Tangs and macroalgae?

SoloChromis · 05/14/2016, 06:13 PM

I personally much prefer the look and relative stability that comes from a thriving macro algae dominant tank over a pristine candy colored SPS tank any day, but that's just me, but I also love angels and tangs. Is it possible to mix the 2 longterm, or would the tang/angel decimate the entire crop? I don't mind nipping and I figure it would work in providing a constant food source for the herbivore, as well as keeping the algae cropped, I just don't want them obliterating it all. Thanks guys

Michael Hoaster · 05/16/2016, 03:27 PM

I've had some luck with an atlantic blue tang juvenile, and caulerpa racemosa. You want to make sure the macro you choose is a favorite of the tang you choose. I think the key is to get your macros to the overgrown point, THEN add the tang. This will give you some time to consider growth rates v consumption rates. If you find the growth rate exceeds consumption, you can prune a little. If consumption exceeds growth, consider dosing nutrients to speed up growth. Another option, though rather difficult, would be to occasionally remove the tang to a separate tank for an un-grazed, growing period, if your macros get whittled down too much.

If you're thinking of doing this in a 60 cube, I doubt you could grow enough to keep one tang fed, long term. Mine is a 180 and I doubt I'll be able to keep up as the tang matures. If you start with a juvenile, you can probably make it work for a while, as I have done. But don't be discouraged from trying. It's a fascinating scenario and your tang will be very happy.

On the flip side, if you have collected and cared for a lovely selection of macros, you're not going to enjoy watching your tang mow them down.

FinzAquatics · 05/16/2016, 06:34 PM

Or stick with calciforous algae and prune as necessary. They won't/shouldn't become a neuscance. Then go nuts with a tang as they wont/shouldn't be interested in those

05/14/2016, 06:13 PM	#1
SoloChromis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 787	Tangs and macroalgae? I personally much prefer the look and relative stability that comes from a thriving macro algae dominant tank over a pristine candy colored SPS tank any day, but that's just me, but I also love angels and tangs. Is it possible to mix the 2 longterm, or would the tang/angel decimate the entire crop? I don't mind nipping and I figure it would work in providing a constant food source for the herbivore, as well as keeping the algae cropped, I just don't want them obliterating it all. Thanks guys __________________ 60g Macro Algae & Gorgonian Dominated Reef Cube & 20g (Peacock) Mantis Tank Current Tank Info: 60g Caribbean-esque Reef (2'x2'x2'), 10g Quarantine

05/16/2016, 03:27 PM	#2
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	I've had some luck with an atlantic blue tang juvenile, and caulerpa racemosa. You want to make sure the macro you choose is a favorite of the tang you choose. I think the key is to get your macros to the overgrown point, THEN add the tang. This will give you some time to consider growth rates v consumption rates. If you find the growth rate exceeds consumption, you can prune a little. If consumption exceeds growth, consider dosing nutrients to speed up growth. Another option, though rather difficult, would be to occasionally remove the tang to a separate tank for an un-grazed, growing period, if your macros get whittled down too much. If you're thinking of doing this in a 60 cube, I doubt you could grow enough to keep one tang fed, long term. Mine is a 180 and I doubt I'll be able to keep up as the tang matures. If you start with a juvenile, you can probably make it work for a while, as I have done. But don't be discouraged from trying. It's a fascinating scenario and your tang will be very happy. On the flip side, if you have collected and cared for a lovely selection of macros, you're not going to enjoy watching your tang mow them down. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/16/2016, 06:34 PM	#3
FinzAquatics Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 323	Or stick with calciforous algae and prune as necessary. They won't/shouldn't become a neuscance. Then go nuts with a tang as they wont/shouldn't be interested in those