Tang Recommendations/Pics Please

[Tswifty]

I'm looking to add a tang or 2 to my 90g tank once I get it up and running and would like some suggestions... Pictures would also help.

I'm not posting anythign about any that I am currently considering, (I have a few in mind) because I want to keep it a suprise when I make my final decision :p

So post on this thread as if I've never seen one :lol:

I'm also looking for ones that aren't seen in most tanks...

It would help if you could also list a few specs on them.

Name
Difficulty
Max Length
Behavior/Personality

Thanks in advance :D

[kar93]

Ive rarely seen Tomini Tangs
Generally easy
6" i think
one of the more peaceful tangs as far as im aware

[Fishdisease]

I'm going through the same process of finding Tangs for my 90g. It should be up and running in a month or two.

I've decided on a Kole Tang (http://www.azreef.com/images/image068.jpg) and a Yellow Tang (http://stevenwolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/yellow_tang.jpg).

But I'm also considering a Hippo Tang (http://www.fintasticaquariums.com/_storeimages/Blue_Hippo_Tang.jpg) or a Purple Tang (http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/images/PurpleTangWMTa_Ap8ST.jpg) (instead of th yellow, but I like the idea of a tang that eats algae!)

We'll see.

Here's a good tang site with lots of pics:

http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/tangs/

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12189829#post12189829 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fishdisease
I'm going through the same process of finding Tangs for my 90g. It should be up and running in a month or two.

I've decided on a Kole Tang (http://www.azreef.com/images/image068.jpg) and a Yellow Tang (http://stevenwolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/yellow_tang.jpg).

But I'm also considering a Hippo Tang (http://www.fintasticaquariums.com/_storeimages/Blue_Hippo_Tang.jpg) or a Purple Tang (http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/images/PurpleTangWMTa_Ap8ST.jpg) (instead of th yellow, but I like the idea of a tang that eats algae!)

We'll see.

Here's a good tang site with lots of pics:

http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/tangs/

If you have some time...here's a great thread... with LOTS of pics... I decided to post this to try and filter the results somewhat.

:)

[Tswifty]

Shoot! That's the second time today I've done that:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showt...hreadid=1286563

[kar93]

that just goes to the archives.

[Fishdisease]

Yeah I've subscribed to that thread, really nice pics in there.

[hangseanshi]

Goldrim tang: Great algae eater and easy to maintain. Grow up to 6 inches but most of them are about 4-5 inches. Price about $60.
Clown Tang: Small and easy to keep, grow up to 8 inches. Price about $35-60.
Kole Tang: Best algae eater ever, very easy to keep. $30 - $40. Size from 2 to 8 inches.
Blue Tang: Not a great algae eater but more popular up to 8 inches. $50. Make sure you get the wild blue tang from Hawaii because they are the only blue tang in the market that will live.
Check my videos about all the fishes that I am talking about:
My Youtube Videos (http://www.youtube.com/hangseanshi)

[jmart55]

I've seen tomini's get closer to 9" and they are not the most aggressive but are not shy. I love Kole tangs for their general disposition, size, and algae eating abilities.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12189920#post12189920 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
that just goes to the archives.

Here try this:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1286563

[jmart55]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12189939#post12189939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hangseanshi

Clown Tang: Small and easy to keep, grow up to 8 inches. Price about $35-60.
Kole Tang: Best algae eater ever, very easy to keep. $30 - $40. Size from 2 to 8 inches.
[/URL]
I've seen clown tangs over a foot and they can be one of the most aggressive tangs. I agree with the Kole Tang, one of the best alage eaters. The most under appreciated Tang in my mind, the Chocolate Tang(Mimic Tang), so beautiful just not that popular.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12189939#post12189939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hangseanshi
Goldrim tang: Great algae eater and easy to maintain. Grow up to 6 inches but most of them are about 4-5 inches. Price about $60.
Clown Tang: Small and easy to keep, grow up to 8 inches. Price about $35-60.
Kole Tang: Best algae eater ever, very easy to keep. $30 - $40. Size from 2 to 8 inches.
Blue Tang: Not a great algae eater but more popular up to 8 inches. $50. Make sure you get the wild blue tang from Hawaii because they are the only blue tang in the market that will live.
Check my videos about all the fishes that I am talking about:
My Youtube Videos (http://www.youtube.com/hangseanshi)
wow! it'll take me forever to browse those... thank you for the link...

those gobies are awesome!

