Algae Grazing Tangs

Werbo · #1 10-09-2009, 05:40 PM

I have a 120 G tank. I have a yellow tang and really love that the fact it is always grazing on what little algae it can find on my rocks. It seems really natural to watch and is benefical in algae management.
My wife really loves Regal tangs but after researching it seems they are more carnivourous.
I want to add another tang from a different tang family. What other tangs are primarily algae grazers and constantly searching the rock for algae.

Canuckgod420 · #2 10-09-2009, 06:15 PM

my kole tang is always cruising the rocks and glass......non stop. He/she? does a great job on film algae.
I also have a tomini tang cleaning rock and glass all day.

naesco · #3 10-09-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

I have a 120 G tank. I have a yellow tang and really love that the fact it is always grazing on what little algae it can find on my rocks. It seems really natural to watch and is benefical in algae management.
My wife really loves Regal tangs but after researching it seems they are more carnivourous.
I want to add another tang from a different tang family. What other tangs are primarily algae grazers and constantly searching the rock for algae.

Regal tangs require meaty foods although they eat algae as well.

If you have a 6 foot tank, the powder brown tang is a great choice.
It is A. japonicus. They are often mislabeled (it is the one with orange on it).
Make sure you get a plump tang with no spots, redness or tears. Clear eyes, alert just as interested in you as you are in it.
Feed garlic soaked foods as ich is a concern.
Your tangs should be fed nori, or, spirulina tabs (check the brand to see that spirulina is the first ingredient.)
Good Luck

Drock169 · #4 10-09-2009, 07:43 PM

Maybe consider a foxface or a rabbitfish, some very interesting ones.

Otherwise convict tangs are excellent grazers and multiples can be kept together.

Trigger Man · #5 10-09-2009, 08:02 PM

I agree,
my Kole is the same way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuckgod420

my kole tang is always cruising the rocks and glass......non stop. He/she? does a great job on film algae.
I also have a tomini tang cleaning rock and glass all day.

Werbo · #6 10-09-2009, 08:11 PM

Is the whole family of Acanthurus tangs known as algae grazers?
Ie Powder Brown, PBT, Achilles, Sohaii & Nigricans (White Cheek)?

fishytime · #7 10-09-2009, 09:50 PM

Powder browns make about the best choice(out of that family), considering your tank....achilles and sohals need very large aquariums and have the reputation for becoming aggressive as they mature.....powder blues seem more prone to ick than powder browns....and stay away from A. Nigricans altogether as they have a very poor survival rate......as mentioned before, though not the flashiest tangs, the bristletooth family of tangs( Kole convict tominni) are great workers, dont get big and dont have the tank size requirements as most of the other tangs.

naesco · #8 10-09-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

Is the whole family of Acanthurus tangs known as algae grazers?
Ie Powder Brown, PBT, Achilles, Sohaii & Nigricans (White Cheek)?

Yes but the Achilles, Powder Blue tang and nigricans have extremely poor survival rates.
The sohol is an excellent fish but should be the last tang added and is quite a bully .

Read this site about the good and bad Tangs.
http://wetwebmedia.com/acanthurTngs.htm

Werbo · #9 10-09-2009, 10:56 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Naesco I read that articule a year ago before setting up my tank. Of course I forgot the details. Great article for all to reference.
Thanks

Myka · #10 10-09-2009, 11:32 PM

My vote goes for a Kole tang as well.

I am assuming your tank is a 4' 120 though? In that case I wouldn't have more than 1 tang. If it's a 6' 120, then I would add a second one.