what food do you feed your tangs
- Thread starter spinoleo
- Start date
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Tang food
Tang food
nori, Spectrum pellet, frozen orange sections, frozen broccoli florets, Ocean Nutrition flakes, frozen marine fish preparations. For Acanthurus keep it slanted towards veggie.
Tang food
nori, Spectrum pellet, frozen orange sections, frozen broccoli florets, Ocean Nutrition flakes, frozen marine fish preparations. For Acanthurus keep it slanted towards veggie.
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
Gary-
How small do you cut up the orange slices?
How small do you cut up the orange slices?
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
I peel the orange and divide it into sections just like when eating one myself. The sections are then frozen and fed to the fishes. Tangs, Rabbitfish and Angelfish all love frozen orange sections.
Large Naso can easily down one whole orange section. It takes my Emperor a couple of seconds to finish one off.
I forgot to mention that I also feed Tangs macroalgae grown in my refugium.
Zebrasoma and Foxface seem to prefer the macroalgae but Acanthurus will also take it.
Each species definitely has a preference but none are extremely 'picky' when hungry.
Large Naso can easily down one whole orange section. It takes my Emperor a couple of seconds to finish one off.
I forgot to mention that I also feed Tangs macroalgae grown in my refugium.
Zebrasoma and Foxface seem to prefer the macroalgae but Acanthurus will also take it.
Each species definitely has a preference but none are extremely 'picky' when hungry.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
I'm currently unable to locate any of my threads documenting the recovery of several Tangs with HILLE.
I have been able to locate one thread that has a couple of pix:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=10202172#post10202172
Some info on the subjest as well:
Dietary Control Of HLLE In Blue Tangs
By Steve Collins, Curator Indianapolis Zoo-Aquarium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The occurrence of head and lateral line erosion, (HLLE) is a common problem with certain reef fish, particularly tangs and surgeonfish. We experienced and epidemic amoung our blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) population six years ago,(1989), in our 25,00 gallon reef exhibit here at the Indianapolis Zoo-Aquarium. Other surgeonfish were affected, but the angelfish in the exhibit were not.
Water quality was dismissed as a likely cause of the problem. Good water quality was maintained by a combination of use of sand filters, ozone, and periodic water exchanges with saltwater mixed from Instant Ocean sea salt. We do not use activated carbon. Normal nitrate levels were maintained in the range of 15 to 20 milligrams per liter ,(mg/l), Nitrate Nitrogen , (N03-N). pH averaged 8.25 and salinity was 32 parts per thousand, or a specific gravity of 1.023. At the onset of the HLLE, salinity was dropped to inhibit parasite reproduction, in case this was the cause. The erosion continued and salinity was eventually brought back up to 1.023.
In reviewing other possible causes for theis malady we next focused on possible dietary deficiencies, because no obvious pathogens were found. Our fish were receiving a varied diet including romaine lettuce and spinach. Initially we tried elevating the level of vitamin C by incorporating a supplement into a gelatin based food, but this had no effect. We next considered supplementing the level of vitamin A. According to the Applied Nutrition and Diet Therapy, page 852, "One of the most important functions of vitamin A is to maintain the integrity of the epithelial cells....As a result, surfaces of the skin and membranes lining all passages that open to the exterior of the body, as well as glands and their ducts, are susceptible to disease." This was the basis for trying increased amounts of vitamin A after the vitamin C supplement by itself failed to produce results. It was our feeling that the laining of the lateral line ducts had deteriorated.
We were concerned with the possible toxicity of high vitamin A levels that has been reported for certain animals. Upon reviewing the nutritional value of different types of lettuce, we found them to be very low in nutrients and began researching the nutritional value of other green vegetables. Spinach appeared to be higher than lettuce, but it does not hold up well in sea water. Carrots were found to be a good natural food, but they had to be shredded and were quite messy to feed. Still, we fed carrots solely for six to eight weeks and observed a resolution of the HLLE. A more complete literature review made broccoli an obvious choice. It is well balanced in many vitamins in addition to the high level of vitamin A, and also has other features that make it acceptable. It holds up very well in the aquarium. Many fish like the flowerettes when they are first added. Only the larger fish could break open the woody layer on the stalks, but once opened small fish feed on the softer pulp material. We replaced the carrots with broccoli, and we are currently using it as a well-balanced maintenance diet.
After replacing the lettuce diet with first carrots and then fresh broccoli, the HLLE improved to the extent that only a few scars remained on the most severely affected fish. After nearly eight years in the exhibit, most of the original batch of blue tangs are still alive. Broccoli, supplemented with peas and other prepared foods, dominates the diet. No HLLE sypmtoms are evident in any of the fish in the exhibit.
I have been able to locate one thread that has a couple of pix:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=10202172#post10202172
Some info on the subjest as well:
Dietary Control Of HLLE In Blue Tangs
By Steve Collins, Curator Indianapolis Zoo-Aquarium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The occurrence of head and lateral line erosion, (HLLE) is a common problem with certain reef fish, particularly tangs and surgeonfish. We experienced and epidemic amoung our blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) population six years ago,(1989), in our 25,00 gallon reef exhibit here at the Indianapolis Zoo-Aquarium. Other surgeonfish were affected, but the angelfish in the exhibit were not.
Water quality was dismissed as a likely cause of the problem. Good water quality was maintained by a combination of use of sand filters, ozone, and periodic water exchanges with saltwater mixed from Instant Ocean sea salt. We do not use activated carbon. Normal nitrate levels were maintained in the range of 15 to 20 milligrams per liter ,(mg/l), Nitrate Nitrogen , (N03-N). pH averaged 8.25 and salinity was 32 parts per thousand, or a specific gravity of 1.023. At the onset of the HLLE, salinity was dropped to inhibit parasite reproduction, in case this was the cause. The erosion continued and salinity was eventually brought back up to 1.023.
