blue/purple tang co-exist?

George771177 · 07-27-2007, 08:37 PM

Can a medium blue tang and a little smaller purple tang co-exist in a 55 gal tank with 50 lbs of live rock?

I know the recommended size of tan for these fish is a little larger than the tank i have but these are not really big tangs medium to small about 3-4 inches in lenght.

What would be the suggested number of fish i could have?

I have a hang on protein skimmer and a penguin bio-wheel as my filter.

i have heard about over stocking and i dont want to do that.

DrHank · 07-27-2007, 08:58 PM

Although I don't recommend a tang in less than 75 gallons a purple tang could work out for a while in a tank your size. One tang only please in 55 gallons! You don't say what kind of blue tang. If you're thinking powder blue, they are very ick prone and I would stay away. If you are thinking of a Blue Hippo or regal tang, I would again say no, they are very shy at first and will definitely outgrow your tank. If you are thinking of an Atlantic Blue tang, I'd say maybe as a temporary home but will probably outgrow.

Honestly, I wouldn't do a tang in that size tank. The number of fish depends on the size. A good rule of thumb to follow is not more than 1" of fish for each 5 gallons of water. You also appear to be running about 20 light as far as live rock goes (depending on the type you have.

What type of hang on skimmer are you using (it's the most important piece of equipment for a tank)? Your bio wheel will become unnecessary if you add a bit more live rock provided your skimmer is doing it's job.

BrianCM · 07-27-2007, 08:59 PM

Not trying to put you down but that is not good filteration. But the rock helps for the filteration. Have you thought about a sump. You could use a hang on over flow with a 20 long sump if you have enough room for that. And you could fit a bigger skimmer in that and you can hide all your equipment. You could get mabey a kole tang or a smaller tang but i would not get more than one they need a bunch of room to swim. But they will even out grow a 55 after a couple years.

BrianCM · 07-27-2007, 09:01 PM

I also agree with DrHank

George771177 · 07-27-2007, 10:45 PM

The tank has fiji live rock i have been thinking about doing something diffrent with the filtration but an upgrade in my light to meatl halides is going to come first. The protein skimmer iam using is a hang on pro clear aquatic (angel fish sticker).

I know that my filtration isnt the best. Anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of filtration that i could get into. iam not looking to spend a bunch of money so if anyone know a good deal or what price range i should be looking for let me know. i know that the filtratio isnt great. I have had the tank up and running for about 4 yrs now and it seems to be sustaining just no really good coral growth which i could probably blame on poor water quality, and insuficiant lighting. I have really mature fiji with deep purple coral line algae so iam sure that and some of the sponges have helped with the bio-load.

Skimmer suggestions? Price Range?
OVer flow suggestions? Price Range?
Something to deal with the things that the protein skimmer does now??????

DrHank · 07-27-2007, 11:21 PM

You can't go wrong with MH lighting. If you're looking overflow, you are obviously thinking sump which is the way to go. I would recommend a "U" tube style overflow. They maintain their flow better than the CPR type. You could use a MAG 7 pump with 3/4" pipe for the return. As far as skimmer is concerned Look at an ASM-G2 or an Octopus NW-110. They are both excellent. You might want to look used. Lots of times folks sell their old when they move up or get out of the hobby. I just sold my 1 year old NW-110 to another RS member. I won't tell you the price but if you can get a used one for $80-$100 you're doing good. The ASM would probably be a bit higher.

There really isn't anything better than a good skimmer to remove dissolved organic compounds on a tank your size. The bio wheel just adds nitrate to your system (which corals don't care for but fish can tolerate). Frequent (weekly) 10% water changes are recommended regardless of whether you have a FOWLR or reef tank.

Just take your time, go step by step and before you know it you'll be where you want to be. Remember, always make haste slowly. It keeps your mistakes smaller. Good luck with your plans.