[downhillbiker]

i second the tomini tang. i love mine. great temperment, absolutely gorgeous. they have good color and a long flowing tail.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm107/downhill_biker/tomini.jpg

[Tswifty]

very nice!

[Tswifty]

Some responses posted in the New To The Hobby Thread:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12190124#post12190124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shaummy
Here are some of my favorites, you will be hampered from some species due to the tank size/length but you may be able to get away with some of these:

Classic Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurum
Purple Tang (http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/purpletang.php)

Difficulty - Easy - as long as dietary needs are met and eating
Max Length - ~10"
Behavior/Personality - Can be slightly aggressive to tank additions and tangs of similar body shape

Chevron Tang
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Chevron Tang (http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/chevron.php)
Difficulty - Easy - as long as dietary needs are met
Max Length - ~6"
Behavior/Personality - Can be slightly aggressive to tank additions and tangs of similar body shape

Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Powder Blue Tang (http://animal-world.com/encyclo/marine/tangs/powderblue.php)
Difficulty - Difficult - Very prone to Ick and nutrition is essential
Max Length - ~8"
Behavior/Personality - Can be aggressive to tank additions and tangs of similar body shape

There are a couple more that I absolutely love, but they won't fit in your tank for long at all. Namely Sohal Tang, Naso Tang, and Blue (Hepatus) Tang

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12190019#post12190019 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by B.Pereira
Convict Tang
Easy to care for
About 8"
Very Timid, best to be the first tang introduced to the tank so it can establish this territory. Since this tang is very timid, introductions after it such as a new tang will not recieve as much agression. The only downfall is their tendency to get bullied.

-Brad

[B.Pereira]

Convict Tang
Easy to care for
About 8"
Very Timid, best to be the first tang introduced to the tank so it can establish this territory. Since this tang is very timid, introductions after it such as a new tang will not recieve as much agression. The only downfall is their tendency to get bullied.

-Brad


2nd this one :P

[kar93]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1341369

theres some discussion and pics on there

[coralnub]

How about one Zebrasoma species and one Ctenochaetus species? Personally I'd do a purple and a 2 spot.





http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AcanthuroidPIX/TangPIX/Ctenochaetus/Ctenochaetus_binotatusMABJuv.jpg http://www.wetwebmedia.com/AcanthuroidPIX/TangPIX/Zebrasoma/Zebrasoma_xanthurumAQ.jpg

[Tswifty]

I do like the purple tangs a lot... I also think the powder blues can be very striking... That being said... these Tomini Tangs also look very nice... I saw a picture of a Bristletooth Tang today too which peaked my interest...

So many choices!!!:eek1:

With regard to the species... Is it denoted by body shape?

I've heard tangs of different body shapes/types will get along better than 2 of the same... A LFS person told me that a long time ago... wondering if that was what he meant?

[SDguy]

What other fish do you plan on keeping in the tank, particularly rock picking species, as these will be viewed as more of a threat to the tang's territory than planktivores?

