Serranus tortugarum) which gets along well in groups. Do you have any advice on this fish?
<Mmm... well... I'd rather see this kept with other tropical West Atlantic species, settings>
Finally, I'd like to know your opinion on my fish list and introduction order. Anything that wouldn't get along?
Thank you very much,
Marc.
<Looks fine to me. Bob Fenner>

Re: Tang compatibility and introduction order  3/28/07
Thank you very much for your reply. Regarding the Achilles, if I do introduce one in my system, it shouldn't be before quite some time.
<Correct>
I'll wait until my system has matured and it shall be my last addition.
<Very good... I do wish you were out here with me, diving in Hawai'i, seeing this fish, going out with collector friends... feeling how soft-bodied this Acanthurus is... how easily damaged... Perhaps only time, personal experience will bring to your awareness the fragility of this species>
And on the anthias, these were the two species I retained. I might go with the Bartlett's.
<Ahh, a good choice... do look for some "freshly arrived" grouping... 3,5,7 individuals...>
Again, thank you very much and keep up the good work,
Regards,
Marc.
<Welcome my friend. Am trying. BobF>

Mixing Surgeons and Butterflies   3/15/07
Hi Guys (and/or Girls)!
<Hi Deb.>
I love your site and you guys provide a real service to aquarium enthusiasts and hobbyists!
<Thank you.>
I am so thankful that I stumbled across your site and I use it to research information all of the time.
<Great, thanks again.>
I have read a lot about Tangs not getting a long with other Tangs, but I have a slightly different question.
<Okay.>
I have a Copperband Butterfly in my 80 gallon reef tank along with a Coral Beauty.  The Copperband doesn't much care for flake or frozen food, but it will eat mussels/clams and it will also eat Mr. Fenner's seafood recipe (from his book), but for some reason she prefers to be hand-fed and doesn't like to eat food already floating in the water.
<Well I for one am pleased to here it's eating period. As I'm sure you are well aware most have a dismal survival rate, captivity wise.>
Perhaps I have created a monster!  LOL!
Anyway, I would like to add a Tang to my tank, if possible.
<If the butterfly and angel are the only specimens I don't see any space issues short-term, the long-term is a slightly different issue, 80 gallons is pushing it for an adult copperband and some surgeons/tangs get significantly larger. Psychological crowding is another issue...I would avoid conspecifics (tangs that look alike/similar shaped) such as those in the Zebrasoma genus.  Ctenochaetus tangs may be a possibility (the Kole tang) though due the key with these is securing a healthy specimen.  Many are damaged in the mouth area during shipping.  Again compatibility wise other tangs could work, such as a few in the Naso genus and Acanthurus genus but there are space issue to address...some of these (Acanthurus Sohal & Naso lituratus) will reach over a foot...well over a foot in some cases.>
I am concerned about one getting along with my Copperband and the fact that they get ick (I have a 10 gallon quarantine tank).  Can you suggest a
docile Tang?  I really like the Atlantic Blue Tang (coloring) and even the Yellow-Eyed Kole Tang.
<See above regarding the tang, as for ich/crypt, yes tangs are more prone to this, quarantine 6-8 weeks.>
Thanks for you help!
<Of course.>
Debbie Terry
<Adam J.>

Marine Aquarium Additions...size issues   2/14/07
Can a regal tang, yellow tang, bi-color angel, and a couple of damsels all live in a 55 gallon setup?
<No, too small...furthermore the bi-color is not really a great choice, not a great track record in captivity.>
  I have Plenty of live rock, a few live plants and plenty of hiding spots for the guys I already have.  
<It's not a care issue (except for the one mentioned above) it's a space, size, issue.>
I would like to add the regal tang.   If not is there a nice looking specimen that you could recommend, my wife is getting tired of seeing another yellow fish added to the setup.  
<If you're going for "blue" I would suggest a hamlet or Chromis...as for the angel, there are many suitable centropyge angels that could make just as nice an addition (not the bi-color) as the surgeon in my opinion.>
  thanks in advance for your help
<No prob, Adam J.>

Stocking My 150 Reef - 09/07/06
Good Afternoon.....
<<Good evening>>
I have 150 gallon reef tank , 4' x 2', and a 35 gallon sump.
<<Neat!>>
I now have a royal Gramma , zebra goby , and a coral beauty in it, and want to add 3 yellow tangs and a Pacific sailfin, all at the same time.
<<Mmm, I don't recommend this.  This tank is too small for three yellow tangs...in my opinion>>
Two dealers have told me that this will work.
<<I don't doubt>>
Your thoughts on this, and what other kinds of fish could I add at a later date... i.e.  flame angel , jeweled damsel, hippo tang?
<<My recommendation...skip the Hippo (gets very large) and two of the yellow tangs...the flame angel, damsel, and hippo tang will likely be fine>>
Also, should I have a cleaner fish in this mix as well, like the neon gobies?
<<A worthwhile addition>>
And, lastly do you like the dragon wrasse, and any type of blennies?
<<Not for reef tanks>>
Thank you so much for your time.....
Ted Stasso
<<Quite welcome, Eric Russell>>

<Not so> Weird Death of Achilles Tang   7/26/06
Hey Crew,
<Jeremy>
About a week ago, I decided to purchase an Achilles Tang (3.5"-4").  I researched the species for about 3-5 months reading whatever I could find on it.  Well, my LFS owner and I worked on a shipment of them for about two weeks in the store's medic tanks because they had an ick infection.
<Common>
Mine had what looked to be a secondary infection of fungus around the mouth area when it was in my tank.  
<Not fungal... bacterial>
I didn't QT him for my system as I had him QT'd in the LFS
<Not usually a good practice to rely on anyone else...>
and I thought the ick was over. Like I said, I checked in on him at the LFS, so I saw first hand that he was being taken care of and was well. I thought so anyway.
<Very easy for "cross-contamination" to occur in commercial settings... nets, other gear, water, livestock getting mixed...>
The tank was small for the species (55g), but a much bigger tank is scheduled to be setup in the house around the end of September (130g).
The tank had a good amount of current and had a heavy amount of dissolved Oxygen in the water.  I have had a blue tang (hippo) for a
little over a year so I would think I would know how to take care of a tang...  Especially since I nursed the blue one back after feeling sorry for the pathetic look it had in a bad LFS.  I did read how hard the Achilles could be and I knew I was up for a challenge to say the least. The water parameters were spg:1.025, ph:8.4, temp:78F, Amm:0, Nitrite:0 and Nitrate:10.  
I set my medic tank up (29g) using water mostly from my main tank (about 75%) and some newly made water that set for about 36 hours.  The Achilles tang was doing ok and I was just starting to get him to eat prepared foods that the other fishes ate.  Meanwhile, he was making quick work of my Live Rock.  Not that I cared, I was happy to see him eat anything.  He was full bodied, almost all black with vibrant, bright orange markings, swam around normally, even sociable to me and others.
Not near the schizo that the blue one is. I would imagine everything sounds ok up to this point doesn't it?  Despite the tank size...  
The only thing wrong that I saw was the little bit of mouth fungus.  I went back to the LFS and he said Maracyn was probably the best idea.  I read that on the FAQ's too.  I noticed the remaining Achilles Tang's looked ok (in the mouth area) and that I wasn't overreacting.  I figured I would have a tough time getting him to eat if his mouth was hurting him so I wanted to get his mouth healed ASAP.
I waited until it was dark (less stress) to move the fish into the QT. I gave him a FW dip and then into the QT.  At first he swam around a little, and then he was laying on his side breathing heavily.  My blue tang does this when stressed (mostly during water changes) and I decided best to just leave it alone and let it recover.  I got up early the next morning to check on him and he was dead as a doornail.  
Any thoughts?  Could a fish go from doing "ok" to dead in a matter of hours with little change in the biological environment?
<Can/does happen... "just stress"...>
Was it doomed from the beginning?  An anomaly? I don't know what to think.
Thanks again,
Jeremy
<A percentage risk... Your reactions, plans were not "off"... I would likely have done what you state. Bob Fenner>

Fish and star question, Marine Snow food opinion   7/22/06
Hello,
         Great site!!!!! I have a 100g reef tank with mushrooms, a torch coral, a frogspawn coral, two devils hands and tons of clean-up crew. I have a purple and yellow tang, one powder blue chromis and a clown goby. I want to add another fish that is cool looking and beautiful. I don't know what to add. Any angel fish?
<A few possibilities... likely a Centropyge... or Genicanthus species>
any other cool tangs.
<Mmm, not likely a good idea>
I would love an achilles tang or sohal tang.
<Not good choices here... see WWM re temperament, hardiness, size...>
Also, what is a cool starfish that would be reef safe?
<These genera, species are listed on WWM>
What do you think of "marine snow" by two little fishes?
<It's "The Emperor's New Fish Food" (like the story of the emperor's new clothes)... A scam... non-nutritious, a waste of time. Don't know why Danny and Jules of Two Li'l Fishies are involved in this gimmick>
I would love your opinion. You guys have been a great help in the past.   
  Thanks,   
  Jeromy
<Glad to proffer them.

