Yellow Eye Kole Tang

[Dean]

I need some algae control in my 65 gallon tall reef aquarium. From all of the research I have done they are one of the best breed of Tangs for the job and are also one of the only Tangs suited for a tank this size. Does anyone have one in their inventory or perhaps have a different type of Tang as equally suited as the Kole?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

You have a very nice tank. But in my opinion tangs should only be in 6ft tanks or larger. 6ft tanks are actually small for tangs. The kole tang is an aggressive swimmer. If you do get one make sure their small. I would actually recommend a lawnmower for your tank. They are very good and wont out grow your tank. what types of algae do you have?

[Dean]

Looks like the Flame Fin Tang is also suitable for smaller tanks.

BBQHILLBILLY - I have a lawnmower in my 29 gallon cube. They are great fish and excellent at their job but don't put them in with other fish that look anything like them. Well, at least not with mine. I already have a convict blenny and yellow watchman in the 65 so I don't want to chance adding a lawn mower or starry and end up having some aggression. About a month ago I moved everything from my leaking 30 gallon over to the 65 and am currently going through (hopefully the end) of a diatom bloom and would like to have some type of tang well suited for algae grazing if there is indeed a breed suited for a 65 tall. I've read a few sites that say the Flame Fin would be suitable for as small as a 50 gallon tank. Thoughts?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

If you just came out of a cycle its too early for fish. time and patience

[Dean]

The tank itself is the only thing that is new. Rock, water, sand bed, coral, 20 gallon sump loaded with macro etc... has all been running since the end of August.

[Zack]

I personally wouldn't put a tang in a tank that small but that's just me..

[Dean]

I personally wouldn't put a tang in a tank that small but that's just me..

I don't want to put one in that will out grow it for sure. That's why I am asking for ideas. Surely there is a type suited for a 65 tall.

[Zack]

Even a flame tail tang will not be suitable, 65 tall just isn't enough space for a tang realistically.. sure you have the small number of people with success long term with tangs but they usually go through many tangs to get one that works.. I've seen a few japanese reefs that have done it but it cost the lives of many tangs.

[Dean]

What are the issues that occur with the smaller breeds of tangs in a tank this size?

[Zack]

Lots of stress due to lack of swimming room (tangs like horizontal room rather than vertical) possible aggression due to this stress, disease due to stress

Its a stressful environment for a tang being only 3' long.

[Dean]

Hmm. Well dang. What's another good type besides tangs or Gobies for algae?

[new2dis]

Emerald crabs and hermit crabs

[Joe31]

Turbo snails are good, but they just knock over everything thats not mounted.

[Dean]

Turbo snails are good, but they just knock over everything thats not mounted.
Ya mine are definitely a wrecking crew.

[350gt]

Small bristle tooth!!

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+43+334&pcatid=334

Mine is a workhorse...

And they stay fairly small....

Try one without any other tangs..

[350gt]

Avoid emerald crabs, mine was a zoa muncher!...

[Dean]

Avoid emerald crabs, mine was a zoa muncher!...

I had one for a week, right up until I caught it plucking polyps off of my toadstool for a late night snack.

[Dean]

Small bristle tooth!!

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+43+334&pcatid=334

Mine is a workhorse...

And they stay fairly small....

Try one without any other tangs..


The bristle tooth is also called flame fin. That is one of the tangs I was actually looking at. Awesome, thanks.

[350gt]

Ive had mine for years... He is peaceful and hasnt grown much, if at all.... He grazes all day and doesnt mess with anyone.

My tank is only 5' and atm i have 4 tangs.... So it can be done and they are stress free... I feed well though..

I wouldnt recommend that many in one tank, and had to remove one cause i felt bad for the guy... But still no issues with 5 tangs.. I think more has to do with the tank itself...

[Dean]

Thanks for your input 350gt

I think quite a few of us newcomers to the hobby can learn from this topic. I started a Tang thread in general reef keeping.