Blue Tang vs Powder Blue Tang discussion, ideas and experiences appreciated

[El Langostino]

It seems to be that there is an abundance of mixed information being disseminated as to the suitability of Blue Hippo and Powder Blue Tangs.

As for the Blue Hippo Tang, myriad informational sites and online vendors list them as a hardy beginner's fish that is easy to care for. However in Marine Fishes Scott Michael only rates it a 3 out of 5 in his Aquarium suitability index and I have another book titled The Tropical Marine Fish Survival Manual by Gordon Kay that has a ease of keeping rating system based on a 1-10 scale where the Blue Hippo Tang is listed as only 5 whereas the generally considered more delicate Powder Blue Tang is listed as 7. As for the Powder Blue Tang, most informational sites and online vendors I've read tend to list it as difficult or moderate in terms of care.

My question to the world is, which one makes a better aquarium fish?

In terms of resistance to ich, ease of feeding, lack of shyness so that immune system stays strong, etc. I was going to try a tiny Blue Hippo so as to give it a few years to grow before I would need to upgrade it to a tank larger than a 90 which I plan to do in a few years time.

However, I'm now leaning towards purchasing the smallest powder blue tang possible as it seems to be equal with the blue hippo in terms of resistance to ich (which is not very resistant), the powder blue also seems to be less shy and less easily scared which leads one to believe it is much less likely to become frightened or stressed and thus be susceptible to other disease. It's also a slightly smaller fish which is always benefical.

With all of this in mind, and the fact that many informatiuon sources seem to think that the Powder Blue is a better aquarium fish. Why should I not get a powder blue instead of the blue hippo?

These are just my own personal thoughts combined with research from various sources,...they are merely thoughts and ideas culminating in a semi-rough conclusion...nothing here is very firm or definite. If you disagree or agree or have any thoughts please comment as I'm really looking for a lot of info being that I plan to purcahse one or the other very soon.

 

[El Langostino]

Nobody???

 

[1package]

I think if you get a healthy one eating to start with that is key. My Hippo tang and powder blue eat like pigs. I have only had the powder blue for a couple of months. I have had them in the past a couple of times that did not end so well. I have had my Hippo tang for about 3 years. The Hippo tang is definitely the less aggressive and the PBT definitely does more grazing on the rocks.

In my opinion the powder blue is more delicate, from the start, perhaps not after established.

Once again, I think it is getting a good one off the bat.

 

[JENnKerry]

I think the main reason why they say that powder blue's are very difficult is because they ship poorly. Once you find a healthy one, there should really be no problems. I'm leaning more toward the powder blue for the simple fact that every hippo I've ever tried has died. I got a powder blue one time, and ten months later, he's doing well, eating like a pig and absolutely no ich.

 

[El Langostino]

Thanks for the responses. I found that information very helpful. I seem to agree with both of you and am leaning towards the powder blue.

The only issue is I'd need to find a smaller specimen to go into my 90 for the next 2 years before I upgrade to at least a 200 if not larger (Working on getting that elusive college degree at the moment).

So for the moment I'd need a smaller one that would get along with my kole tang and copperband butterfly who are also both relatively small (4 and 3 inches). My Kole is a bit of problem child as well...so all this makes me slightly nervous.

 

[El Langostino]

Just doing a quick bump to see if anyone else has any input.

 

[tjh]

i have had both. just got rid of my pb tonight (tearing up my clams) and agree with the above, get healthy fish in a somewhat established system and away you go.

 

[Psionicdragon]

Both are beautiful, but both are a pain because they are total ick magnetic. They have a smaller "protective shield" against ick. So they always get ick.

 

[cecilturtle]

A big part of your decision will come down to what else you put in the tank IMO. Hippos are more peaceful while PBTs are generally aggressive. If you go Hippo, add him first with a cleaner shrimp and let him get comfortable and healthy before adding anything else. If you go with the PBT then I would add him toward the end of your list or simultaneously with other aggressive fish. I personally do not believe in they being ick magnets. There are many things that can kill off fish and I imagine a great deal are hurt internally by other fish primarily, which in turn may lead to parasites in the tank....but I have never had a healthy fish succomb to Ick.