[yoboyjdizz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12189939#post12189939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hangseanshi
Goldrim tang: Great algae eater and easy to maintain. Grow up to 6 inches but most of them are about 4-5 inches. Price about $60.
Clown Tang: Small and easy to keep, grow up to 8 inches. Price about $35-60.
Kole Tang: Best algae eater ever, very easy to keep. $30 - $40. Size from 2 to 8 inches.
Blue Tang: Not a great algae eater but more popular up to 8 inches. $50. Make sure you get the wild blue tang from Hawaii because they are the only blue tang in the market that will live.
Check my videos about all the fishes that I am talking about:
My Youtube Videos (http://www.youtube.com/hangseanshi)

Where did you get this information from... Clown tangs are not easy to keep and grow well above 8inces and need huge tanks due to their aggressiveness.
Gold rim tangs also grow to about 8inches or so and are not one of the easier to keep tangs.
Kole tang besides a yellow is probably your best bet for your tank size.
Blue Tangs can grow up to 12inches and many blue tangs live. Not sure if their any from hawaii though.

I would only pick one tang for your tank size.

[Tswifty]

My tank has a good amount of open swimming room, and will not be heavily stocked. From the research, and type of tangs I'm looking, and the size I will be purchasing at, I feel strongly that I should be ok.

Also I will no doubt upgrade again within 3 years... If even that long. :D

That being said I will be adding one at a time, and will be able to observe and judge if a second one can be added. I would never purchase a fish a place it in a "questionable" situation.

I appreciate your remarks, and was fully expecting someone to express your same concerns.

Thank you

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12190634#post12190634 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SDguy
What other fish do you plan on keeping in the tank, particularly rock picking species, as these will be viewed as more of a threat to the tang's territory than planktivores?
Probably some gobies and a clownfish or two... I am pretty much making my list in reverse... Deciding on my main inhabitants, then I will build the rest of the stocking list around them.

I have some ideas, but nothing set in stone by any means.

[yoboyjdizz]

Good Luck.

[Tswifty]

Thank you ;)

[new_world_disor]

Yellow Tang all the way. there deffo my favorites :)
probs cos of the little one in finding nemo. haha

[downhillbiker]

i would recommend making the stocking decisions around your main fish, but would stock them with the mildest tempered fish first, then get your more bold fish like clowns, or angels, not suggesting, just giving you the idea. so let us know what your official plans are.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12191220#post12191220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by downhillbiker
i would recommend making the stocking decisions around your main fish, but would stock them with the mildest tempered fish first, then get your more bold fish like clowns, or angels, not suggesting, just giving you the idea. so let us know what your official plans are.
Oh yeah for sure... I def will add the boss man last.

I'm debating about an angel... I think they can nip at corals, and they are very active... as are the tangs, and I don't want to crowd any of the inhabitants.

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12190743#post12190743 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty8
Probably some gobies and a clownfish or two... I am pretty much making my list in reverse... Deciding on my main inhabitants, then I will build the rest of the stocking list around them.

I have some ideas, but nothing set in stone by any means.

Well, the problem is, IMO, the tang(s) should go in last, so you kinda have to decide beforehand, I would think, as to what else you want.

[Tswifty]

I've heard purple tangs can be quite aggressive also?

[downhillbiker]

i have a coral beauty in quarantine, i posted a coral beauty reef safe VOTING last week. people seemed to have more good luck than bad with flames and coral beauties. i would say 80-20 reef safe. i will put my coral beauty in the reef tank in about 3 weeks and will let you know how it works out.

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12191282#post12191282 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SDguy
Well, the problem is, IMO, the tang(s) should go in last, so you kinda have to decide beforehand, I would think, as to what else you want.
The only fish that I think would be more aggressive than the tangs is an Angel... and I am up in the air with that...

So wouldn't I be ok on adding the tangs last, because if I choose an angel wouldn't he have to be added after the tangs anyway?

The list right now is:
2 or 3 anthias or 3 blue/green chromis
2 gobies
2 True percula clownfish
2 Tangs
1 Angel (maybe)
1 green mandarin dragonet (added late, because of requirements)

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12190268#post12190268 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by B.Pereira
Convict Tang
Easy to care for
About 8"
Very Timid, best to be the first tang introduced to the tank so it can establish this territory. Since this tang is very timid, introductions after it such as a new tang will not recieve as much agression. The only downfall is their tendency to get bullied.