Temporary Tang home   7/22/06
Hello!
<Hi there>
Long time reader, first time writer.  I had a lunch question for you (as I'm at lunch).
<Wish I was... instead am "out to lunch" as usual...>
I currently have a 4 year old 58 gallon tank with a ~4" Foxface (Lo vulpinus), a bi-color blenny (Ecsenius bicolor?),
<Likely so>
a number of various corals (some SPS colonies, a few LPS colonies, zoanthids), and 2 clams.  I don't know if it changes the matter, but the tank is substrate-free (or bare-bottom, if you prefer).
<We'll see... can be done w/o>
I have strong flow (combination of power-heads and return pump in excess of 4k gal/hour),
<Wowzah! Brisk!>
about 70 pounds of live rock, 30 gallon sump, auto top-off, perform a 10 gallon water change a week (had problems about a year ago with algae, and I just can't seem to kick the habit!), and keep a clean water column {0 detectible phosphate, 0 nitrite, 0 ammonia, ~.5ppm nitrate, 500 ppm calc, 7.5 dKH alk, ph 8.2, temp 78 (with a chiller), sg 1.0255, all steady for the last six months}.  I've enjoyed this tank so much over the years, I've gotten spouse's permission to start an upgrade to a 150 (5' x 2' x 2').
<Wow! Congrats!>
I've drawn up plans and began work for a stand, sought out a tank builder, and set aside the funding with an intent to have the
upgrade complete around February of 2006 (my point for telling you this is to prove that it's a reality, and not a pipe dream).
<Mmm, maybe 2007...>
  My current tank, however, seems a little lonely, and I would like to get some more fish in the mean time.  While I know nothing is guaranteed, my hope is to stay with more docile fish in both this tank and the upgrade.  Also, because I enjoy corals as much as fish, I LEAN towards getting fish that have a better history of being reef-safe (which, to me, is defined as doesn't pick at clams/corals),
<Or at least is highly unlikely to...>
but again, nothing is guaranteed.
<Bingo>
So, now that I've gotten a half hour of tank history and hopes behind us, the quandary;  My desire is to purchase 2 tangs within the month, the "Powder Brown" (Acanthurus japonicus) and a Kole (Ctenochaetus strigosus) around 3 inches in size, and introduce them at the same time.
<Mmm... can/could be done, but I encourage you to really only place one or the other>
After researching, my thought was that they are of different genus
<Genera>
and may coexist peacefully.  The store which orders fish for me will QT them for 3 weeks prior to my purchase, as I have not the means to do so at home.
<I do hope they are diligent/dependable>
Will these fish be relatively happy (not merely survive) for the 5-7 months in a 3 foot long tank?
<Too unlikely not to>
I also very much enjoy the Scribbled Rabbitfish (Siganus doliatus),
<Best to stick with one Siganid species per system... one specimen, unless it's hundreds of gallons>
the Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus), and some gobies (such as Stonogobiops nematodes).  Would you
hesitate adding any of these fish (taking into account all the others) after the 150 gallon tank is running?
<Just the Rabbitfish>
Thanks in advance for your time.
Your services are invaluable!
Chris  
<Thank you for writing, sharing. Bob Fenner>

Stocking a 55 7/22/06
I first want to say thank you for all the great help you provide. <Thanks for using it.>
My question is a simple stocking question regarding a Kole Tang.  I followed my stocking guide from a certain book that is highly useful however the author apparently Way overstocks,  and it didn't work out.  (2 Hippo Tangs + 55 Gallons = Death) <Yep> After the first attempt I altered the list to include the following:
2 Clown Fish
3 Chromis
1 Royal Gramma
1 Six Lined Wrasse
1 Coral Beauty.  
Would a Kole Tang work in this system or do you think that would be pushing it? <I wouldn't add any tang.  Otherwise the list looks good, although pretty heavy by the time you’re done.  Just make sure to go slow with stocking, maybe one species every 2 months or so.>
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you so much for all you do
<Anytime>
<Chris>

Re: Tangs Tangs Tangs - How many per tank?   7/12/06
Hi there WWM again,
<Hello Angela
Okay after I last spoke to you my puffer is now doing great (after inflating himself daily for a week he got ich, has now gotten rid of it so this was obviously the problem as he is fine now) the Maroon Clown and Neon Velvet Damsel (previously they had nipped fins) are doing great also - no white spot.
<Good to hear.> <<Is still there... just sub-clinical in expression... Like Arnie Schwarzneneggar, it'll be baaaaaaack. RMF>>
On to my real question, I have been cycling a 180 US gal tank for about 2 weeks now, Deltec skimmer & Aquamedic pump in the sump, Tunze power head have been assured that I am purchasing the best equipment for my tank, 3 MH & 2 blue T5's, basically what I want to know is if the fish I want to purchase can all live in this tank, how many tangs can I have and which order to add them in.  I looked in all the FAQ's and found loads on Regal Tangs but not much on other tangs in relation to how many? what order?  I am proposing to move the Porcupine Puffer, Maroon Clown and Damsel over next week (Ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate - 0, PH 8.2, loads of live rock and corals) I then want to add (in this order) 2 Yellow Tangs,
<Better to only one of each type to minimize aggression.>
2 inches each (they come together from LFS), Yellow Tailed Purple Tang 5 inches, Cleaner Wrasse, Queen Angel or other potentially large Angelfish
<In looking at your lighting set-up, I'm thinking you are going to be keeping corals.  If so, the Queen Angel and/or similar are not reef compatible.>
and a Powder Blue Tang (med size).
<This fish is very prone to ich.  If your experience level is low, I'd stay away from the Power Blue.>
Okay the answer I am expecting from you is OMG, are you nuts as there is no way I am going to have selected my favourite fish and its going to be as easy as 'yes, no problem Angela, they will all live in harmony with one another' I wish lol.
<When adding tangs, do add all at the same time.>
Other question, if the above number of tangs is totally unacceptable,
<Your selection sounds OK>
my partner likes a Nigger Trigger in the LFS (personally I think he's gross) anyway, he has already killed 4 fish that the Fishman has told us about and I think he is a liability and a huge risk on the fish I already have and I am very attached to.  Do you think if this fish was last in it would be ok?
<With the fish you are choosing, I'd stay away from any triggerfish, just don't fit in.>
or the next fish we should get?  
<Your fish choice will be your choosing.  Do research before buying as to compatibility, needs, etc.>
If the Queen Angel is a definite 'no' can you suggest some other stunning Angels available in UK?
<Angela, I have no idea what is available in the UK.  Pygmy Angels are generally well behaved in a community system.>
Am I maxed out at 9 fish in this size of tank or is even 9 too many?
<All depends on the size they will attain, another research item.  I would safely say 36 inches of total fish length would be fine in your tank.>
I have snails, hermits and a Boxer Shrimp as the clean up crew.  I also considered a clam, gentleman at Fish store has advised 'do so at own risk' as far as Puffer goes, what do you think?
<Forget the clam.>   I  was also keen on a Sea Hare, I know that they ink for defense but are they too a no no with the Puffer?
<Require a very good chemical filter in the event the dye is released, before it can lead to problems.  They also graze on Caulerpa and other algae types.
If you cannot provide this, I'd stay away from the Sea Hare.
I think that's quite enough questions for now, please try to answer as many as possible - many thanks for all your help and keep up the good advice.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Angela, Scotland UK.