 

[JENnKerry]

Our PBT got ich within the first month we had him. Then mysteriously, it went away, never to come back.

 

[cecilturtle]

JEN,

I think Ick is like a maggot that can appear even in the most sterile enviroment when its conditions are met. I never buy my fish online because I like to look for several character traits as well as view them for overall health.

Around here, one LFS always has healthy fish and the most beautiful I might add. He does not overcrowd them usually only one or two per tank. Often not the same species in the same tank either. His selection is weak compared to the others however. The biggest store overcrowds their fish. They often keep dozens of YTs, PTs and Hippos in their respective tank even though the tanks are larger. But you will always see aggression, damaged fins, pale colors, etc. If you visit several days in a row, you may spot a few of those fish isolated in other tanks. Too late IMO. This is but an example that I have seen firsthand at the end of the retail chain. I cant imagine what else the fish has experienced being caught or wholesaled.

 

[JENnKerry]

I too get most of my fish online for that reason

 

[NaClH20NMYVEIN]

One thing to think about. You said you wanted a very small fish, right? Blues are very common in that size, I dont think I have every seen a PBT under 4 inches for sale. Just a thought.

 

[roni]

another quick thing...pb tend to really like lots of swimming room...i.e. at least 4 ft of length and preferably 6-8. hepatus do better in smaller tanks imo.

 

[Jim_S]

My PBT is a great fish. It eats a ton, and is pretty aggressive, but it is great to watch. This fish is also very hardy once acclimated properly. But like others have mentioned, it is important to find a solid specimen before making the decision to buy. The fish does like lots of swimming room and always is chasing/fighting with its reflection. Here are some pics.

 

[El Langostino]

Being that they are two of the hardiest Surgeonfish, I decided to go with a small Yellow Tang and a really nice looking small Vlaminigii Tang that I'll be able to keep for a few years before I upgrade to a much larger tank. I did see small blue hippos and Powder Blue Tangs for $65, but I'm thinking I'll come back to those fish in two or three years time.

 

[Teremei]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6864310#post6864310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cecilturtle
JEN,

I think Ick is like a maggot that can appear even in the most sterile enviroment when its conditions are met. I never buy my fish online because I like to look for several character traits as well as view them for overall health.

Around here, one LFS always has healthy fish and the most beautiful I might add. He does not overcrowd them usually only one or two per tank. Often not the same species in the same tank either. His selection is weak compared to the others however. The biggest store overcrowds their fish. They often keep dozens of YTs, PTs and Hippos in their respective tank even though the tanks are larger. But you will always see aggression, damaged fins, pale colors, etc. If you visit several days in a row, you may spot a few of those fish isolated in other tanks. Too late IMO. This is but an example that I have seen firsthand at the end of the retail chain. I cant imagine what else the fish has experienced being caught or wholesaled.

I agree with this. Around me, there is one fish store I really like that has 30-70 gallon fish tanks and never are there more than 1 tang per tank, maybe with a couple clowns and smaller fish. They are stored in nice open conditions and most of them look very good. You get the sickly looking one now and then (poor shipping I would assume) and I like to buy from them. However another store, while having many of the more rare fish, I have seen 5-10 fish stuffed in a 30 gallon tank. Not a good practice. I have always heard the Hippo is much easier than the powder. (powders being poor shippers being most of it probably). .

But if you have a large enough tank, with great water quality, some cleaner shrimp, and wide open swimming room. Either one of those fish should have no problem surviving a long long time. Just observe the fish for a while at your lfs before you buy. Buyt he healthiest, colorful, and most active looking one you can find. Ick can not kill a fish in a mature healthy large tank if you've got cleaners to nip off any cysts it may develop.