Achilles Tang

[overflowin]

as with most things today, i've been reading some conflicting information on the internet... some sites say minimum 100 gallon for one of these guys, others are up to 180. I have a 125g long, currently the only inhabitant is a blue lined grouper that came with the tank... the achilles has always been a favorite, and i'm interested in hearing any real world info from the community on appropriate tank size.

thoughts?

 

[walvis]

That would be sufficient, but would not go crazy stocking your tank with fish so you leave room for him to grow.
Also, make sure you QT for min 4-6 weeks before adding to DT, trust me, I learn the hard way.......HTH

 

[overflowin]

thanks for the reply... the 125 is going to be a fowlr, i bought the system with the intention of just keeping the live rock out of it and selling the rest. but after i got it set up to keep things going while i build my 100g reef, i decided to keep it and put some larger, less reef friendly fish in it. my planned (hopeful) stock list so far is the blue lined grouper, achilles tang, harley tusk and maybe a couple wrasses or blue girdled angel. there won't be any additions until the system has run a few more months and gets a plumbing overhaul as well as a new skimmer.

 

[Blueline12]

I have my achilles in a 180g and would never attempt to go any smaller in tank size. 180g is the bare minimum as far as I am concerned. 6 foot tank is the bare minimum.

These guys love to race back and forth with heavy flow and my guy bangs the sides of the tank when turning fast sometimes and this is a 24" deep tank front to back with live rock.

 

[Blueline12]

 

[overflowin]

beautiful fish!

 

[geaux xman]

I think a 6ft 125g is okay for an AT under 6". I would go light on the fish-load and light on the rockwork also. So a juvie at 3-3.5", you can probably keep it for 2yrs before the AT will start feeling cramp.

@Blueline, that a very good looking specimen. how big is your AT and how long have you had it? Also tankmates? Any aggression issues with the AT?

 

[Alex T.]

"¢ Salinity of 1.025 or higher
"¢ Tons and tons of flow
"¢ Lots of Veggies
"¢ Less rock...more water
"¢ A 6' 150 gallon wasn't enough for mine. I feel they need a larger tank. If they start to pace back and forth, they're telling you something

Not saying it can't be done in your tank, just whether it should be done.

 

[overflowin]

If i get one of these fish, I would hope it would be a permanent resident. The wife gave me the green light on a 300+ gallon tank once we move, so I'll be patient. Thanks for the input.

Why would an Achilles require higher salinity?