- Tang for algae 6/24/06 -
Bob,
<JasonC here today.>
Could you advise what would be a good choice of Tang/Surgeon for eating mainly hair type/filamentous algae? Don't really want a Yellow Tang (Z. Flavescens) as my local aquarist gives accounts of them sometimes being highly territorial. (I have - at present - a fairly "peaceful" set up). <It is my observation that this territoriality comes from these fish often being the first fish in the tank. If you add one to this existing community, I don't think it would be that big of a deal.>
Aka :    
1 X Emperor Angel (Pomacanthus  Imperator)
1 X  Coral Beauty Angel (Centropyge bispinosus)
1 X  Three Spot Angel (Apolemichthys Trimaculatus)
1 X  Golden Headed Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea Strigata)
1 x  Orange Spotted Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea puellaris)
2 X  Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris Decora)
1 X  Royal Gramma (Gramma Loreto)
2 X  Long-Fin Bannerfish (Heniochus Acuminatus)
4 X  Green Chromis (Chromis Caerulea)
4 X  Blue Damsels (2 each- exact species unknown)
1 X  Big Long-Nosed Butterflyfish (Forcipiger Longirostris)
1 X  Rainford's Goby (Amblygobius Rainfordi)
Tank is 84" X 21" X 21" with around 45Kg Live Rock, 12 Super Turbo  Snails, 4 Turbo Snails, 3 Red Legged Hermit Crabs, 12 Blue Legged Hermit  Crabs and 3 Mithrax Crabs.
Filtration is 2 X Tetratec 1200 External canisters,TMC V2 600 Protein  Skimmer, and added circulation with 3 X Rio 2100 power heads. RO water used at all times, TMC Pro-Reef Salts.
NH3/NH4 - Nil, NO2 - Nil, NO3 - less than 12.5mg/l, PH buffered at  8.3, SG1022,Temp 25.7c, ORP @ 300-325 (ORP. ph & temp digitally  continuously monitored).
Weekly 50 Imperial Gallon water changes.
Fully fitted 32"X16"X12"  "Hospital/Quarantine/Refugium" tank.
Eventually (in some years to come) I want to graduate to "fish and hardy invertebrate" system and then eventually on to a full "reef" system (obviously with far fewer fish).  
My considerations are:     
A. Japonicus (White faced tang),
A. Coeruleus (Blue Tang),    
A. Achilles (Achilles Surgeonfish),
Z. Veliferum (Sailfin Tang),
Z. Desjardinii (Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang).
Finally, can I say your book has been of really great help, and is  frequently referred to by myself for guidance.
Kind Regards,
Andy B.
Preston, Lancashire, UK.
<Andy, I'm not certain I saw an actual question in there... any of those Tangs would be a good choice in my opinion, including the Z. Flavescens. Cheers, J -- >

Something about tangs, not reading   6/17/06
  Hello again back to bother you.
<Where's the previous correspondence?>
I was wondering what would be easier to care for a powder brown tang or a purple tang (mean).  
<The latter is hardier by far>
I currently have a 90 gallon tank with only 2 fish a Kole tang and a clown fish.  I have had bouts of ick in this tank but after a few weeks the fish got over it
<...>
and I haven't seen it since (but probably still there).
<"It's" still there...>
  I don't really like the idea of a purple tang because there so aggressive but they look nice and the powder brown is more difficult to keep so that is my dilemma.  My water quality is excellent the only thing that shows up on tests is .2 phosphate.  I work at a saltwater fish store so I can get pretty much any tang I want (the ick scares me) and if you could suggest one of these or even another type for a 90 gallon tank I would really appreciate it.  Thanks, constant email er Ryan Nienhuis.
<Please read... Here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangs,.htm
and the linked files above, particularly the coverage of all Tang genera, their Selection, Compatibility... Bob Fenner>

SW Stocking ... Re: Another stocking question! =P  - 5/5/2006
I've got another question for you! <OK!> I have a 30 gallon aquarium with 192 watt power compact lighting, 150 watt heater, 400 gph bio-wheel, protein skimmer (worthy of cycling a 100 gallon aquarium)<Skimmers don't cycle the tank, they filter it>, 35-40 lbs of Fiji live rock, 40 lbs live sand, and a 190 gph power head. <Sounds good>
Tell me this, can I put 2 ocellaris clownfish,<OK> 1 hippo tang <Nope>, and 1 flame angelfish <Nope> in this aquarium? They will all be tank-bred <Hippos are not currently tank bred, and the angels are rare> and 1 inch when added <tangs that size have an awful survival rate>. I also have plenty of caves for the fish to hide in created by the live rock. What order do you insist I add them in? <Should not be done in any order>
They will also all be put into QT before put into the main aquarium. <Good procedure>
Do you think the fish will be "ok" if I wait for 2-3 years until I upgrade to a bigger aquarium? <No> If not tell me how long I should wait (e.g. When the fish get a certain size). <I can't recommend trying at all>
Please answer these questions even though you may disagree with what I'm doing. <My answer is its a recipe for disaster and I can't recommend doing it unfortunately >I will also have 1 small bubble tip anemone, 2 feather dusters, 5 dwarf blue hermit crabs, 1 super Tongan Nassarius snail, and 1 scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp.
  Sincerely,
  Aqua Man
<Unfortunately I can't recommend your stocking plan, I suggest starting with the clowns and finding more appropriate fish that tickle your fancy.  I think you will be much happier in the long run>
<Chris>

Tang Frenzy - 05/07/2006
Hi crew,
<Chad>
I am starting a 250 gallon 10 ft. long FOWLR tank. Do you think these are good stocking plans in this order?
1 Blue Hippo tang
1 Naso tang
1 Sohal tang
<Too big and mean, the Naso and Sohal are not very friendly with other tangs>
1 Powder Blue tang
1 Achilles Tang (LFS sadly keeps them in stock regularly)
<Do not survive long and are hard to get healthy specimens, do be careful here in getting a good healthy one.>
1 Imperator Angel
<will try to rule the tank, may fight with the bigger tangs.>
1 Brown Band Bamboo shark
<Too big, and wrong type system for this fish.>
1 Australian Harlequin Tuskfish
1 Yellow Tang
You think this Is going to be way to much fish for this size tank? I am only thirteen years old and am fairly new to salt water but am already obsessed with it.
<Yes you have quite a wish list.  Most tangs DO NOT get along well with each other in smaller systems (a 250gallon is a small system for this many tangs), and will probably not do well.  pick one or two that you really want, and research here on WWM to see if they are compatible in diet and aggression.>
Thanks, I live off your Site. Great job .
Chad
<Try when stocking to find one fish you really want as the main fish in the display, then find fish that are compatible with it.  Mixing too many fish that do not get along can be very bad for all the fish.  -Justin (Jager)>

-Tang Frenzy part 2-   5/9/06
Thanks for reply
    Do you think I would be able to get away with a Naso, Blue hippo, Powder blue and a Yellow as for tangs?
<Don't add the Naso and sure these should work in a 250.  the Naso though can be very aggressive.>
Would a  Zebra Moray work in this size system?
<Yes it should be ok with your list if feed properly.>
I would want the Naso tang and Imperator angel to be my show fish.
This is the biggest size tank my parents will allow me to have or else I would of gone way bigger. Do these fish need special lighting?
<No special lighting needed.>
<Justin (Jager)>

Lipstick tang health, sel.   3/15/06
Hi
I would like to know if you have any ideas on why our lipstick tang died. We've had the tank 5ft- 380litres) for 3 months. We have a blue damsel, 2 coral banded shrimp, Fijian damsel, 2 clownfish and a coral beauty (all small specimens). We test regularly, everything stays relatively the same, and I tested again after the tang died. Ph-8.4, ammonia 0.1,
<Should be zip>
nitrate 20ppm.
<Borderline high>
We had the tang 9 days, when we first got it there was a small amount of tail fighting with the coral beauty, but after this all seemed harmonious. The tang ate well each feed either brine shrimp or vege cubes and we also added seaweed which it grazed on. The night before it fed well and seemed happy. Dead as a door nail the next morning! Shop said maybe stress but that it would have white spots if this was the case. I examines the tang, there were no marks at all, it looked perfectly healthy, other than being dead obviously.
Any ideas would be appreciated
Cheers Megan
<Naso species do often "just die" shortly after arrival/collection from the wild. Likely "cumulative stress" could sum up the "cause" here. Buying a specimen that has been "on hand" for a few weeks will likely assure its survival in your setting. Bob Fenner>

Too Much Tang Flesh? - 03/11/06
Just a quick question.
<<Ok>>
Am I overstocked?
<<Short answer...yes.>>
I have 4 tangs- A powder blue, scopas, large 5-inch sailfin and a blue tang, also have a 4-inch checkerboard wrasse, coral beauty, royal Gramma, 2 clowns, longnose Hawkfish and a sixline wrasse.  To me this sounds like a lot of fish.
<<It is...and some get big.>>
They are all happy with no fighting in my 135 gallon.  I have a 55 gallon refugium and a 40 gallon sump all connected.  There's about 200 pounds of live rock and various clams and inverts?  What do you think?
<<Easy for me to say I know...but you should find other/better homes for the Sailfin, Powder blue, and Blue tangs.  The Sailfin can reach 18" in length, and depending on which "Blue" tang you have...Paracanthurus hepatus can grow to a very "beefy" 14-inches while Acanthurus coeruleus can reach about 17-inches...as for the Powder blue, potential is 24-inches.  But, it is very likely none of these fish will ever reach maturity/these sizes before succumbing to social/psychological/developmental retardation issues from being kept/grown in a "too small" system.  Mature sizes aside, it's my opinion that tangs as a whole need much more space than most any other commonly available aquarium fish of comparable dimension.>>
I was hoping to add a couple of bottom dwelling gobies.
<<Remove the tangs and all sorts of options open up.  I think tangs are beautiful and amazing fish and I understand their attraction, but I feel many, if not most, are unsuitable for the average home aquarium.>>
thanks a lot
tb
<<Very welcome.  Regards, EricR>>

