Using live rock to keep tangs happy

[cr500_af]

They get along beautifully for me. Generally you want to be careful mixing tangs of the same type (body shape, e.g. a yellow and a purple).

 

[grouper therapy]

bratliff;525096 wrote: IMO, this ^^^^ is the reason for the larger tank size recommendations for tangs. They are swimmers and need space, but, they also create a LOT of waste for their size and without extra filtration, smaller set-ups just can't support them.

<u>While I agree with you this is an excellent reason</u></em> I don't believe that it is the reason people most people pull some number out of their and attach it to a particular tang. If it was the reason then why not state it as such. I agree that tangs do like to swim but so do most fish. So far as one tang preferring a 6' foot tank versus a 5' tank is like saying I would prefer a 12' jail cell versus a 10' maybe so but is it really that much of a difference or does it just ease the Jail keeper's conscience.

 

[grouper therapy]

Imo the battles that most tangs are involved in are over territory. Not because that fish is in love with that particular rock but more of what that rock produces FOOD[B][/B] That IMO is one of the keys to keeping numerous tangs together,keeping them fed. Like has been mentioned above you must have a filtration system to handle the additional waste. I feed these tangs pellet twice daily and 3 large sheets of nori everyday.

 

[gmpolan]

smallblock like i said, i have three in the same tank you ll be fine for a while but eventually they will prob out grow their environment....as mine will be going to the 150 soon.

 

[grouper therapy]

bratliff;525198 wrote: No. The reason this is done is because most people simply want a list of rules to live by and don't want to do the research into why some fish behave one way and others completely differently. They want the "so many inches per gallon" or "needs a tank of such and such volume/size." Providing a simplified answer for these people is the only way in which they will have even a chance of successfully keeping these creatures alive and healthy for any length of time.

Sadly that is probably true.

 

[grouper therapy]

bratliff;525265 wrote: Look at it this way though. I'm not being negative or disparaging. On the contrary I think every one of us, regardless of how long we've been in this hobby have asked these types of questions at one time. It's only natural. It's a good sign generally as it indicates a desire to properly keep these marine animals and usually means that the person will continue to learn and eventually be able to answer these types of questions more intelligently or figure out the reasons behind the "rules." :up:

I think it should be asked up front as to why and how a rule was determined. Not much of a fan of "because I said so". If the reasoning behind matching a tank to a tang is filtration then say so and don't throw so bogus answer that has no logical merit to it. That way they are educated as to the needs if the animal and not just getting their ears tickled. But to say a sohal tang needs a minimum tank size of 180gallons on one website and 55 gallons on another(actual example) warrants absolutely zero credibility in my book of either website's statement. So if a hobbyist was to visit both of these websites who should they believe and why(based on what) an opinion?

 

[cr500_af]

bratliff;525420 wrote: Unfortunately, so much of what we take for granted in this hobby as "true" is simply based on opinion. Take UV's for example. There are tons of people who swear by there's, but, all of their "evidence" that they are really doing what they think they are is anecdotal. I believe in UV's as a good tool as well, but, their effectiveness is still very much a matter of faith vs. fact.

Back to the OP's original question about tangs; we've all heard the "six foot rule" right? How many of us have broken it? I had three tangs in my 90g and I -know- the reasoning behind the "rule." :confused2:

I personally think rules of thumb are there to keep those very new to the hobby away from the worst mistakes. I also agree with you in that, besides just firing off "tangs need a 6 foot tank" response, we should provide a more in depth answer that hopefully educates as well. :unsure:

True. Maybe I would have been smarter to say, "Tangs swim a ton, so it would be nice it they had lots of room to do it in".

IMO it's an anecdotal rule of thumb that, while not Gospel, has some reasonable thinking behind it. I try to always qualify a statement as "I've heard" when I make it so I'm not regurgitating it as fact or personal experience.

Grouper, I agree with you totally that it is ridiculous the way websites put a "min tank size" on some fish. It's either very inconsistent from site to site (and even from one species to a very similar one on the same website). I wish they would talk more about what makes a good habitat for them, rather than talking about gallons.

 

[grouper therapy]

bratliff;525420 wrote: Unfortunately, so much of what we take for granted in this hobby as "true" is simply based on opinion. Take UV's for example. There are tons of people who swear by there's, but, all of their "evidence" that they are really doing what they think they are is anecdotal. I believe in UV's as a good tool as well, but, their effectiveness is still very much a matter of faith vs. fact.

Back to the OP's original question about tangs; we've all heard the "six foot rule" right? How many of us have broken it? I had three tangs in my 90g and I -know- the reasoning behind the "rule." :confused2:

I personally think rules of thumb are there to keep those very new to the hobby away from the worst mistakes. I also agree with you in that, besides just firing off "tangs need a 6 foot tank" response, we should provide a more in depth answer that hopefully educates as well. :unsure:

i believe you may want to research that one a little more. A Nobel prize was awarded in 1903 for it's use in treating TB. The effects of UV on pathogens have been scientifically documented for over a hundred years.

 

[smallblock]

So we all agree that my addition of extra paths for the tangs is bennificial(spelling even close)?

 

[grouper therapy]

Smallblock;525530 wrote: So we all agree that my addition of extra paths for the tangs is bennificial(spelling even close)?

:up::up::up:

 

[grouper therapy]

bratliff;525599 wrote: What research has been done in reef aquaria though? I've NEVER questioned what UV CAN do. My question has been and remains how do we KNOW it's as effective in reef aquaria?:confused2:

effective in reef aquaria for what? The destruction of pathogens?

 

[eric b]

Assault;525936 wrote: Many scientific studies have proven, that UV destroys most waterborne bacteria, parasitic, fungal, viral, algae, and many other unfriendly pathogens, including the waterborne form of Ich, by exposing it to high intensity ultra violet light. UV effects the function of living cells by altering cell structure or DNA causing death. This has scientifically been proven in marine aquaria, ponds, and airborne environments. It has also been proven that UV increases water clarity by destroying single cell algae in aquariums. Improved water clarity by UV is visible to the human eye, It has also been proven that increased water clarity in reef aquariums greatly increases PAR.

Don't take my word for it. I suggest you do the research yourself, like I did
I can tell you that electrical shock can be lethal, I won't post any scientific research on that either.

To each his own, if you believe UV is effective roll with it, if you don't then don't roll with it, I wish for your success either way. These forums are not scientific debates, but opinions based on the experiences of other reefers. I tend to follow the guys with the tanks full of healthy fish and beautiful corals.

Well said!!! :up:

 

[mikesommers]

Smallblock your rock work looks great and think that it will be very effective in keeping some tangs! I added some more rock to my tank witch closed off the circle my hippo travels 12 hrs a day. I needed more places for coral. So I am close to making a decision on finding a new home for him.

 

[smallblock]

how much you want for him?

 

[mikesommers]

Smallblock;525980 wrote: how much you want for him?

The big issue is catching him! I'm not sure what I would want.