Add Hippo Tang?

Mr._Bond · 10-08-2005, 07:24 PM

All, I had pretty much ruled out adding a blue hippo tang to my setup, until recently I had a couple of people tell me that they are relatively docile and would be OK in my tank. I've read the sticky post about tangs, and based on my tank size it sounds like perhaps not the best choice, but I'm also wondering how it would do with the other fish and such in the tank already (see signature below). Thoughts?

Bruce · 10-08-2005, 09:20 PM

um imo i wouldnt get one...the tank might be ok size...but i tell from expirence they r alot of trouble unless u get lucky...they r very ich prone...and sorta have a weird diet...like for mine...it never ate its vegies and they prolly a reason why it got ich alot...i mean dont get me wrong...i love this fish and wel...if for non other reason i would just think of size

fletch · 10-09-2005, 06:51 AM

From my experience Regal Tangs can be kind of bullies towards other fish, And they do get quite large,up to 12 inches in length. I would say a 75 Gallon tank would be the minimum. I am upgrading to a 150 Gallon tank for this reason. Also the Regal tang is one tang that is not primarily a algae eater they if fact should be fed Mysis shrimp or other meaty foods. And supplement there diet with Dried Nori or similar foods also. .............................................. John

Bruce · 10-09-2005, 09:13 AM

ya they dont usually eat algae, but its still not a a good idea to get some greens in the diet, mine ate anything but greens lol...

RAVEN · 10-09-2005, 08:40 PM

I'd say that they need a minimum of a 75g tank and that's pushing it. They get very large. I have one in my 120g long. And yes they are ich magnets, even if you quarentine and pre treat with copper they may bring out dormant ich in your main tank. As far as feeding, they eat just about anything.

bluealien · 11-11-2005, 06:01 AM

I've had a hippo for over 2 years and it eat's most greens and anything I put in. Very big though. It is the luck of the draw