Achilles Tank 6x2 or 5x3

[andrewkw]

I'm pretty sure the answer is 6x2 but would a 5x3 be okay long term? I realize 180 is the min size for this fish, but have just one other tank (chevron). 300DD is the other option but I'm considering putting off the 300 for a few years (maybe 5) and go with a 180 for now. I do see a 225gallon that is for sale used locally but its 5x3x2.

 

[Reefsi]

What other species do you have in the tank along with it? What sacrifices are you willing to make for this species? This species is a very demanding fish, requires lots of attention as far as feeding goes, and they are also prone to diseases. I'm not saying you haven't done your homework but if not make sure you do. Its a great species to watch and learn. There are a few users on your that can be of great help for you with this species. Be sure to Quarantine this fish to help him get acclimated to your tank feeding routines and not to compete over food in the tank. Quarantine all species becuase he is susceptible to disease.... I'm currently going fallow because I did not QT to clowns before my tangs addition.

 

[Holsteiner]

Mine is in a 6 x 2 right now...he's gone from 4" to 7" in a little over two years and swims laps like crazy. We're in the process right now of upgrading to an 8 x 3 to accommodate him.

 

[enjetek]

You need a 8' tank they grow fast and get huge. I've seen some bigger than the size of small dinner plates and they swim like crazy.

 

[snorvich]

You need a 8' tank they grow fast and get huge. I've seen some bigger than the size of small dinner plates and they swim like crazy.

I agree. For tangs in general, and this fish in particular, length trumps gallons. If they are "pacing", your tank is too short.

 

[andrewkw]

I have ready every page of the primer. To be honest it made them out to be harder then they are. I actually already have the fish. Purchased march 1st and I was thinking he would not survive but I would learn from experience. He's maybe 3.5" teardrop is just a small spot still. Yes I jumped the gun, but getting him is my window to an upgrade. Now I HAVE to upgrade. Plus there is no temptation to just throw him in a display he has been properly medicated first.

For 2 weeks I just got him eating, starting with brine, to pe mysis to nori, to other frozen veggie foods, to a little bit of pellets (i never feed my fish non frozen food except nori anyway). Started with about 10 small feedings a day, now I feed him 2-3 times max which is similar to display.

I then treated him for flukes with prazi pro 2 times. He was scratching and did see some fall off during treatment. Watched him for another week. Moved him from my frag tank (which has been fishless for many months to a 55) Watched him for another week, then started cupramine, started slow with regular tests via seachem kit, and he has now been treated for over 4 weeks. Starting to remove the copper from the water. In the QT tank I have a WP 40 on full blast which actually blows a bit of water right out of the tank with the big wave. I know they need lots of flow, I will add additional powerheads and probably end up going from LPS to SPS heavy, although in my experience unless the LPS are right in front of the powerhead they will be okay in stronger flow.

I have everything I need for the tank except a new return pump and additional lighting. I currently have a 112 gallon that is 8 years old. I have an extra barrel full of live rock I have had for several years as well. Even have extra washed out sand ready to go. The skimmer I use although old (ati bm 250) is rated for 700+ gallons. While that may not be realistic it should have no problem with 180-300.

Other fish besides the achilles are the chevron, 2 cardinals a clown and some wrasses. The clown and cardinal stick with their anemones (cardinals host near elegance) and the wrasses can handle flow. If I get a 180 I don't plan on anymore tangs. If I get a 300 I will probably add more which seems reasonable. I'm not prepared to spend 3k+ on a custom tank. I am prepared to have a 180 up and running as early as this weekend. As much of a rush I am in since I already have the fish. I don't see any long term problems with keeping him in QT for up to another couple of months. The QT tank has actually cycled with just sponge filters and if not for the fact I was removing the copper I wouldn't even have to worry about water changes where as when it was first setup I was doing water changes every 3 days to keep ammonia down (seachem ammonia alert).

 

[humaguy]

I agree. For tangs in general, and this fish in particular, length trumps gallons. If they are "pacing", your tank is too short.

:thumbsup:

 

[andrewkw]

Alright I'll start with the 6x2 and go from there. The tentative plan is 5 years, but if pacing becomes an issue I can always consider upgrading sooner. One thing with this fish in mind is I want to avoid a shallow tank, that way I can have crazy flow on the top half and still have calmer areas towards the bottom.

 

[humaguy]

Alright I'll start with the 6x2 and go from there. The tentative plan is 5 years, but if pacing becomes an issue I can always consider upgrading sooner. One thing with this fish in mind is I want to avoid a shallow tank, that way I can have crazy flow on the top half and still have calmer areas towards the bottom.

5 years? :sad2:

 

[enjetek]

in a couple of months it can go from 3.5" to 6-7" you do know that right? if it's in the right environment that will be an easy length to hit. and when once day you see it flick its' tail you can see how fast it covers a 6' tank. if you have the cash just drop it on an 8'(+?) ft tank right now - why end up paying a whole lot more for a tank you will need anyway?

