I can't keep yellow tangs alive

[speer]

I have a 90 gallon tank that has been up and running for almost 1 year. Its stocked with two clowns, two chalk bass, yellow watchmen goby and a lawnmower blenny. Some of those fish I took out of an older tank I broke down so I've had them all for 1-2 years. In the last 4 months, I've added two yellow tangs and a foxface (not together but only after one died) and all three have died. They only last about 2 weeks in the tank and I notice the day before they die they stay pretty much in the rock work and don't come out at all. I don't see any signs of disease or injury. I'm feeding algae, seaweed, etc. I'm at loss for why this is happening and obviously don't want to add any more fish until I can figure it out. The only algae eater I've had success with his my lawnmower blenny. Any thoughts?

[cpreefguy]

Are they eating a lot? Getting along with tank mates? Any Ich present on them?
A cleaner shrimp may help them transition in your tank and rid them of parasites. Also, I have found when introducing a new fish that you need to feed, feed, feed. Get them nice and fat, just watch your water parameters.

[alton]

Are the yellow tangs Hawaiian. If I were to get a yellow tang I would prefer one from Hawaii. Purple tangs seem to be the most hardy.

[aquasport24]

how do you acclimate them? were they eating before at LFS? how is your water parameters?

[glennr1978]

Are the yellow tangs Hawaiian. If I were to get a yellow tang I would prefer one from Hawaii. Purple tangs seem to be the most hardy.


Sorry if this is a stupid question, but aren't all yellow tangs hawaiian?

[speer]

My tank parameters are good. I must admit that I don't see them eating a lot at all. Somtimes nipping at the seaweed strips I put in the tank but nothing like the lawnmower who goes to town. Definitely no ich and I haven't seen any issues with other fish. I pretty much keep food for them in the tank most of the time since I don't see them eating a lot.

[cpreefguy]

Try soaking the shrimp in Garlic, and offer them a variety of different algae. If you can get a clump of live algae that is best.
Getting them to eat can be difficult, but it is crucial to their health, especially in the beginning.

[reybeast]

Seems that Tangs either live forever or dont last very long, doesnt seem to be much in between. I would quarantine them first in a hospital tank for a week, make sure they do ok alone. I would treat them for ick and other disease for a few weeks after that, and then into the main tank once they are good. I know the urge is to throw them in as soon as you get them....

[alton]

Yellow tangs are in the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Hawaii. Like all fish make sure they are fat and happy, alert, eating, bright in color, before you purchase them from the fish store. Sometimes we look at skinny fish and think well we can fatten them up. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. Don't give up.

[sampsonndelila]

mine can't get enough flakes, he is a Big eater, he also munches on long hair green algae. He is my most hearty fish who was the only one to withstand a tank meltdown of my own.

[tony]

formula 2 flake and if they dont like that like sean said try soaking it in garlic