10g for TTM for ~2/2.5" Achilles Tang?

[inktomi]

Hi -

I've been using the tank transfer method + prazipro on all my new fish using two 10 gallon tanks. I'd love to do the same with a new Achilles tang, but know that this is on the small side.

Do you all think a 2.5"ish Achilles tang would be ok for two weeks during TTM in a 10 gallon tank with some PVC?

I also have some ~35g totes that I can use, but they're a huge pain and use a boatload of salt filling them every third day.. That's what I used for a Moorish Idol though, so if it's absolutely required I've got them.

 

[madmike10000]

If it's only 2 weeks I don't see why not


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[inktomi]

That's what I'm thinking.. just wanted to be sure I provide the best care I can without going overboard..

 

[madmike10000]

Yeah I hear ya. I had to quarantine my 9" arowana in a 10 gallon for a month before and he was ok. It was an emergency


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[Silly clownfish]

My foxface was about that size when I used TTM on him and I also use 2, 10g tanks. Not a problem. It is for a short time and certainly better than skipping QT!

 

[suta4242]

Fish are individuals. His behaviour will tell you whether it can 'handle it'.

Fwiw they've probably been held in smaller along the supply chain; then again each fish has a tipping point where it's had enough.

GL with whatever you decide to do.

:wave:

 

[BigBlueTang]

I would put a very strong powerhead in there, and it should be fine. With enough flow, he won't even notice the size of the tank
Especially for just TTM and with a fish as sensitive as an achilles I wouldn't risk it..

Or.. You could fill the totes halfway up? Are they any longer than the 10 gal?

 

[inktomi]

I do have strong power heads. Turnover will be at least 15x for the 10g.

The totes are maybe 50% longer than a ten gallon. Also wider. They're the kind you might pack holiday stuff away for the year jn etc.

 

[BigBlueTang]

I do have strong power heads. Turnover will be at least 15x for the 10g.

The totes are maybe 50% longer than a ten gallon. Also wider. They're the kind you might pack holiday stuff away for the year jn etc.

I'd use the totes. Honestly. No use in worrying about salt costs with a $250+ fish.
If you decide to use the 10's, I was thinking more of 30-45x turnover... SPS flow rates. Achilles need crazy flow.

 

[inktomi]

I guess my pumps are 24x turnover. Checked. I can certainly use the totes, and you're right.. salt is cheap in comparison. They're just clunky in general.

 

[Dmorty217]

I used TTM with 10g tanks for a juv Achilles years ago. I used powerheads with 140xs turnover too

 

[BigBlueTang]

I used TTM with 10g tanks for a juv Achilles years ago. I used powerheads with 140xs turnover too

Yup. I remember reading about this That's what I based my advice on.

 

[inktomi]

So I suppose the question really might be... Flow or space? In the 10g these powerheads are going to do a lot more than in the ~30g Sterlite totes (though it can always surf in front of a powerhead).

Did you really mean 140x turnover Dmorty217? A 1400gph pump in the 10g? Maybe I should get more powerful QT powerheads...

 

[Dmorty217]

So I suppose the question really might be... Flow or space? In the 10g these powerheads are going to do a lot more than in the ~30g Sterlite totes (though it can always surf in front of a powerhead).

Did you really mean 140x turnover Dmorty217? A 1400gph pump in the 10g? Maybe I should get more powerful QT powerheads...

Yes I really meant 140xs turn over. Not sure if what I had was really necessary but it's the smallest powerheads I had available. More is always better with a Achilles, flow and tank size. Obviously TTM is a different animal and larger isn't always better

 

[inktomi]

140x must have been fun for the fish! I bought some new powerheads for this adventure, though I didn't get to 140x as I'd like to be able to use them for other fish in the future without causing trouble. I'm at about 90x with the new hydra's in a 10g now.

Here's what I'm going to go with:

a) Start in a 10g. Since it's clear it's *significantly* easier to observe the fish, see if it's eating, etc in the 10g vs the clear-but-cloudy totes. I requested the smallest available tang from LiveAquaria, so I hope it comes in at the 2" side of the spectrum. I'm in LA, so the total time in transit for the tang will be less than 15 hours Quality Marine to my door.
c) If the tang seems calm, normal breath rate, and doesn't appear stressed (coloration, fins, reaction to food, riding the currents vs frantically swimming at the glass, etc) I'll stay with the 10g. Otherwise, in 72 hours it'll be in the tote and will remain in totes for the rest of the transfers.

I appreciate all the feedback. I'll post some updates

 

[inktomi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ--asQa1lM

Not sure how to embed a Youtube link here.. I received the tang this morning, and he/she seems quite content to swim around and check me out through the glass.

It's amazing how effortlessly these fish can glide through 900 GPH.

 

[BigBlueTang]

That's awesome! Good luck with him! He's a beaut

 

[inktomi]

Just a follow up, doing fine on the second tank now. I've been dropping a few NLS alagemax pellets in several times a day and it eats all. Fingers crossed.

No signs of ich or any other malady yet.

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