Naso Tang ... selection? - 2/11/2006
I bought a Blonde Naso Tang last week.  I bought him because the "expert" at the LFS said these were hardy fish and not particularly disease prone. <He's also a comedian too?> He also tested my water and told me it was fine, but I didn't ask the specific parameters.  He told me that he had been quarantining using a UV sterilizer for approximately 1 month. The Naso has been in my tank for 4.5 days.  I noticed two days ago that he has white spots on his fins.  The same "expert" at the LFS advised me to give him a bath in 2.5 gals of fresh water and 11 drops of formalin with an antibiotic in the water.  Is this the way to treat that? <I'd like to ask you a question first.  Why didn't you quarantine the fish before placing it in your tank?  This makes an effective treatment much easier.  Freshwater dips are usually the first stage in treatment.  Do google search our Wet Web site, keyword "freshwater dip".  You will find your info there.  I'm also hoping you have at least a 70 gallon tank for that guy for starters as they can attain a length of up to 8 inches and do require plenty of swimming room.  James (Salty Dog)>
Donna  

Re: Naso Tang   2/13/06
Thank you so much for your help.  <You're welcome.> I am fairly new to the saltwater hobby <Naso tangs are not a fish for newbies for sure.>
though I've been keeping freshwater fish for a few years.  I don't have a quarantine tank set up.  How many gallons should a quarantine tank be? And
how long should I quarantine fish? <Do read here.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QuarMarFishes.htm
James (Salty Dog)>

Tang Acanthurus addn. Question  02/12/06
Hello,
       Love the site!!! I have a quick question for you. I have a 100 gallon reef system with 2 powder blue Chromis, a yellow tang, a purple tang (they get along great!!) Mandarin goby, and two Percula clown fish that live in my bubble tip!! I was wondering if I could add an Achilles Tang to the mix.
<Doubtful>
I know tangs can get nasty, but I just love the way the fish looks and would love one. Please let me know if this would work, or if not, what other "show" fish I could put in with the "gang"  
  Thanks,   
  Jeormy   
  P.S.-Keep up the good work
<Thanks. Not a hardy species... not good in this setting. Bob Fenner>

Poorly Atlantic Blue Tang....    2/3/06
Hi All,
We have a 55 UK gallon tank, with 30 kilos of Live Rock, MC500 Deltec, 2 power heads, 250 halide and two blue arcadias. Fish stock includes
Mandarin
Yellow tang
Atlantic blue tang
2 Green Chromis
2 percula clowns
Brownbarred goby
Six lined Wrasse
9 red hermits
6 turbo snails
1 cleaner shrimp.
Our problem is our Atlantic blue tang, it seems to have what I can only described a bubbly skin and there are a couple of white spots on it.
<Unfortunately... quite prone to such troubles... as are most Atlantic Surgeonfishes>
We are guessing its Ich but we're not getting much help from our LFS who have told us the just leave him  and he will get over it?!?
<Not if it were indeed crypt/ich... but I doubt this is what you are observing... otherwise your other fishes would be mal-affected as well>
We are concerned as we are relatively new to this and would like to do what is right! I've read a lot of articles on this site with regards to
freshwater dips, garlic copper and so on and from this have deduced freshwater dips are the way to go. Would you think this was advisable?
<Not w/o knowing what is going on here>
He is still eating well but does seem a little irritable. Many thanks for any help and advice you can give to us Brits as I haven't found a website as useful as yours in the UK.
Emma and Simon, Lake District, UK
<Mmm, need more information re the chemical make-up of this system. Were your fishes quarantined ahead of placement? I would be leery re "adding something" here in the way of "medicine"... Is there an aquarist friend, stockist who might come by and take a look at your set-up, livestock? Bob Fenner>

Re: Poorly Atlantic Blue Tang....   2/6/06
Thanks to Bob Fenner for is prompt reply,
The tang seems to have deteriorated overnight, he now have a number of visible white spots and his skin is very bumpy and has developed two 5mm
white patches which looks like the loss of pigment. All the chemicals are fine all tests have come back as spot on. No fish have been
quarantined prior to putting in the tank as we "assumed" this was done by the place we've been buying them from.
<Not a good assumption>
Unfortunately there isn't anyone local to come and check out our system we're a little in the
middle of nowhere the most local person originally advised us to us water out of the stream which runs through our back garden at first
(!!!) so wouldn't trust anything he had to say. That's why we have to travel over an hour to the best one in the area. No other fish are
affected at all which makes me wonder if it is ich as I would have thought maybe the clowns would have got it by now.
<As stated, this fish (Acanthurus coeruleus likely) and other TWA tangs just don't "cut it" in captivity... for whatever reason/s>
We have a cleaner wrasse but the tang won't let him near and just chases him away.
<Labroides are not found in the Atlantic...>
The fish store is posting out some bacterial type to put into the system but I'm hesitant to use it, especially due to the loss of pigment on his
skin. Many thanks if there is any help you can give me, Emma, UK.
<Not much more to say unfortunately. Bob Fenner>

Stocking  Choices, Skip the Surgeons   1/31/06
Hello crew,
<Hi!>
I currently have a 55 gallon FOWLR and invertebrates (polyps, mushrooms) tank.
<Sounds like a budding mini-reef to me.>
It is two years old and doing fine. I currently have 2 clownfish (about 2 inches each) and 1 bi-color blenny.
<Nice stocking level.>
I want to add only 2 more fish to the tank.
<Okay.>
I was thinking of adding a Yellow Tang
<I would skip most if not all surgeons in this tank.>
and then after a few months, a Flame Angel.
<Could be a good addition to your tank, very attractive fish.>
I know these fish will all be compatible with one another but will the tank be big enough for these last two fish additions?
<No not for the tang I would make another choice. The angel should be fine providing you can secure a healthy specimen, not always easy as this is a popular fish. Be sure to do your research on WWM re: centropyge angels.>
Thanks for your help!
<Anytime, Adam J.>

Tangled Up Over Tang Choices!   1/26/06
Dear Crew,
<Hi there! Scott F. your Crew Member today!>
I have a 120 gallon reef tank. I lost all my livestock during Hurricane Katrina because my power was out for over a week. I couldn't even get to my house for three days!
<Yuck! Sorry to hear that.>
Anyway, I am in the process of restocking, and
probably will be for some time. It took me a while to get all the stuff I had. Amazingly enough, most of the small polyps, some Derasa, Mushrooms, and a Leather Coral the size of a dinner plate survived the ordeal. I put them in a big Rubbermaid with some rock while I cleaned the tank and got it back going.
<Good procedure>
I had 3 Yellow Tangs that perished. I'm ready to get some more fish now and I know I want some Tangs. Aside from looking good, they work wonders with algae. They were neat to watch because they schooled around the tank, ate together and so on.....
<Yep, very cool fish!>
My main question is would Kole Tangs do as well in a group of three to five as Yellow Tangs?
<They can be kept successfully in small groups, but you'd need to give them a large amount of space. In a 120, I'd really recommend keeping only one of them.>
Secondarily, which of the two are better hair algae eaters?
<For hair-type algae, hands-down I'd choose the Yellow Tang. Zebrasoma species are better "equipped" to deal with these types of algae. For diatoms, detritus, and other "tougher" algae, I would highly recommend the Kole, as it's mouth is designed to rasp these types of algae off of hard substrates.>
Thanks, John Jordan
<My pleasure John. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Replaced The Tangs - 01/10/06 Selection, Labroides...
Dear Eric
<<Hi Akila!>>
I'm still waiting for your feedback on my earlier email.  Anyway just reply me whenever you are free. Thanks
<<Mmm, I have replied to all I have received.>>
I returned the Powder Blue Tang and the huge Clown Wrasse (Red
Coris Wrasse) I bought earlier and replaced them with one Banner
Fish (5") and a Threadfin Butterfly (5").  How is my choice this time?
<<Much better...though you still have the Clown Tang...trouble down the road I fear.>>
I read many articles that said they are easy to maintain.
<<Easier/more suitable than the Powder Blue...agreed.>>
Also they look amazingly pictorial.
<<Agreed again>>
I also bought a small 1-1/2 inch Cleaner Wrasse cuz I read on the net that they are very good for removing parasites from other animals in the tank.  Is this true?
<<I wish you had dug a bit deeper Akila.  While it is true the Cleaner Wrasses (Labroides sp.) are good at what they do, they make poor aquarium choices due to their preferred/specified diet.  Most will accept no other source of food other than what they can pick off the fish, and your aquarium fish won't be able to provide enough nourishment...not to mention the constant harassment/stress incurred by the fish from the starving attentions of the Cleaner Wrasse.  If you want a "cleaner" fish, better to go with a Cleaner "Goby" like Gobiosoma oceanops.>>
Anyway let me know about the Seaweed also. Please refer to my earlier email.
<<Hmm, thought I did...but here it is again...(Hmm, having not traveled (yet) that part of the world I have no idea what might be available to you.  See if you can get some dried Nori from a market/specialty food store, else order some algae flake foods from the from etailers on the internet.)>>
Appreciate your response
Thanks
Best regards
Akila
<<Be chatting...EricR>>