-Brad


2nd this one :P
I like the convict tangs also, but can't they get quite large?

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12190049#post12190049 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by downhillbiker
i second the tomini tang. i love mine. great temperment, absolutely gorgeous. they have good color and a long flowing tail.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm107/downhill_biker/tomini.jpg
That's a great picture... where did you purchase yours from... I'm starting to lean in that direction.

[exoticaquatix]

Not sure if this is the best advice....

clown tangs get 12 inches plus
Gold rims along with the clowns, being an Acanthurus are some of the most aggressive.
Blue tangs get about a foot long but are way less agressive.
Kole Tangs among many other bristle tooth tangs are a much better choice for smaller tanks. A 90 isn't a small tank but its not a big one either.

I have a Tomini and a clown in my 120 but my cown is about 2 inches and Im fully aware of their aggressiveness and potential size and have the resources to accomodate the fish at a larger size. (I consider myself an advanced aquarist and don't always practice what i preach, i realize that.)




<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12189939#post12189939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hangseanshi
Goldrim tang: Great algae eater and easy to maintain. Grow up to 6 inches but most of them are about 4-5 inches. Price about $60.
Clown Tang: Small and easy to keep, grow up to 8 inches. Price about $35-60.
Kole Tang: Best algae eater ever, very easy to keep. $30 - $40. Size from 2 to 8 inches.
Blue Tang: Not a great algae eater but more popular up to 8 inches. $50. Make sure you get the wild blue tang from Hawaii because they are the only blue tang in the market that will live.
Check my videos about all the fishes that I am talking about:
My Youtube Videos (http://www.youtube.com/hangseanshi)

[exoticaquatix]

ok, just went back and read the rest of this thread, sorry for repeating advice but it can only help.

[Tswifty]

Thanks for the post... I'm not considering a clown... because of their size and swimming requirements...

Right now the tangs I am considering are:

Tomini Tang
Yellow Tang
Blue Hippo Tang
Bristletooth Tang
Powder Blue Tang
Purple Tang
Yellow Eye Kole Tang
Blonde Naso Tang

There are also a few more I want to research before I make a decision.

There's a black tang with yellow or white spots on it... but I can't seem to find any pictures of it, or figure out it's name.

[sw-addict]

your talking about a black tang, pricey why not a brown scopas
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh264/sw-addict/DSC00221.jpg

[Tswifty]

is it a black tang? I wasn't sure... I thought it might be different. Yeah I don't think I'll be spending that much on a tang for this tank.

I've never seen a brown scopas before... very nice

[InLimbo87]

How about a Powder Brown? Can't say I've had any experience with them, but they're beautiful fish :D

[Tswifty]

Ok here's the list I am about settled on for now as far as other livestock in the tank:

2 True Percula Clownfish
3 Anthias
2 Gobies
1 Mystery Wrasse
1 or 2 Tangs (Tomini, Purple, Powder Blue, Blue Hippo, Yellow, Scopas)
1 Regal Angelfish (Just hit my radar... need to do some research)
1 Mandarin Dragonet (added last due to requirements)
2 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Coral Banded Shrimp

If I add an angelfish, I will only be going with one tang... no angelfish two. Also, if I decide not to add shrimp, then I will be adding a Flame Hawkfish. A sixline or small wrasse may be a late addition also depending on space in the tank after everything is added.

I'm going to attempt to try and find everything around 3" or less at purchase (I don't know how hard this will be), to leave some growing room

[downhillbiker]

I bought my tomini from a local fish store, and they had it mispriced, and i knew it. they had two and one was marked at $75 and one was marked at $40, and they were the same size, came in on the same date, and both looked very healthy. at first he was very skiddish, and would only eat algae off the glass, but now he eats everything I put in there and doesn't freighten. Also my fish is much brighter than the picture. His orange is getting brighter, and his fins on the side are becoming orange instead of clear, the tail keeps getting longer, and the pectoral fins are striped with orange and bright green.

