Chibils
halide loyalist
I stole this idea and the framework for this post from BrianD. I'm simply here to expand the series without permission. 
Please offer your suggestions and advice for keeping these wonderful fish.
Possible items to cover:
Please improve the usefulness to the reader by stating opinions as such and actual experiences as such.
Thanks in advance to all who participate.
The genus Zebrasoma contains seven species. They are listed below by ease of availability:
Tangs of the genus Zebrasoma are generally considered hardier than their Acanthurus counterparts. Their body shapes, when fully extended, give them a "rounded delta" appearance, thus they are easily distinguishable. These surgeonfish are ideal for tanks of at least 75 gallons, though multiple specimens can be housed together if the tank is 125 gallons or larger. The exception lies in the sailfin tangs, who reach much larger sizes than their brethren. Linear swimming distance is widely considered more important than total water volume, as these fish love to "cruise." In this regard, a 72x24x12 inch tank (89 gallons) is more suitable for a tang than a 36x24x24 inch tank (also 89 gallons). A standard 75 or 90 gallon tank is encouraged, though any tank at least four feet long with a water volume of at least 65 gallons is widely considered acceptable for these fish. Special considerations include highly oxygenated water and a diet high in vegetable matter. This means that a protein skimmer, appropriately-sized air pump, and/or dedicated powerhead for surface agitation is required. Your tang will graze on algae all day, but providing algal matter or vegetables is very important. Head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) will occur in any tang not fed its necessary greens. Many products exist to fill the niche: Julian Sprung's Sea Veggies, Ocean Nutrition Seaweed Selects, etc., but in most cases nori from a local Asian market or grocery store will suffice. Many recommend soaking the seaweed in vitamin supplements such as Selcon--this is not necessary, but increases the nutritional value of the algae. While tangs are largely herbivorious, they appreciate meaty items (such as Mysis, cyclops, and brine shrimp) as about a third to a quarter of their diet.
Please offer your suggestions and advice for keeping these wonderful fish.
Possible items to cover:
- Waterflow and tank dimensions
- Acclimation and quarantine
- Tank mates (good and bad)
- Suggested foods
- Recommended size at purchase
Please improve the usefulness to the reader by stating opinions as such and actual experiences as such.
Thanks in advance to all who participate.
The genus Zebrasoma contains seven species. They are listed below by ease of availability:
- Zebrasoma flavescens - yellow tang.
- Z. veliferum - sailfin tang.
- Z. desjardinii - Red Sea sailfin tang.
- Z. xanthurum - purple tang.
- Z. scopas - scopas tang.
- Z. rostratum - black tang.
- Z. gemmatum - gem tang.
Tangs of the genus Zebrasoma are generally considered hardier than their Acanthurus counterparts. Their body shapes, when fully extended, give them a "rounded delta" appearance, thus they are easily distinguishable. These surgeonfish are ideal for tanks of at least 75 gallons, though multiple specimens can be housed together if the tank is 125 gallons or larger. The exception lies in the sailfin tangs, who reach much larger sizes than their brethren. Linear swimming distance is widely considered more important than total water volume, as these fish love to "cruise." In this regard, a 72x24x12 inch tank (89 gallons) is more suitable for a tang than a 36x24x24 inch tank (also 89 gallons). A standard 75 or 90 gallon tank is encouraged, though any tank at least four feet long with a water volume of at least 65 gallons is widely considered acceptable for these fish. Special considerations include highly oxygenated water and a diet high in vegetable matter. This means that a protein skimmer, appropriately-sized air pump, and/or dedicated powerhead for surface agitation is required. Your tang will graze on algae all day, but providing algal matter or vegetables is very important. Head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) will occur in any tang not fed its necessary greens. Many products exist to fill the niche: Julian Sprung's Sea Veggies, Ocean Nutrition Seaweed Selects, etc., but in most cases nori from a local Asian market or grocery store will suffice. Many recommend soaking the seaweed in vitamin supplements such as Selcon--this is not necessary, but increases the nutritional value of the algae. While tangs are largely herbivorious, they appreciate meaty items (such as Mysis, cyclops, and brine shrimp) as about a third to a quarter of their diet.
