Tangs

[yycguy]

Hi guys, I presently have a Purple Tang in my 135 gallon reef tank, and I would like to get a Achilles Tang. So are they comparable? I've read they are with other fish but not other Tangs, any thoughts? Also are two Tangs ok in a 135 gal system?

 

[Ryan2013]

A 135 is too small for the Achilles. People on reefcentral are really passionate about Achilles tangs haha. Be ready for other people's comments.

 

[yycguy]

Ok I did read something about the Achilles needing a large tank so that's the reason for asking these questions.
So what's the difference in the Achilles over other Tangs requiring a larger tank?

 

[RayL]

Achilles love to swim constantly, they need the room and high flow so they can stay active

 

[yycguy]

Achilles love to swim constantly, they need the room and high flow so they can stay active

So I understand that all Tangs require lots of room to swim, but our Achilles more so that way? Ie they require more room than other Tangs?

Any other suggestions on Tangs that would compliment my Purple Tang? And still do well in my 135?
Don't really want a yellow or Hippo......

 

[RayL]

Yes Achilles do need more room then another tang that is the same size. Achilles really swim a lot

One of my favourites even though I don't currently have one is the powder brown tang, or one that I do have with my purple is the yellow eye kole

 

[coral_lagoon]

I would be more worried about the PT's aggression..

 

[reef80]

How bout a chevron...they are very hardy and not hit and miss like the powder family at all...

 

[ChadRaay86]

How bout a chevron...they are very hardy and not hit and miss like the powder family at all...

Chevron is a good choice, at least the genus. They're expensive and the least hardy of that particular family, so I'd go with a Kole or Tomini Tang for cost/ease of care. I've had both and they're a blast to watch

 

[Dmorty217]

The purple and Achilles can definitely be kept together, but you need a larger tank. Think along the lines of a 180g at the smallest and the largest tank you can afford on the other end to keep these two long term

 

[Ryan2013]

Have you looked at a Red Sea Sailfin? Also the juvenile Atlantic blue tang has a very nice complement to the coloration of the purple tang. They go from yellow with a nice blue rim to being all blue with a lined pattern similar to that of the purple tang. They're also cheap.

 

[nikon187]

Have you looked at a Red Sea Sailfin? Also the juvenile Atlantic blue tang has a very nice complement to the coloration of the purple tang. They go from yellow with a nice blue rim to being all blue with a lined pattern similar to that of the purple tang. They're also cheap.

Both also get way to big for a 125g.

 

[Ryan2013]

Oh man you're absolutely right. Hmm... I'm not really sure then.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Yes Achilles do need more room then another tang that is the same size. Achilles really swim a lot

One of my favourites even though I don't currently have one is the powder brown tang, or one that I do have with my purple is the yellow eye kole

I agree. Although all tangs need lots of horizontal swimming room, this is especially true for Achilles, they frequent areas of the reef with lots of water movement. Then add the fact they are quite difficult to begin with and you get to the point where the negatives make the decision to avoid them quite obvious. (IME & IMO)..

 

[pinnatus]

When snorkling in Hawaii, I got to see Achilles tangs in their natural environment. The ones I saw lived where the waves come crashing down on the reef. They were constantly bobbing and weaving to avoid getting smashed themselves. After seeing that, I understand why they are a constantly swimming fish, and need a large tank.

 

[yycguy]

Ok well I think you guys are right about the Achilles not being suited for my 135 gal system, so I considering another tang like a Kole what do you consider? I heard try not to get the same shape of tang? Anything else?
My Purple Tang is fairly small and so far with the other fish I have he/she has a great temperament.

 

[RayL]

I like that decision, my Purple tang and my yellow eye kole get along great, I have heard that koles don't usually swim a ton compared to other tangs but mine has taken to swimming alongside the purple a good portion of the time when lights are on