Tangs and Microfauna 12/1/2005
Hi
<Hello.>
I have two quick questions first what kind of tang if any could I keep in a 45 gallon aquarium with two clownfish 4 cleaner shrimp and a few hermit crabs and snails.
<Honestly, none long term.>
Second when I turned the lights off last night and looked in with a flashlight and saw 100s of little shrimp like things swimming in the water, would that mean that most likely there amphipods because they can be seen.
<Probably pods or maybe even other microfauna such as Mysis and Mysid shrimp.>
Thanks
<Welcome.>
--Sbatiste
<Adam J.> 

Tang Compatibility and Odd Notions  11/20/05
Hello, I need expert advice on tang additions. I have a 135gal, 6 ft. reef, up for 1 year. I am ready to add tangs. 
Current inhabitants are: 
1 bluespotted jawfish
2 false perc. clowns
1 firefish
1 Midas blenny
1 mandarin
2 Banggai cardinals
1 bar goby
1 flame angel
various corals
My favorite tangs are, in order Naso, Powder Blue, Purple, Yellow, Hippo. I'd like to add three (as I've heard odd numbers minimize aggression). My main concern is to make a wise decision not to regret later. My LFS is holding a healthy Naso for me. 
<Keep in mind the Powder Blues are very difficult to keep and the Naso's not far behind them.> 
They advise I add 3 at once. 
<It helps> 
My other question is, should I quarantine, since my LFS quarantines for 2 weeks? 
<Two weeks is not enough time to be sure disease isn't present. More like 28 days.> 
How do you quarantine 3? 
<With a suitable size tank with dividers. Maybe your dealer has a large enough area he could devote to quarantine your tangs for you.> 
I've read that PBT's and Purples should be the only tangs in a system. 
<Where did you hear this from?> 
Are there exceptions? and, thanks for answering all these questions! What should be the sizes of the 3 I add in relation to each other? Thanks so much. 
<I recommend the three tangs selected not be the same color or type, as is two yellow tangs or two purple tangs. My choices based on hardiness would be the hippo, yellow or purple. Two hippos and another species of tang could be placed together in a system as large as yours. In my opinion/experience the hippos are the least aggressive. I would choose tangs about three inches in length. Do read tang FAQ's on compatibility. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangcompfaq2.htm  James (Salty Dog)>

Torn Between two tangs 10-12-05
Dear Crew,
<<Hello>>
I have a 180 g FOWLR that had been a closed system for quite some time until this summer when after a 4 wk quarantine I added an adult emperor angel.
<<QT should always be a minimum of 4 weeks and I personally suggest a minimum of 6 weeks on tangs and angels as they like to harbor "nasties".>>
The 180 had a powder blue and a Naso tang, both beautiful fish. A purple tang and Foxface that I have had for 8-9 years were looking like they were on their last  leg ( probably old age , I guess ) and I decided to open the system to new inhabitants.
Unfortunately, despite using a QT the tangs look like they came down with crypt. I pulled all fish from the system, treated then in QT's with copper for 3 weeks and let the display lie fallow for 5 weeks.
<<Again as a general rule, a tank should be left fallow for 6-8 weeks and temp. should be raised as high as tolerable for current inhabitants to increase the rate of the parasite life cycle.>>
I have since re-introduced all of the fish except for the tangs. For 4 weeks since the 180 has been with fish the system looks great. My tangs are also doing well while still in the QT except for some HLLE that they acquired while copper treated. 
The Naso has a few scattered papules on the face and head and body that copper had no effect on ( ? HLLE ) but is otherwise doing great. The Naso and powder blue are in a 55 g tank together. The papules on the Naso are whitish and 
much 4-5 times larger than what is seen with crypt, this has been a chronic condition for this fish but it has not been that noticeable nor has it affected the fish's activity eating etc.
Now I am faced with a dilemma : Should I dare re-introduce the tangs into the display. I fear that tangs are very "parasite prone" Currently the 180 has an adult emperor 6". a majestic 4-5" Foxface 5" Heniochus 4" a couple of clowns and one damsel, 250lbs of LR with plenty of hiding places.
Probably no good answer to this question, but I thought I would try asking.
<<The best answer I can give is; if you don't feel comfortable doing it, then don't do it. You are correct in your thinking that tangs are prone to infection. My advice would be to pick one and give the other to a friend or set up the 55 for the outsider.>>
Jimmy
<<TravisM>><<<I actually am going to make a comment... both species listed here are unsuitable for a four foot long system (should be in six foot minimum)... the mucus marks on the Naso are likely "just" resultant from stress... RMF>>>

Yellow Tang Blues? (Selecting and Caring For Z. flavescens) 8/24/05
Good Day!
<Hello there! Scott F. at your service today!>
I have a small (45 gallon) reef set-up. It's been up and running very successfully for 3 years now. I have a question - I have several fish that have lived very peacefully and apparently healthy for most of the 3 years. I vary the food given, since some of the fish are herbivores (Yellow Tang/Zebrasoma flavescens & Hippo Tang/Paracanthurus hepatus) and some are carnivores (Percula Clownfish/Amphiprion ocellaris). I feed dried Omega One
flake, frozen brine, Emerald Entrée & Mysis shrimp (not all at once...lol) All of the fish seem healthy but I've lost several Zebrasoma flavescens over the past few years. The Hippo tang is doing well as are all of the other fish. The Yellow tang appears healthy until I find it dead or almost dead. I figure it must be the diet since I can see no parasitic clues and all of the other fish are doing well. I feed sparingly once to twice per day and all of the fish seem to eat voraciously. I say sparingly since I know the uneaten food will feed all of the unwanted items in my tank. Any clues to what I'm doing/not doing?
Thanks for the assistance.
J.T. Craddock
<Well, before we look at the possible causes of your bad luck with the Yellow Tangs, I have to get up on the soapbox for a minute. I'm sure that you are aware, but the P. hepatus Tang will require much larger quarters in the very near future if it is to live anything close to a natural lifespan. These fish can and will get quite large, and they require very large amounts of physical space to live a long, healthy life. I'm sure that a larger tank is in the future, right? Anyways...off the soapbox and on to the problem! I think that there are a few potential issues here. First, these fishes are often subject to shipping traumas. The majority of the Yellow Tangs collected for the trade come from the best source, Hawaii, and are collected well and shipped quickly. Yellow Tangs from other sources don't always fare as well. These fishes need to eat constantly, and typically, by the time they reach the LFS, they are already quite deprived of food. When selecting specimens from the LFS, be sure to choose fish that are not showing signs of malnutrition, pinched-in stomachs, faded color, red marks on the fins, etc. Additionally, make sure that you employ a quarantine regimen for all new fish, particularly Tangs. Not only does the quarantine period give you the opportunity to observe the fishes for signs of infections and to treat them before introduction to your display-it gives your new fish the chance to eat and recover from their journey to the LFS. These fishes are voracious consumers of algae, and should have a regular "supply" of algal-based foods available constantly. You should utilize fresh macroalgae, such as Gracilaria parvispora ("Ogo"). You can order Gracilaria from e-tailers such as my favorite, IndoPacific Sea Farms (www.ipsf.com). Last, but not least, make sure that you maintain very high water quality at all times. Employ aggressive protein skimming, regular, frequent water changes, and common sense husbandry practices. Hopefully, these tips will point you in the right direction. It really sounds like you're doing things right...just consider a larger tank down the line! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Yellow Tang With Blonde Naso Tang (Too Much!) - 07/17/05
Hi there!
<<Howdy!>>
I have been reading a lot of articles on your web site and  
definitely got some insight into Tang behavior.
<<Really?>>
We have recently sold our 55 gallon tank and moved everything into a 40 gallon stretch hex tank, with no losses I might add, yea!  We did this about a week ago and even rearranged about 75 pounds of live rock along with a variety of small corals, a Condy, a bubble
tip anemone, along with a few snails shrimp and hermit crabs.  We also have a maroon clownfish and a strawberry Basslet, along with a 3-4 inch yellow tang.
<<This tank is too small for tangs.>>
We added a 5" Blonde Naso Tang today <<sigh!>>, figuring the rearrangement of rock would alleviate any territoriality issues.
<<Not in a tank this small...no tang should be in this tank, especially one (the Naso) that grows to a foot and a half!>>
Almost immediately the Yellow Tang began tail banging the larger Naso.  This did taper off and they were eventually feeding together, although you could tell the Yellow Tang would posture next to the Naso but not swipe at it.  Tonight the Naso is hanging out behind some rock.  It does not appear stressed as it is not breathing fast and appears calm.  It this new tank mate syndrome? What are your suggestions for this arrangement?
<<I'm afraid my suggestion is one you don't want to hear...If you care about the long-term health of these fish, remove/replace the tangs with fish more suitable for this tank.>>
Thanks!!!!!
<<Regards, Eric R.>>