[Tswifty]

don't you love it when they do that... very nice pick up!

[Marklu]

You should check out the two-spot birstlemouth tang. He's a nice alternative of the yellow eyed kole tang and, IMO, is better looking. I have one and i love it.

heres a pic:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-07/hcs3/images/tang98.jpg

[Tswifty]

Yeah, someone posted a link to one earlier... I would be interested to see a pic of one that someone has living in their aquarium for coloration once established.

As for the size of tangs... is there an increased difficulty in caring for them when they are under 3".

The majority of sites list them between 3-5" but I would want to make sure one is towards the lesser. However, once you get into the "small" classification size drops quite a bit.

[downhillbiker]

yeah dont know what to tell you. do you live in oregon by any chance. my LFS still has the other tomini and i could work you a deal, about 3" maybe slightly larger. but only grows to 8" MAX

[Tswifty]

haha... nope... other side of the country in Ohio...

It's too early for me to add a tang. My tank is still cycling. My levels are all stabile, because I used rock that had been running in my 55 for 3 yrs, but I know the bioload is not ready yet... I hope to make the first additions in 2-3 weeks.

My first purchases will come soon though, as I have the 55g running as a stock tank to QT fish before adding them to the display.

I'm looking at purchasing a pair of shrimpgobys and the 3 anthias soon though, possibly some cleaner shrimp also. I think these will be the most docile of the tank mates.

I'm pretty sure I will purchase a Tomini and a Purple Tang/Powder Blue Tang, although I am starting to become more interested in the Bristletooth Tang.

[Marklu]

I can try and get you a decent picture, but my camera is just not cut out for taking picture through glass. I've tried everything, it just doesn't do well.

[Marklu]

The link i sent earlier is pretty close to the coloration of mine. Mine is a little grayer with a more vibrant tail. The lateral lines are also vary vivid on mine. I would just look for one at an LFS and see for your self, it may be hard to find one though.

[Tswifty]

Yeah, I may be able to have the LFS special order one for me... the only problem is that I am new to the area and don't exactly trust this one from my experiences. They at least double the prices if not more. I don't mind paying an extra premium for the added benefit of observing livestock before purchasing, and also helping out a small business. But there is only so much I am willing to pay.

The LFS where I used to live was great. They would order the livestock, and if it wasn't up to snuff, then they would simply keep it and offer it to the public. I am not sure if they would allow me that luxury here. I will have to ask though.

Also, I agree Tangs and active fish are hard to capture on camera's that don't have a sport mode, or quick snap mode. Also, I gave up on using the flash on my tank too, it would either reflect back, or remove all the color.

[SeaMac2]

I am partial to kole tangs since I have one...well behaved so far in my mixed reef, and swims a lot, picking at the rocks but doesn't just pace end to end. If I didn't have a kole personally I'd opt for a tomini or a bristletooth.

I think a 90g is too small for a powder blue or a naso tang, even before they reach full adult size. The rest on your list look great.

Take a look at melev's tank videos to see how active a swimmer naso tangs are.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Tswifty]

yep I ruled out a naso

[Macimage]

Yes, I agree with SeaMac2 that a 90 is too small for a powder blue. They are my favorite tang, but they are such swimmers and so active that I sometimes feel badly watching him buzz around my 225. I'd suggest a Watanabe Angel instead of a Powder Blue Tang for a 90 gallon:

http://www.marinecenter.com/media/photos/57FA596A075B4F0DBB86A533187F4252.jpg

http://www.marinecenter.com/media/photos/E2A467601F104BFB98689529477FBA14.jpg

Here's a thread with more information about reef safe Genicanthus angels you may enjoy:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1284946

Joyce

[Tswifty]

Thanks for the suggestions

[Tswifty]

They have a bristletooth tang for sale in the Diver's Den, but he is too large...

http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=38356