George771177 · 07-27-2007, 11:47 PM

sounds good. A i will keep my eye out for a sump set up. I saw that you were trying to get rid of a protein skimmer at a great price i guess a little to late. Right now i think the hang on skimmer can hadle it until i get a good sump for the right price i cant wait to get the metal halides. Iam in college in Indiana at Ball State, and it has taken me quite some time to scrape the money together for the light but i have finally got it who knows maybe i will be able to trade someone my jebo powercompacts 4x65w for a sump. thanks for all the help i just hope one day iget the tank to where i want it to be and can finally just sit back and enjoy. The way this hobby goes for me that will probably never happen because i will just want a bigger better version. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lcstorc · 07-27-2007, 11:57 PM

Listen to the Doc he knows what he is talking about.
The one thing I would add is if you do not go with a sump get an Aqua C Remora Pro skimmer. It is the best HOB skimmer I know of and should help lots. Also don't let the corraline fool you. It is pretty and all that but does not provide any bioligical filtration. The bacteria that does the filtration lives deep inside the rock and you are likely to never see it.
Above all let your testing be your guide. If you have amonia, nitrites, or nitratea then your filtration needs attention. I would put this before the lights since it is way more important. Lights are great but without proper filtration you are going to have problems regardless.
Finally I would not put a tang of any kind in a 55. It just won't have enough swimming room to be happy and healthy. Stick with smaller fish and your tank will love you for it.

lcstorc · 07-28-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George771177

sounds good. A i will keep my eye out for a sump set up. I saw that you were trying to get rid of a protein skimmer at a great price i guess a little to late. Right now i think the hang on skimmer can hadle it until i get a good sump for the right price i cant wait to get the metal halides. Iam in college in Indiana at Ball State, and it has taken me quite some time to scrape the money together for the light but i have finally got it who knows maybe i will be able to trade someone my jebo powercompacts 4x65w for a sump. thanks for all the help i just hope one day iget the tank to where i want it to be and can finally just sit back and enjoy. The way this hobby goes for me that will probably never happen because i will just want a bigger better version. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With a reef tank you never get to just sit back and enjoy. There is always soimething to do though maintanance gets easier and quicker the longer the tank is up. What is the size on those lights? I may be in the market for a 4 foot PC fixture in the not too distant future. (If I get the new seahorse tank I want.

.

George771177 · 07-28-2007, 01:37 AM

it is a 48 inch so ft. fixture. Jebo........ have a refugium or skimmer want to trade?????? lights are brand new just replaced them..... Just replaced one of the balast.... reflector has a little rust from saltwater nothing serious..... If you think you may want it let me know i am replacing lights in about a month.... Store told me they would buy it plus iam not sure if i want to keep it to set up a frag tank and a clow breeding tank....

Keeping my eye out for used sump, find anyone send them my way....

DrHank · 07-28-2007, 09:13 AM

As far as a sump is concerned for your tank, you could look for a used 20 gallon, 20 long, or 29 gallon, even a 30 long would work but it is 36" in length. I'd keep an eye on the local paper, yard sales, craigslist.com, and even post a want to buy.

Keep an eye open on this and other (Reef Central) sites Equipment for Sale forums. Good luck.

lcstorc · 07-28-2007, 09:31 AM

Unfortunately I don't have a spare sump lying around. Just be sure to post on here if you decide to sell them. I may not even do the project so don't save them for me just let me know if/when you want to sell them and I will beg hubby.
I know I want a 4ft tank so it would fit at least.

Plus I want ponies and a few gorgs and spofties so I don't need lots of light.
Thanks
Lynn
P.S. Make your own sump. It is about the easiest DIY project you can come up with and it will save you some money.

Used tank from ebay or craigslist and you are on your way. All you need then are baffles and plumbing and you are good to go.

BrianCM · 07-28-2007, 11:54 AM

i Have a 20 long i am not using. All you would have to do is put some baffles in the sump. Not hard. I made a sump from a 20 long for my 40 breeder not hard at all. I will try to get some pics.

George771177 · 07-28-2007, 06:51 PM

sounds good guys.... Pics would be great... I tdosent seem like it should be to hard to DIY just by looking at the pics it seems that way. I just am not quite sure how everything is supposed to work so if i could see it running it may help me with figuring out what i need to do to get it going. I have a lfs that is selling some 20 gal tanks for $5 so i can snag one of those and then figure the rest out i should be good.