Yellow Tang with Blonde Naso Tang 7/18/05
Thank you for your insightful feedback, we had NO IDEA the Naso Tang could  
get 1 to 1 1/2 feet long!
<Yes>
I guess we need to do some internet research going forward, since the  sales
people at our local fish store never suggested the mix of fish we  currently
have would be troublesome, or that our tank was too small for these  fish.
Many thanks once again.
Jennifer & Blair
<Glad for the Net, sharing. Bob Fenner>

Powder Brown Low-Down (Tang Quarantine) 7/14/05
I have a 75gal FOWLR, and I am thinking of adding a Powder Brown (White Faced) Tang.
<Just keep thinking, but please don't add this fish to your tank, unless a much larger tank is in the very near future. Your tank really is too small to support this fish for anything close to a natural life span, IMO. You need a tank that is at least 6 feet long, to provide "physical space" for the fish, as well as large water capacity to help dilute metabolic waste...>
I have a  20gal hospital tank setup and I know how to perform a freshwater dip.
<A good practice>
Should I run copper in the hospital for the whole 21 days or just wait and see if anything pops up.
<I would not use copper, or any other medicine, on a prophylactic basis.>
I'm pretty sure with a Powder Brown it is going to have ich (even if I don't see it) and I don't want to kill it the copper treatment but I also don't want the ich in my main. What to do?
Thanks
Daryl
<Well, Daryl- if you were going to get this fish, you'd be well advised to do a full 30 day quarantine, without copper or other medication. Only medicate if the fish shows signs of illness. Just make sure that you run the full 30 day quarantine. Regards, Scott F.>

- Stocking Questions -
Thank you for keeping your site up and running and so full of useful advice.
It is great to read all the emails and comments.  Also, it is great to have expert advice as close as an email away - thank you.
I have a 75-gallon tank with a wet/dry, large Excalibur protein skimmer, roughly 45 lbs live rock, 4 inch sand bed (plenum), Coralife Power Compact Dual Strip Light with 10,000K and Actinic.  I've had the tank up and running for about a year.
Current stocking:
2 percula clowns
8 Green Chromis (love to watch them school)
1 yellow watchman goby
2 cleaner shrimp
4 Nassarius Snails
10 blue leg crabs
I wanted to ask your advise on adding a tang (think Kole or Yellow, but open for suggestions) and Dwarf Angel (leaning towards Flame, open here also).  That would complete my stocking.  My main focus is on Hardy, peaceful community fish.  Hopefully that would add some color that I do not already have and as a bonus keep the algae trimmed.  Please let me know your thoughts on the above or alternative suggestions.
<If you're looking for peaceful, I'd go with the Yellow tang over the Kole... and as dwarf angels go, the flame is a real winner so I think you'd be all set with those.>
Any chance that you would rank in your opinion the top 5 least aggressive tangs and Dwarf Angels. <Not in this email - please do read through our articles on the same. Tangs and dwarf angels are both well covered on WWM.> Thank you in advance.
<Cheers, J -- >

Tangs and Reefs, Part 2 (5/3/05)
Steve, 
<Hi Scott>
I hope you're doing even better than "well enough" today... but, I suppose it was a Monday yesterday! 
<Indeed. I am fine today, tomorrow is hump day and I get to fly home on Friday.> 
Thanks so much for your quick response. 
<You're welcome.> 
I'll certainly do the 180G if I can... you don't have to tell me twice. ;) BTW, are you a fan of glass or acrylic? 
<I'm a glass man myself.> 
I live in Tucson (where are you at?), 
<SLC> 
so better thermal insulation is great, but I've always seen scratches on the acrylic in stores, and hated it for that. 
<The main problem with acrylic.> 
Then again, I've never actually had an acrylic tank... and Bob made a good case for acrylic in the CMA, so I'm wondering if maybe I should give it a shot. I just shudder at the thought of accidentally scraping live rock on the side and scratching the inside, since I don't imagine you could repair a scratch like that without draining the tank! 
<I've seen some horrible-looking acrylic tanks in my day, but many people swear by them. I'd be too nervous about scratching it. In the big tanks, there is also a big weight advantage to acrylic. It took six of us to get my 180 glass down to the basement through a narrow stairwell. If you have some big bucks, you might want to have a look at Starphire glass, which is much more clear. You can Google it to learn more.>
Thanks for the book suggestions! I currently have Calfo/Fenner's invert book (I'm to the chapter on Sponges; I did read all about the refugiums/algae, just wasn't clear on mixing), 
<Perhaps that did not make it into the book, but not mixing is what they advise on this site.> 
and Borneman's Aquarium Corals (haven't had time for that one yet, still digesting the basics), Dakin's Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium, and recently bought and started reading the CMA. I don't have a reference for just fish, so I'll get Michael's "Marine Fishes" as soon as I can. BTW, any word on when the next installment of the "Natural Marine Aquarium Series" is coming out? 
<I'm not in that loop, but last I heard it was late this year, maybe early next.> 
I wonder if it's on fish or corals... 
<Corals. Fish is volume 3.> 
There's so much information, I sometimes feel I'll never be ready to make my tank/equipment/setup/livestock decisions and finally embark on creating this "real" tank I have in mind (with QT, of course :)! 
<Well, you're wise to avoid impulsiveness.> 
I guess it's one of those things that after preparing, reading, and learning all you can, you have to dive in and get wet! (Sorry, lousy pun. :) 
<Snicker, snicker. Yes, eventually one has to go for it, but with a reasonable plan.>
I'll be sure to stick with just one Tang -- no point in putting in more if they wouldn't be happy, since I'm happy when my fish are happy! I always thought Yellow Tangs were good reef fish, but then I read the following on WWM (at http://www.wetwebmedia.com/YellowTang.htm in the "Habitat" section) and became disheartened: 
"Regarding inclusion of this and other tangs in 'reef tanks'; I don't suggest it. Though these fishes will nibble away at pesky undesirable algae, they do not stop there and have been recorded consuming corals and more. If you must, try a small subject in a large system and keep your eye on them. There are other marine "algae eaters" (gobies, snails, etc.) to augment prevention methods." 
<Well, opinions vary, but plenty of people keep this species in reef tanks without problems. Keep them well-fed with Gracilaria and they won't mess with things you don't want them to.> 
Thanks for your reassurance; my wife (and I) will be thrilled. You did mention a flame angel as a possible tankmate, but that they're a "a bit risky". Flame angels *are* beautiful, and I'd love to have one, but just how risky are they? 
<Some do nibble on corals at times. You might want to read some more. You also might consider joining our forum and asking others for their experience. Here: http://wetwebfotos.com/talk/index.jsp > 
Would you personally put one in, or leave it out? 
<Lucky for me, I have a FOWLR and a reef, so I keep mine in the FOWLR. I do have a Coral Beauty in my reef and it leaves my Blastomussas, Euphyllias and mushrooms alone.>
So, if macroalgae chemically competes, could you be okay by growing Chaetomorpha in one refugium, Gracilaria in another, and plumb them so they are indirectly connected through the sump, or is it not space proximity but being in the same water volume that's the problem? (I.e., do they compete at a local, or broad-scale level, or both?) 
<More locally, and even more in the sense of one over-running the other. I have both, but separated in two refugiums. If you do this sort of thing, the plumbing can be complicated and you must think it out very carefully to avoid overflowing somewhere in the loop. I had great luck getting my Gracilaria to grow in and AquaFuge HOT refugium with 65W power compacts over it 12 hrs/day. The Chaeto is in the sump.>
Thanks again, sorry as always for the length... you can always push mine to the bottom and answer when you're bored... mmm... but I suppose then I'd never get an answer, would I? :) Well, I'll save my (many) other questions for another day... and perhaps I will find some answers I'm confident of on my own before then. 
<Do consider joining the forum. There are lots of helpful, experienced posters there.> 
Keep up the great work, and have a great day! Scott Baker 
<Thanks, you to.>

