Anyone keep an Achilles Tang?

[sjj80]

I've done some research on the achilles tang but wanted some info from those who have experience keeping them. Unfortunately due to a builder not finishing my home on time and having to live in a hotel for 2 months, I'm obviously having to start all over again.

I've always had a strong interest in the achilles tang and don't want to keep one unless I know I have the proper setup. From what I've read 90g is definitely too small. Any info on appropriate tank dimensions, care, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[SlowCobra]

This is all my personal opinion based on my research of the fish. Take it however you would like.

It will need at minimum a 180gal tank, the longer the tank the better. They need a lot of room to swim and a lot of rock work. They also require a TON of flow. They live in an area of lots of rock with lots of crashing waves.

Purchase it from LiveAquaria. LiveAquaria spends an exorbitant amount of time QTing all of their specimens so that the casualty rate is very minimal. Many places will not even guarantee Live Arrival for an Achilles, let alone a 14 day health guarantee. In my experience and research of the species they do not transport well. They also don't live long if not provided with the proper conditions.

The best acclimation for them is a drip acclimation in at least a 5 gal bucket. Put aside a major part of your day just for acclimation and introduction. They are extremely sensitive to water change conditions, not to mention stress from shipping. 3 hours minimum for acclimation with a removal of roughly 1/3 of the water every 45 - 60mins. Minimal light is another key factor in acclimation.

DO NOT put them right into the display tank. While they need a large tank, with TONS of flow, to live happily in, a QT is of the utmost importance. Every fish/coral/invert you get should get a QT period, that isn't always possible. An Achilles however is MANDATORY. There is no question about it. No, well what if I do... QT the fish to give it time to adjust to the new water, shipping stress, etc. When you go to move the fish from the acclimation container to the QT, do NOT use a net. Gently dump the entire contents of the acclimation container into the QT tank with the fish. Nets add more stress than needed to the fish at this time

Prepare the tank with water taken directly from the main display. Also add live rock with at least 1 cave that is large enough for the fish to hide/live in. Leave enough space for the fish to swim the length of the tank. Make sure there is plenty of flow in the tank and your best bet is to use a good hang on filter like an Emperor 280/400. Use carbon cartridges and standard filter media cartridges. Yes it seems like over-kill but the water needs to stay pristine while the fish is in QT.

Do a 10% water change with water from the main tank every 24-36 hrs.

The fish should live in QT for a minimum of 3 weeks. This will give it time to adjust to the water it will be living in. It also gives it time to start eating different foods. They need to be provided with a varied diet. Nori(or similar seaweed/alqae) Marine Cuisine, Emerald Entree, not sure if you have it readily available but Rods Food, etc. Every feeding should have both Selcon(3-4 drops) and Garlic(1-2 drops) added to the water the food is soaking in. These additives help boost the immune system of the fish and provide them with nutrients that may be missing due to not having their natural diet.

Here is mine which is currently in QT

 

[Roy G. Biv]

It that a coffee cup ring on the side of your tank?


My Achilles is in my 210. The tank is 6 feet long. I feel bad for him. He spends much of the time whipping back and forth across the tank. I have a rock pillar on the right side of the tank that he circles a few times before making the lap back across to the other side. I think he would be happier in an 8 ft tank.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

Ive had mine for about 8 months now. I didnt QT mine(although I should have). I got mine from That Fish Place.

I it in a 125g as of now. It will eventually go into an 8' 240g. I wouldnt put them in anything smaller then a standard 125g tank.

I acclimated mine for about an 1.5 hours in a 5g bucket. I didnt drip acclimate I just used a cup.

It gets fed 3 times a day. A mix of live brine shrimp, PE mysis, formula 1, rods, prime reef, and nori. All food is soaked in Selcon and Garlic Extreme.

They love clean, turbulent water. I would only put one in an established environment. Ive only seen 3 in 3 years locally and only a few pop up on the www .

I have 45x turnover in my tank. Mines never in one place. It never stops moving, even at night. I have mine with a Hippo and a Kole. They seem to enjoy each others company.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

SlowCobra I got an "in stock" notification for the Achilles from LA a couple of weeks ago. I was wondering in anyone got one from RC. Best of luck. They are such an awesome fish.

 

[CMcNeil]

i have one as well,he came out of someone elses tank thats was being shut down.the previous owner had it for around 3+years.i have him in the tank with a elibi mimic tang and a purple tang as well,they often cruise the tank together.i will have to say i wish i had a bigger tank for him,i do however have plenty of flow from 2 darts and a wavebox and lots of open room for him to swim.my rocks are off the wall so he can swim laps around the entire tank and he does.

 

[SlowCobra]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10953050#post10953050 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pmolan

It that a coffee cup ring on the side of your tank?


My Achilles is in my 210. The tank is 6 feet long. I feel bad for him. He spends much of the time whipping back and forth across the tank. I have a rock pillar on the right side of the tank that he circles a few times before making the lap back across to the other side. I think he would be happier in an 8 ft tank.

No actually the tank was standing on end and I set a glass bowl on it. Well the package arrived and due to having 2 bulging discs in my back I was more concerned with making sure the inside was clean. It does make it look bad. :lol: I did eventually clean it off.

 

[sjj80]

Thanks for the input everybody. I won't be able to afford an 8' tank anytime soon, which would probably be best for an achilles tang. However, It will be something to work towards and again I appreciate your feedback.

 

[SlowCobra]

Just keep an eye out in your local forum or the for sale section. People often times let go of tanks for extremely reasonable prices.

 

[sjj80]

Thanks Slowcobra, but it's not the tank itself I can't afford, it's the type of setup I use/equipment upgrade that would break my bank.

 

[SlowCobra]

Yeah usually thats the issue. Again, keep an eye out on what the classifieds. You will be amazed at the deals you can often find. Also as for equipment there are things you can do and purchases that can be made to minimize the expense, particularly if you have any DIY skills at all. Just some suggestions.