BrianCM · 07-29-2007, 06:52 PM

Here are some pics.
The first on is just the whole sump except some of the right side.
Second pic is the water going into the fuge. I can control it with the ball valve.
The third pic is the right side where the pump for the skimmer is and the heater.
You can see i have two baffles on that is on the bottom the another about 3/4" off the bottom help with micro bubbles

07-27-2007, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
George771177 Scopas Tang Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: indiana Posts: 430 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	blue/purple tang co-exist? Can a medium blue tang and a little smaller purple tang co-exist in a 55 gal tank with 50 lbs of live rock? I know the recommended size of tan for these fish is a little larger than the tank i have but these are not really big tangs medium to small about 3-4 inches in lenght. What would be the suggested number of fish i could have? I have a hang on protein skimmer and a penguin bio-wheel as my filter. i have heard about over stocking and i dont want to do that.

07-27-2007, 08:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,758 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? Although I don't recommend a tang in less than 75 gallons a purple tang could work out for a while in a tank your size. One tang only please in 55 gallons! You don't say what kind of blue tang. If you're thinking powder blue, they are very ick prone and I would stay away. If you are thinking of a Blue Hippo or regal tang, I would again say no, they are very shy at first and will definitely outgrow your tank. If you are thinking of an Atlantic Blue tang, I'd say maybe as a temporary home but will probably outgrow. Honestly, I wouldn't do a tang in that size tank. The number of fish depends on the size. A good rule of thumb to follow is not more than 1" of fish for each 5 gallons of water. You also appear to be running about 20 light as far as live rock goes (depending on the type you have. What type of hang on skimmer are you using (it's the most important piece of equipment for a tank)? Your bio wheel will become unnecessary if you add a bit more live rock provided your skimmer is doing it's job. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

07-27-2007, 08:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
BrianCM Fire Coral Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bellevue,NE Posts: 77 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? Not trying to put you down but that is not good filteration. But the rock helps for the filteration. Have you thought about a sump. You could use a hang on over flow with a 20 long sump if you have enough room for that. And you could fit a bigger skimmer in that and you can hide all your equipment. You could get mabey a kole tang or a smaller tang but i would not get more than one they need a bunch of room to swim. But they will even out grow a 55 after a couple years.

07-27-2007, 09:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
BrianCM Fire Coral Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bellevue,NE Posts: 77 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? I also agree with DrHank

07-27-2007, 10:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
George771177 Scopas Tang Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: indiana Posts: 430 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? The tank has fiji live rock i have been thinking about doing something diffrent with the filtration but an upgrade in my light to meatl halides is going to come first. The protein skimmer iam using is a hang on pro clear aquatic (angel fish sticker). I know that my filtration isnt the best. Anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of filtration that i could get into. iam not looking to spend a bunch of money so if anyone know a good deal or what price range i should be looking for let me know. i know that the filtratio isnt great. I have had the tank up and running for about 4 yrs now and it seems to be sustaining just no really good coral growth which i could probably blame on poor water quality, and insuficiant lighting. I have really mature fiji with deep purple coral line algae so iam sure that and some of the sponges have helped with the bio-load. Skimmer suggestions? Price Range? OVer flow suggestions? Price Range? Something to deal with the things that the protein skimmer does now??????

07-27-2007, 11:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,758 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? You can't go wrong with MH lighting. If you're looking overflow, you are obviously thinking sump which is the way to go. I would recommend a "U" tube style overflow. They maintain their flow better than the CPR type. You could use a MAG 7 pump with 3/4" pipe for the return. As far as skimmer is concerned Look at an ASM-G2 or an Octopus NW-110. They are both excellent. You might want to look used. Lots of times folks sell their old when they move up or get out of the hobby. I just sold my 1 year old NW-110 to another RS member. I won't tell you the price but if you can get a used one for $80-$100 you're doing good. The ASM would probably be a bit higher. There really isn't anything better than a good skimmer to remove dissolved organic compounds on a tank your size. The bio wheel just adds nitrate to your system (which corals don't care for but fish can tolerate). Frequent (weekly) 10% water changes are recommended regardless of whether you have a FOWLR or reef tank. Just take your time, go step by step and before you know it you'll be where you want to be. Remember, always make haste slowly. It keeps your mistakes smaller. Good luck with your plans. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