 

[andrewkw]

I don't want to move an 8 foot tank down my stairs. Plan on moving within a year after that will probably stay till death or at least for 20+ years.

Of course this fish will be happier in an 8 foot tank vs 6 foot, but even the RC tang tank size says 6 feet for Achillies. If its really that much of a disaster keeping him in a 6 foot ? I can buy a used 180 now, then fully custom dream tank later. As unattractive as it is, another option which does seem a little excessive to me is an 8 foot stock tank which I could just use to house him if I can fit that in fishroom once I move.

 

[Dmorty217]

Alright I'll start with the 6x2 and go from there. The tentative plan is 5 years, but if pacing becomes an issue I can always consider upgrading sooner. One thing with this fish in mind is I want to avoid a shallow tank, that way I can have crazy flow on the top half and still have calmer areas towards the bottom.

5 yrs, might as well be a decade. Thing is you will come to find out those who buy fish and then talk about upgrading for the fish, NEVER do. AT like crazy flow all over the tank, not just the top. AT can be kept in smaller aquariums (220g) providing they have a ton a flow to feel more at home, plus they are less likely to pace the tank from stress

 

[Reefsi]

Personally, Don't sweat it, 6 ft with those dimensions will be fine. There are many people that have kept AT successfully in a 6 ft tank. I personally am beginning my journey to one thats going to be housed in a 6ft tank 72"Lx31"Tx25"W. Its all in the fishes personality, if he houses well in a captive environment and is fed a nutritious and healthy diet the fish will live. Look at Holsteiner, possibly one of the healthiest AT's I have seen and it is housed in a 6x2.

 

[Reefsi]

In the future now, 8 ft seems better for this species. But then again so would 10', 12', and etc. Ever see tangs in those bigger tanks? They still use every inch of space given to them.

 

[andrewkw]

Lets say I do get a 220 instead of a 180 and the bottom 6" or so does not have crazy flow, he can just avoid it. Even in 24" tall tank this can be done, like my current reef tank. In an 8x18 or 20" tall tank which seems to be more popular these days it would be more difficult. Having gentle spots in the tank is not going to be death, that seems a little excessive. If you can't have gentle current towards the bottom then a sandbed is also not compatible with these fish and then you start bordering on them not being reef safe (i know they are from the surge zones not reef). Granted compared to the achilles the chevron is like a goldfish for care but I've had him since 2007/2008, so I plan on having these fish for at least 2 decades hopefully more.

When I initially had the AT I had him in my frag tank just for a couple of weeks since it has lots of live rock and algae, this was a 30g (48x18x8) he did not pace, but rather cruised took different routes around the rock, slid under some really tight spots ect. He is now in the bare 55g which just has a few pvc pipes for hiding. While I have seen these fish for about 10 years, this is the first time I've had a chance to observe one long term. Starting with a healthy fish that has been properly QT, medicated and eating a variety of foods.

For flow I plan on at least 3 WP40's which not only push 3400gph each but create a very balanced wave. Also additional tunze powerheads.

Obviously people are very passionate about this fish. Bigger is always better, and dreams are better then reality. Having just one other tang with him which is going on 7 years in my care in 180/220 vs throwing him into a 300 with 4,5,6+ tangs should also be taken into consideration. The chevron most likely won't pick on him although I know there is a chance. All the other fish are small. If he really can't handle being in a 6x2 tank and starts pacing all the time, then 8 foot stock tank or given away to someone with an 8 foot tank becomes an option, but if even attempting in a 6 foot tank is out of the question a lot of information needs to be updated.

 

[humaguy]

What size tank is the fish currently in?

 

[andrewkw]

55g QT tank being treated with seachem cupramine, 3400 GPH flow with a WP40 and there is also a sponge filter and aquaclear hob filter both sponges were seeded from DT. I pre QT'd him in my frag tank since many people seemed to think they are not suited for QT as per the primer deciding to wipe out their tanks instead of risking the fish. In the frag tank he was able to pick at rocks, have established biological filtration and no danger of me creating ammonia by over feeding. Treating for flukes was also more important then ich which I could do in the QT since he never showed ich I did the prazi first then moved him to QT watched for a week then started with copper.

Everything is ready for my tank upgrade. I just need a new return pump and one additional Kessil light.

I have extra rock already cured (years old) in barrel + the rock in my current display. Skimmer and powerheads all transferable ect.

 

[humaguy]

if everything is ready for tank upgrade, go bigger now, and have a much healthier and happier fish later....

 

[Holsteiner]

I wish I would've just upgraded to the 8' right off the bat....there's nothing I hate worse then moving a whole tank full of coral and rock :-( I also didn't think at the time that my Achilles would grow to 7" in under two years...I would strongly advise to go as big as you can now and save yourself a lot of work down the road. Unfortunately I think your 5 year time frame is being a little optimistic for this fish.

 

[enjetek]

^^ amen