Ok for Hippo Tang ! Custom Size

[darrensweb]

Hi Guys,

Before I create my fish list I just wanted to know your opinions on the Hippo Tang n my tank.

It is a custom size of 55" long 20" width and 16" high this is as you can see a shallow reef !

Appreciate anyone who has an opinion.

 

[Dmorty217]

Look more along the lines of a bristle tooth tang

 

[UNCsalt]

some will but IMO no tang in a 55 gallon

 

[Palting]

I love tangs, but Hippo tang is at the bottom of my list. He was the most aggressive of the 4 tangs I had, plus had a tendency to dart quickly like a danger signal scaring all the other fish. I regretted having him.

As for your tank, the 55" length may be too short for a hippo once full grown. May cause him to be even more aggressive.

I wouldn't recommend it for you.

 

[darrensweb]

some will but IMO no tang in a 55 gallon

Not sure what calculations you are using but the tank is 76 Gallon not 55

 

[anbosu]

Not sure what calculations you are using but the tank is 76 Gallon not 55

It doesn't change the answer, unfortunately. A bristle tooth tang is a good recommendation.

 

[ExpensiveHobby]

I've always found tangs do best in 6' long tanks. They like the back and forth swim space. Width and height isn't as important.

 

[Betta132]

A hippo is kind of large... I wouldn't suggest keeping one in a tank only that long.

 

[adamwheel]

I like those dimensions btw.

I recently did a custom (66" x 26" x 24" H) build and have limited but measurable tang experience with 3 genera.

I think a bristle tooth (early addition) as mentioned or a Zebrasoma tang (as your last fish added) would be ok. Sorry, but no way on the Blue Hippo. You'd regret it.

Although I have a Chevron, with your sized tank, I'd recommend the Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus Strigosus). They have a really laid back personality, almost dopy movement (the pectoral fins will not be in unison, one at a time) are hardy and inexpensive.

I highly recommend tank transfer then straight into QT and no medication outside of prazi or general cure.

Cheers,

Adam

 

[nanoreefer1000]

Bristletooth and zebrasoma tangs would be better, a big hippo will want more space. Unless you're upgrading I'd stay away from them.

 

[ca1ore]

Appreciate anyone who has an opinion.

Hah, no lack of those here

I'd echo the consensus view that hippos are not a good idea in a smaller tank. They are a very 'twitchy' fish that will exhibit some really eccentric behavior if stressed - and have a tendency to get ich. Personally I'd not put a hippo in anything less than a 180, and even that may be too small once it gets larger.

 

[Eville]

Hah, no lack of those here

I'd echo the consensus view that hippos are not a good idea in a smaller tank. They are a very 'twitchy' fish that will exhibit some really eccentric behavior if stressed - and have a tendency to get ich. Personally I'd not put a hippo in anything less than a 180, and even that may be too small once it gets larger.

I agree. Hippo tangs are almost "weird" in comparison to other tangs. There are many great bristle tooth tangs as stated.

Here is one of my favorites, although on the pricey side.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=253238

 

[Nanighan]

If you can get a nickel size one, than go for it. Im sure your LFS will happily take the tang off your hands for free, and in the mean time you can enjoy your tank with the fish you want in it.