07-27-2007, 11:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
George771177 Scopas Tang Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: indiana Posts: 430 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? sounds good. A i will keep my eye out for a sump set up. I saw that you were trying to get rid of a protein skimmer at a great price i guess a little to late. Right now i think the hang on skimmer can hadle it until i get a good sump for the right price i cant wait to get the metal halides. Iam in college in Indiana at Ball State, and it has taken me quite some time to scrape the money together for the light but i have finally got it who knows maybe i will be able to trade someone my jebo powercompacts 4x65w for a sump. thanks for all the help i just hope one day iget the tank to where i want it to be and can finally just sit back and enjoy. The way this hobby goes for me that will probably never happen because i will just want a bigger better version. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07-27-2007, 11:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,437 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? Listen to the Doc he knows what he is talking about. The one thing I would add is if you do not go with a sump get an Aqua C Remora Pro skimmer. It is the best HOB skimmer I know of and should help lots. Also don't let the corraline fool you. It is pretty and all that but does not provide any bioligical filtration. The bacteria that does the filtration lives deep inside the rock and you are likely to never see it. Above all let your testing be your guide. If you have amonia, nitrites, or nitratea then your filtration needs attention. I would put this before the lights since it is way more important. Lights are great but without proper filtration you are going to have problems regardless. Finally I would not put a tang of any kind in a 55. It just won't have enough swimming room to be happy and healthy. Stick with smaller fish and your tank will love you for it. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

07-28-2007, 01:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
George771177 Scopas Tang Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: indiana Posts: 430 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? it is a 48 inch so ft. fixture. Jebo........ have a refugium or skimmer want to trade?????? lights are brand new just replaced them..... Just replaced one of the balast.... reflector has a little rust from saltwater nothing serious..... If you think you may want it let me know i am replacing lights in about a month.... Store told me they would buy it plus iam not sure if i want to keep it to set up a frag tank and a clow breeding tank.... Keeping my eye out for used sump, find anyone send them my way....

07-28-2007, 09:13 AM	#11 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,758 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? As far as a sump is concerned for your tank, you could look for a used 20 gallon, 20 long, or 29 gallon, even a 30 long would work but it is 36" in length. I'd keep an eye on the local paper, yard sales, craigslist.com, and even post a want to buy. Keep an eye open on this and other (Reef Central) sites Equipment for Sale forums. Good luck. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

07-28-2007, 09:31 AM	#12 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,437 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? Unfortunately I don't have a spare sump lying around. Just be sure to post on here if you decide to sell them. I may not even do the project so don't save them for me just let me know if/when you want to sell them and I will beg hubby. I know I want a 4ft tank so it would fit at least. Plus I want ponies and a few gorgs and spofties so I don't need lots of light. Thanks Lynn P.S. Make your own sump. It is about the easiest DIY project you can come up with and it will save you some money. Used tank from ebay or craigslist and you are on your way. All you need then are baffles and plumbing and you are good to go. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

07-28-2007, 11:54 AM	#13 (permalink)
BrianCM Fire Coral Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bellevue,NE Posts: 77 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? i Have a 20 long i am not using. All you would have to do is put some baffles in the sump. Not hard. I made a sump from a 20 long for my 40 breeder not hard at all. I will try to get some pics.

07-28-2007, 06:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
George771177 Scopas Tang Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: indiana Posts: 430 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: blue/purple tang co-exist? sounds good guys.... Pics would be great... I tdosent seem like it should be to hard to DIY just by looking at the pics it seems that way. I just am not quite sure how everything is supposed to work so if i could see it running it may help me with figuring out what i need to do to get it going. I have a lfs that is selling some 20 gal tanks for $5 so i can snag one of those and then figure the rest out i should be good.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)