Out of Curiosity...

[Reefing Newbie]

I am going to abide by the guidlines stated in the suggested sizes for tangs, but was wondering about something about two fish listed on it. Is there a reason why the achilles tang(fully grown 8 1/2") needs a minimum of a 6ft 180 gallon tank, but the powder blue tang(fully grown at 9") can be kept in a 6ft 125 gallon tank? I more than likely won't have one of these for a long time because of their cost, but just wanted to know why the smaller of the two(which are very similar from what I know about each) needs the larger tank. Is it a water stability thing for the sensitive achilles?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

These recommendations are based on the experiences of a myriad of aquarists, both real-life experiences and through observation in the ocean. They are based on the goal of providing an environment that matches the active nature, feeding regimens and growth rates of the tang. If this goal is met, the reward to the aquarist (and more importantly the fish) is long-term health and beauty in the tank.

 

[Haffs09]

Once you have an achilles tang, it becomes very obvious why they need a large tank. When I had mine, it was only 4.5" long, extremely active, taking advantage of my tank's entire footprint (94"x30"). In a 72"x24" footprint tank, it would probably be okay as long as you have a lot of flow. I also had a powder blue tang the same size as the achilles in the same tank. It may have just been the fish, but the PBT wasn't nearly as active as the achilles.

 

[geaux xman]

seems like most tank raised PBT only get to about 6" or so.

 

[pinnatus]

Achilles tangs live in the wild right where the waves smash down on the reef. They are always bobbing and weaving to prevent getting smashed on the rocks. If you have seen this, it is no wonder that they are such strong swimmers, and need a lot of space.

 

[Reef264]

There was a post somewhere in reef discussion where there was a Achilles in a 75g, in no way would I do it.But it is possible...

 

[Reefing Newbie]

I could see where you would need a 180 gallon tank to give them the proper flow. I would think that keeping them in say a 125 gallon with the needed flow would be too much for the other livestock including corals wouldn't it? I would love to have one when I get a much larger tank because they are gorgeous, but not now! Is there a reson why the PBTs only get to 6"? I thought they were supposed to grow to 9" in captivity...

 

[Allmost]

I have an anchilles in my 200G

and it becomes obv he shouldnt be in any smaller tank by who ever views my tank, he uses every inch of the tank to swim, they are open water swimmers.
I have over 100 turns per hour flow in the main tank. and he loves it.

at night, when other fish sleep, this guy pastes back and forth ! any smaller lenght tank and he wouldnt be able to reach the speed he wants nor to turn ...

I still think my tank is too small for him.. so might have to give him away in a year or so, he is about 4.5" now too.

 

[geaux xman]

I have an anchilles in my 200G

and it becomes obv he shouldnt be in any smaller tank by who ever views my tank, he uses every inch of the tank to swim, they are open water swimmers.
I have over 100 turns per hour flow in the main tank. and he loves it.

at night, when other fish sleep, this guy pastes back and forth ! any smaller lenght tank and he wouldnt be able to reach the speed he wants nor to turn ...

I still think my tank is too small for him.. so might have to give him away in a year or so, he is about 4.5" now too.

what other fish do you have in the tank with the achilles?

 

[Allmost]

what other fish do you have in the tank with the achilles?

oh too many lol

moorish Idol
Anchilles tang
purple tang
blue tang
Emperor angel [REALLY small] thinking of replacing with a conspict.
Copperband butterfly
moray eel
pair of clowns,
pair of pipefish
trio of yellow wrasse
malanarus wrasse
a couple of anthias. bartlet
Cleaner Wrasse
with some LPS, clams, carpet anemone, and alot of SPS ...

thinking of adding more anthias this week.

 

[Reefing Newbie]

What are the dimensions of your 200?