In reviewing other possible causes for theis malady we next focused on possible dietary deficiencies, because no obvious pathogens were found. Our fish were receiving a varied diet including romaine lettuce and spinach. Initially we tried elevating the level of vitamin C by incorporating a supplement into a gelatin based food, but this had no effect. We next considered supplementing the level of vitamin A. According to the Applied Nutrition and Diet Therapy, page 852, "One of the most important functions of vitamin A is to maintain the integrity of the epithelial cells....As a result, surfaces of the skin and membranes lining all passages that open to the exterior of the body, as well as glands and their ducts, are susceptible to disease." This was the basis for trying increased amounts of vitamin A after the vitamin C supplement by itself failed to produce results. It was our feeling that the laining of the lateral line ducts had deteriorated.
We were concerned with the possible toxicity of high vitamin A levels that has been reported for certain animals. Upon reviewing the nutritional value of different types of lettuce, we found them to be very low in nutrients and began researching the nutritional value of other green vegetables. Spinach appeared to be higher than lettuce, but it does not hold up well in sea water. Carrots were found to be a good natural food, but they had to be shredded and were quite messy to feed. Still, we fed carrots solely for six to eight weeks and observed a resolution of the HLLE. A more complete literature review made broccoli an obvious choice. It is well balanced in many vitamins in addition to the high level of vitamin A, and also has other features that make it acceptable. It holds up very well in the aquarium. Many fish like the flowerettes when they are first added. Only the larger fish could break open the woody layer on the stalks, but once opened small fish feed on the softer pulp material. We replaced the carrots with broccoli, and we are currently using it as a well-balanced maintenance diet.
After replacing the lettuce diet with first carrots and then fresh broccoli, the HLLE improved to the extent that only a few scars remained on the most severely affected fish. After nearly eight years in the exhibit, most of the original batch of blue tangs are still alive. Broccoli, supplemented with peas and other prepared foods, dominates the diet. No HLLE sypmtoms are evident in any of the fish in the exhibit.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
FWIW krill and nori is a staple for large Naso.
If I were Tad I would be feeding his guys large size Spectrum, nori and krill along with frozen broccoli florets
If I were Tad I would be feeding his guys large size Spectrum, nori and krill along with frozen broccoli florets
jeremyjoslin
New member
Would the combination of Nori and Cuelerpa provide enough nutrients and bulk for my PBT and Yellow Tang? Or should I add in pellets for vitamins and omegas?
Jedistphn
New member
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
Just fed the aquarium some frozen broccoli florets. At first, everyone BUT the tangs were eating it!
In fact, the Clarkii's kept snagging florets and bringing them back to the anemone!
I'm guessing that they'll eventually learn that this is food.
This appears to be a great, high-vitamin food with little to no pollution to the aquarium.
In fact, the Clarkii's kept snagging florets and bringing them back to the anemone!
I'm guessing that they'll eventually learn that this is food.
This appears to be a great, high-vitamin food with little to no pollution to the aquarium.
museumguy
Active member
FWIW krill and nori is a staple for large Naso.
If I were Tad I would be feeding his guys large size Spectrum, nori and krill along with frozen broccoli florets
:spin1:
I feed small size spectrum, though once these are gone I will likely try larger sizes. I also feed nori daily, and krill, broccoli, romaine lettuce are all in the daily food we feed, among other things. We basically make up our own "Rod's Food" that has about a dozen things in it.
Gary, did you ever try the other algae I get from the asian store? Off hand I forget what its called but our tangs love it. I'm off to a meeting but I can look the name of it up later. Its super cheap and the fish love it.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
when you look up the name please post it, Tad.
I've tried a bunch of Asian veggies: (forgive bad spellings!) : Hijiki, Fuero something or other, Wakame, etc.
Nori remains my Tang's favorite. My Achilles almost seems to require Nori in order to remain healthy.
I've tried a bunch of Asian veggies: (forgive bad spellings!) : Hijiki, Fuero something or other, Wakame, etc.
Nori remains my Tang's favorite. My Achilles almost seems to require Nori in order to remain healthy.
museumguy
Active member
It is Wakame. Got my first bag like 6 months ago for about $3. I put some in my last batch of "Tad's Food" (not Rod's Food) and I feed additional amounts of it to the tanks maybe 3-4 times a week and I'm only half way through the bag. The feeding response isn't as strong as it is for Nori but I'd say the average bit of it still only lasts about 5-10 seconds in my tank.
I have not tried oranges, but this post and a little research has got me curious and I'll probably toss some in the freezer tonight before I leave. I assume you freeze them to break down the cell walls then thaw them in water before feeding?
I have not tried oranges, but this post and a little research has got me curious and I'll probably toss some in the freezer tonight before I leave. I assume you freeze them to break down the cell walls then thaw them in water before feeding?
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
correct.
My Angelfish takes to frozen orange slices more than any of my other fishes but large Naso will often take orange slices.
I know you'll come to realize the benefits of feeding large size Spectrum pellets to your puppies
Johnny C
New member
Great thread... I feed Spectrum Pellets exclusively supplimented with Mysis every other day.
Gary- My Black Tang doesn't seem to care for Nori too much and I sometimes worry about his health. Do the pellets contain a 'good' amount of food for the herbivore? I'm gonna try some lettuce and broccoli!
Gary- My Black Tang doesn't seem to care for Nori too much and I sometimes worry about his health. Do the pellets contain a 'good' amount of food for the herbivore? I'm gonna try some lettuce and broccoli!
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
black tang as in Z. rostratus?
Spectrum pellets list broccoli as an ingredient
Spectrum pellets list broccoli as an ingredient
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