HLLE on Tang
I am about to buy my first 54 gallon saltwater tank from a friend of a friend, which comes with the tank, pump, sump, over flow, live rock, and all I need to buy is the protein skimmer and lights. He said he's keeping the livestock in the tank (a maroon clown and some crabs) but that he'll let me have the tang in there, but that he/she has vertical line disease. He sold his metal halide lights and protein skimmer a while ago, and I was wondering if this may have caused it?
<No> 
I don't really know much about what the disease is. Is it hard to treat? or even possible? I was hoping for some guidance.
<The only way I've seen reversal of this disease (HLLE) is with Ecosystems Mud Filter www.ecosystems.com.> 
Should I not take the tang?
<I wouldn't take it.> 
I'm not sure what kind it is. Please help!! 
<Some aquarists have also claimed they reversed it using vitamin and iodide supplements, since it is usually caused from poor diet and water quality. James (Salty Dog)>

-To Tang Or Not To Tang-
Afternoon,
<Morning>
75G FOWLR (but for a couple of mushrooms and some polyps), 40lb LR, currently a Purple Tang (had for 2years+, about 3.5-4"), 2 Ocellaris Clowns with a word into the LFS for a Sleeper Gold Head Goby (Valenciennea strigata).
<Good, Please note the tang will need a bigger home (90 gallon)>
Hating to bother the crew with a question, when I already have a feel for the answer (a DON'T) and seen similar already in the FAQ's, but the answers have been rather conflicting. Looking to get some colour and activity into the tank and considering adding a Yellow Tang, should I? 
<Your dead on, please do not>
Mark
<Sorry, please upgrade the tank, then look into that extra tang.>
<Justin (Jager)> 

Unsuitability of powder blue tang
Dear WWM,
<Frank>
I would like to reiterate to all readers that they should fully research all potential purchases through WWM or other reliable sources!!
I bought a small (mistake), thin (bigger mistake) but beautiful Powder Blue Surgeonfish from my local fish store on impulse as it was such a striking specimen.
Upon returning home I decided to do some post- purchase research and found out that the tang was not suitable for my setup or in truth not really suitable for any modest home aquarium. The upshot of this story is the tang seemed in perfect health for a week, but would ONLY eat brine shrimp no matter what other more suitable foods were offered. He never the less appeared happy and hungry until the eighth day, when he suddenly (and I mean suddenly) got covered with what appeared to be visible signs of ich, over the space of two to three hours, and was dead within 12 hours.
I must stress that many publications advise against taking this fish from its natural habitat including articles by Mr. Fenner and I am left in the situation where I wish I had researched and heeded the advice given by said articles!!!!
Thanks for all the help you give when I read advice before making stupid purchases.
Yours, Frank from Glasgow
<Thank you for relating your experience. You have likely saved many others several specimens of this and many other organisms. Bob Fenner> 

Tangling With Tangs!
I'd like to start off by saying that I have looked around on wetwebmedia and other places and haven't found an answer to my question that feels solid. I hate writing you guys because I feel I'm stealing you away from more important things!
<Hey- nothing is more important than sharing and helping our fellow hobbyists- not a problem at all! That's our "Prime Directive" here! Scott F. with you today!>
So... I try to keep my questions to a minimal.  However, that being said... I need some help. My friend and I have a 350 gallon aquarium that is 2 feet tall, 6 feet long, and 4 feet deep. We have researching what fish to add and are looking at tangs right now. Currently, there is only Yellow tang. We are not stuck on keeping him, but if we can, that would be great. We will be adding whatever tangs we decide on as the last fish. At that point in time we will take the Yellow Tang out for awhile, and put him into a 75 gallon aquarium. Then down the road a little ways, we will add him again (being that he is more aggressive than most other tangs). Correct me if this doesn't sound right to you. 
<Well, this species in general doesn't strike me as one of the "aggressive" varieties, but they ARE tangs, and tangs can be aggressive under a variety of circumstances.>
If you don't think he would work out well with other tangs we do have a good home we can send him to if need be.
<Well, a tank of the size you mention should be fine for several tangs, IMO. Perhaps a small group of Yellow Tangs would provide a nice way to display the fish and diffuse some of the aggression that you are noticing.>
The aquarium is a reef setup and has about 200 pounds of LR and about 30-40 pounds of dead rock (that's on it's way to
become LR). We would like to add some tangs, but we don't want them to feel to crowded or aggressive towards each other. I've heard that a Naso tang CAN be a problem in a reef tank. Is this something to worry about or not?
<I have heard of the potential for nipping at inverts, but my larger concern with Nasos is that they are simply HUGE fishes, requiring a lot of room to live long healthy lives. And, they can be quite "Chippy" with other fishes...>
We would also like to add a Sailfin Tang and maybe a Blue Tang.  Would this be too many tangs in this setup?
<Well, the Sailfin can reach over 15 inches, and needs a ton of space. It's one of my favorite fishes, but it really needs a huge tank, IMO. The Blue Tang can also reach an impressive size, but may be better suited to this sized system. I'd still consider a small grouping of Yellow Tangs, and maybe a Ctenochaetus species as a "contrast" (perhaps a Kole Tang or a Chevron Tang).>
If so, what is a good mix in a tank of this size? If you have some other suggestions as to what tangs (if more than one is even appropriate) would work that would be great. As always, thanks for your time and help.  Steve
<Well, Steve- do look into the Ctenochaetus species, as mentioned above. They are cool fish and stay a bit smaller than some of the other guys out there. They may not be quite as colorful, but they have great personalities and are fun to watch. Hope this helps! Regards, Scott F.> 

Re: Starting again
Mike,
Took your advice and added some hermits etc. (no Kole yet ... mixed views in my LFS, some people say no, they are very aggressive with other tangs, other people say the opposite!). Pulled out loads of Caulerpa, tank looks good. Signs of it beginning to grow back but I'm cutting the food down to see if the tangs etc will have a go at the fronds as they
start to emerge.
Thanks for the advice ... good stuff as ever.
Brian
<Brian, I am glad to hear that everything is starting to work out.  Kole tangs can be aggressive sometimes but, I have found that generally they are not.  Remember, there is more than one way to keep a reef tank and that there are many different opinions out there.  Happy to hear all is getting better. MikeB>

Yet another Tang and Stocking Question
Sorry to bother,<no bother, that is what we are here for> but I have heard many opinions on my questions both good and bad and I would like to know your insights.<O.K.> I am thinking of getting a tang and I would like to know which one is the most PEACEFUL community fish for a 65 Gallon FOWLR tank: Blue Hippo Tang or Purple Tang.<My opinion is that the Blue Hippo Tang is more peaceful than the Purple Tang> If I were to get a hippo (about 3"-4") would it do good in the tank? I have known people to keep this fish in a 60 Gallon FOWLR with a very good long term success.<All tangs love to swim and the more space you can give them the better.>  Also, I need to know what order to add these fish in...I am thinking:
1st- Ocellaris Clownfish
2nd- Royal Gramma
3rd- Kaudern's Cardinalfish
4th- Firefish
5th- Flame Angelfish
6th- any 1 of the tangs listed above
7th- Humbug Damselfish
Is this a good introduction order? what do you recommend?
Thank You Very Much,
                         John
<I think your order sounds good.  Make sure that those are the only fish for the tank.  That is a lot of fish for the tank but as long as you have enough filtration you should be O.K.  Make sure you do not over feed the tank and your fish should be happy.  MikeB>

Powder Blue Surgeons... best for species tanks? 10/9/04
Thanks for the help, but sad to say that he died later that day. :(
<very sorry to hear it, my friend... but it is a notoriously difficult fish to import and keep. Some people do well with them, but most have troubles stemming from some common problems/mistakes (lack of proper quarantine... even if clean, the fish is more easily stressed when thrown into an established tank of fishes than others... truly needs  quiet month or more in isolation to acclimate to captivity and fatten up).. also lack of adequate housing... these surgeons need especially large/long tanks (6 feet minimum IMO for long term success) and very high water flow (20X turnover minimum... else you'll notice pacing behavior). I share your admiration for this fish, but I do not recommend it often to aquarists. Too many die and become a statistic. To better days, Anthony>

Tangs For A 120
Hi crew
<Hi! Mike D here>
Just starting my aquarium and wondered if there are any tangs suitable for a life in a 4 foot 120 gallon<Sure, any of the smaller species of Acanthurus and Zebrasoma. All Nasos get too large eventually>, this is for future reference just planning my fish list for fowler and some inverts<Understood. This is often a hotly debated issue that I try to stay out of, as it's based on the adult size vs. juvenile size. As a rule tangs tend to grow slowly compared to many other families, but this is offset by the fact that they are often energetic swimmers that like traveling room. While some may tolerate others as small juvenile the vast majority get antagonistic with other tangs as they grow and reach sexual maturity>

What tang will eat Bryopsis?
Will any tangs of the genus Zebrasoma eat Bryopsis? << Doubtful.  But possible. >> My tank now looks like a rain forest, where you literally cannot see through the tank ( I was on vacation for a few days). << That is how I like my tank to look.... but the wife sees otherwise. >> I don't want to boil the rock I paid $700 for, and I've wanted a tang anyways. << Don't boil it!  That is bad.  I would rather see you add a bunch of hermits/snails and manually remove the algae.  Or, just learn to love it and live with it. >> I'm looking at either a Z. xanthurum or Z. desjardinii preferably. Any thoughts? << Between the two, I would think the Z. desjardinii would be a better choice, but still not likely.  You could try a rabbit fish, or a Combtooth tang like a Chevron. >>
<<  Blundell  >>

Tangs for Smaller Tanks (6/29/04)
Which of the tangs would you recommend for a 65-gallon cuz my cousin had a yellow tang in a 30- gallon and it live for about 5-6 years. <Yes, and it probably wasn't a happy camper in there. Plus it only lived 1/2 of a lifetime. Yellow Tangs belong in an absolute minimum 75 gallons.> (Paracanthurus Hepatus) how  much time would I have until I need it to be in a bigger tank? <I'd recommend 120 Gallons in a year.> I have heard of Paracanthurus h. living in a 70-gallon for many years. <And I have heard of children living in closets for years. Sorry, it is wrong to put a fish in a tank that is too small for it.> Can you help me pick a Tang for now and helping me get 1 for another 65 gallon and moving it into a 150 in the future. <Any medium-size Tang will eventually fit in a 150. However, your life circumstances could change before you have a chance to buy a 150. Better to buy fish that will fit in 65G for a lifetime and add the Tang when you get the 150. This is the conscientious, responsible thing to do. I Really love the purple, yellow, and regal since I learned about fish. <Yes, so do I, but just because we find them attractive does not mean we should keep them in improper conditions. Purple Tangs are quite aggressive as tangs go. I would not recommend putting these three together in a 150--I'd suggest 240 or more. Also, bear in mind that Tangs are quite prone to ich. Read a lot more before you choose. Start with Michael Paletta's "The New Marine Aquarium" and Scott W. Michael's "Marine Fishes."> Help me pick 1. <A Kole Tang could go in the 65, but even that is a bit of a pinch. Hope this helps, Steve Allen.>
Jahner

YTB Pacific Tang in a small box?
Hi, MikeD here again>
Thank you for answering my question all the fish u suggested I shouldn't put
in I will put in a bigger tank in another point in my life . You didn't answer
me about the Paracanthurus hepatus which I read in your site that can grow to
6" in the aquarium but longer in the wild. It was my favorite fish since  I
was about 4 years old and I would like to have it in my aquarium even if that
means that would be my only fish
<You're not going to like this answer either, Sorry. These are beautiful fish but need at least 100 gals IF they make it, and here it's a BIG if as they get ick VERY easily, plus usually do best in seasoned well established tanks (as in running over a year), otherwise it's usually illness after illness with death as the final result. This definitely isn't a beginner's fish>
Jahner

Purple tang in a small box?
<MikeD here again>
sorry for writing too many e-mails but you also forgot to reply about the
purple tang.<Don't be sorry about writing the e-mails, as you can't feel as bad as I do having to give you these answers> The dimensions of my tank are 48"x14"x23"<Yep, that's a 65. There really ARE lots of wonderful fish for a tank that size, but most are much smaller, and even there you have to be careful about territoriality. There are many fish that would love a tank that size...all to themselves, and anybody else either dies or gets chased out.  My suggestion is to keep reading and concentrate on smaller fish, and I bet you WILL end up with a grouping you'll be happy with, just don't get depressed.>

Hi I got a saltwater fish stocking question
I am going to start a 65 gallon saltwater tank and I need to know which of
these fish I list would be the best to choose for the tank:
Purple Tang,
<I would be cautious of this unless you plan on buying a bigger tank in the future>
Yellow Tang
<This may work>
Regal Tang
<I would be cautious of adding this fish unless you plan on buying a bigger tank in the future. For a 65 gallon tank, I would stick with only one tang.>
, Powder Blue Tang,
<No, this would not be a good choice to add.>
Percula Clownfish,
<These would be fine, just make sure no other fish can consume them.>
Clown Trigger
<No, this would not be a good choice to add.>
, Black and White Heniochus,
<These are very delicate fish. I would hesitate to add them unless you have a very mature aquarium (over 7 months old) with excellent water quality. Make sure you also have good filtration and liverock.>
or  a Volitans Lion.
<This may be a good addition to add, although watch out for the percula clownfish.>
I hope you can help me choose some nice fish for my tank.
<The yellow tang, Percula clownfish, Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus), Royal Gramma Basslet (Gramma loreto), Kaudern's Cardinal (Pterapogon kauderni), and Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhitus armatus) would all be excellent fish to have for your aquarium. May I ask what the dimensions of the tank are?>
Thank You,
<No problem. Take Care, Graham.>
John

Canister filters and tang choices 6/20/04
Hey guys, just me again,
<Hi Jim, Adam here this time.>
I appreciate the insights. My system will include a canister (NuClear with just an "air filter" type insert which I will clean every four weeks by trading out a spare and soaking in a chlorine/H2O mixture and air drying out until the next change). When you say adding a canister, what do you mean?
<I think that whoever replied before mistyped and meant to say skimmer rather than canister.  I would strongly agree.  You will be much happier and things will be much more stable with a skimmer present.  Although the Remora Pro is an excellent skimmer, it would be much to small for this tank.  Consider one of the EV series (180 perhaps?).  There isn't a hang on on the market that I would consider up to the job of a 129 gallon tank.  Do consider cleaning the canister much more often than monthly.  I generally advise against them because of the maintenance chore they create for what, in my opinion is minimal benefit.>
As for a substitute for the Naso, I had a list of alternates in case there was an issue with this guy:
Sailfin Tang - (Z. Desjardinii or Z. Veliferum)
Scopas Tang (Z. Scopas)
Kole's Tang (Yellow eye Tang)
Any other suggestions would be appreciated!!
<All of the Zebrasomas and Ctenochaetus tangs are generally very invert safe and quite hardy.  Any of them can be recommended, but please do quarantine!>
Thanks again and nothing but the best for you and yours,  Jim
<Thanks Jim, you too!  Adam>

Tang Stocking 6/17/04
Hello. I love your website and I have another question.  I know you get a lot of emails about tang compatibility and stocking but I have another one. (Sorry.)  I am cycling a 180 right now and I am planning the fish I want to put in.
<Thanks and no worries.  We'll let you slide since you get bonus points for planning ahead! Ask away!>
The majority of the fish would be tangs because I love tangs. The tangs I am planning to have are yellow tang, Hippo Tang, Naso Tang, powder blue tang, and a Achilles tang. Can these species be put together successfully and what would be the stocking order.
<You really will be asking for trouble.  Powder Blue and Achilles tangs are both quite difficult to keep, and when they do thrive, they are very aggressive.>
I was thinking the Naso then the hippo, yellow tang, Achilles tang, and then the powder blue. The biggest thing I am worried about is the powder and the Achilles because they are the same genus.
<I would not even consider a Powder Blue or Achilles until the tank has been up and running without major problems for at least six months or a year.  Although tank maturity is sort of a vague concept, it really does matter when it comes to sensitive fishes.  At that time, I would choose on or the other, and be prepared to remove any other fish that it is particularly aggressive towards.>
But I have always read with large aquariums it is not something to worry about. Is this correct?
<It is, but 180 gallons barely qualifies as a large aquarium, especially when it comes to tangs.  To comfortably house all of the fish you want for the long term, think 300+ gallons.>
They would be housed with a Volitans lion, Maroon clown, Copper banded butterfly, Yellow long nose butterfly, Picasso trigger, and then added last a queen angel.
<Yowza!  That's a lot of fish in a 180!  The butterflies would be at great risk from so ma