Which Tang is best for hair algae?

[i cant think]

Nice, is that a foxface?

It’s a Two Bar Rabbitfish - same genus but slightly different overall body.

 

[Naekuh]

Those grow very large tho i hear...

I mean my foxface Lo is already destined to be the biggest fish in my tank when it grows up, but i hear those guys make the Lo even look small.

 

[i cant think]

Those grow very large tho i hear...

I mean my foxface Lo is already destined to be the biggest fish in my tank when it grows up, but i hear those guys make the Lo even look small.

Honestly - some rabbits can however I believe this species is a smaller species and stays around 6-7 inches.

 

[tobster]

Honestly - some rabbits can however I believe this species is a smaller species and stays around 6-7 inches.

6-7 inches is about all I would want in my tank. Very cool looking fish though.

 

[ca1ore]

I have kept close to 20 different kinds of tangs. Bristle genus are good for slime algae, not so good for hair algae. Acanthurus genus are ok with hair algae, but tend to be on the aggressive side. Convict has been the best grazer for me, though they are a tricky fish to keep. Zebrasoma genus is probably the best choice for hair algae. I have had the most success with the scopus.

 

[tobster]

I have kept close to 20 different kinds of tangs. Bristle genus are good for slime algae, not so good for hair algae. Acanthurus genus are ok with hair algae, but tend to be on the aggressive side. Convict has been the best grazer for me, though they are a tricky fish to keep. Zebrasoma genus is probably the best choice for hair algae. I have had the most success with the scopus.

LFS has a scopus so that’s definitely a possibility. I like bristle too.
Thanks for the input!

 

[Kodock]

A zebrasoma tang. Scopas have always been the best algae controllers, whether it’s been my tank, friends tanks or store’s display tanks.

 

[OrionN]

Convict tang, an Acanthurus, is the best grazer for me too. Make sure you see him eats well before you buy him. This fish have been problem free for me. He was emaciated when I got him from Petco. He arrived emaciated but the local Petco is a really good LFS. They fed him well. Seeing that he was eating well, trained to eat from a nori clip I did not hesitate in getting him.
Emaciated fish but with a full stomach at Petco

 

[tobster]

Convict tang, an Acanthurus, is the best grazer for me too. Make sure you see him eats well before you buy him. This fish have been problem free for me. He was emaciated when I got him from Petco. He arrived emaciated but the local Petco is a really good LFS. They fed him well. Seeing that he was eating well, trained to eat from a nori clip I did not hesitate in getting him.
Emaciated fish but with a full stomach at Petco

Thanks for the info. I’m narrowing down the search.

 

[areefer01]

Which tang would be best for hair algae? Other tank mates would include…
Blue hippo tang
Fairy wrasse
Stocky anthias
2- clown gobies
Blue Gudgeon dartfish
Japanese Swallow tail angelfish
Fire shrimp
Fighting conch
A few hermits and snails
Pincushion urchin

Tank is about 150 gallons with sump.
Looking for one that would be peaceful and coral safe.

The funny thing with buying a fish based on its perceived history of job and/or serve a utility purpose is what to do if it doesn't perform that role for the hobbyist? Not a lecture here mind you but to have a quick spell in honesty in reefing one should purchase a fish because they like it and it fits within their plan.

This way should it not do what it was purchased for no harm or foul. Utility is a bonus.

Just my $0.02 worth (not that you asked I do admit).

 

[OrionN]

The funny thing with buying a fish based on its perceived history of job and/or serve a utility purpose is what to do if it doesn't perform that role for the hobbyist? Not a lecture here mind you but to have a quick spell in honesty in reefing one should purchase a fish because they like it and it fits within their plan.

This way should it not do what it was purchased for no harm or foul. Utility is a bonus.

Just my $0.02 worth (not that you asked I do admit).

I disagree with this. I keep a fish in my tank because I love the look and or the behavior. However, there are fish and other animal I keep for utility purposes. Some of these utility fish also double up as beautiful and interesting fish. That, the look and the interesting behaviors is the bonus. These are the fishes I like the most, the dual functions fish. A lot of the tangs, CBB pair are utility fishes that are beautiful. A lot of the wrasses and the angels, mandarin dragonets are fish that I keep for looks. Their looks are second to none.
Dual functions

Just for looks

 

[tobster]

The funny thing with buying a fish based on its perceived history of job and/or serve a utility purpose is what to do if it doesn't perform that role for the hobbyist? Not a lecture here mind you but to have a quick spell in honesty in reefing one should purchase a fish because they like it and it fits within their plan.

This way should it not do what it was purchased for no harm or foul. Utility is a bonus.

Just my $0.02 worth (not that you asked I do admit).

It’s all good. I appreciate the input. Like I said I’m looking to add a few more fish and if they can help with cleanup it’s a bonus.

 

[tobster]

I disagree with this. I keep a fish in my tank because I love the look and or the behavior. However, there are fish and other animal I keep for utility purposes. Some of these utility fish also double up as beautiful and interesting fish. That, the look and the interesting behaviors is the bonus. These are the fishes I like the most, the dual functions fish. A lot of the tangs, CBB pair are utility fishes that are beautiful. A lot of the wrasses and the angels, mandarin dragonets are fish that I keep for looks. Their looks are second to none.
Dual functions

Just for looks

Wow that’s some awesome fish you have! I love the wrasses. Are those regal angels? Are they reef safe too?

 

[slingfox]

For those who have convict tangs: How big have they grown in your tank? I looked on Live Aquaria and it lists max size as 8 inches. I assume they rarely get that big in captivity?

 

[areefer01]

I disagree with this.

Perfectly acceptable. No problem here.

I keep a fish in my tank because I love the look and or the behavior.

That is fine. I didn't mention that and in fact that follows with what I said.

However, there are fish and other animal I keep for utility purposes. Some of these utility fish also double up as beautiful and interesting fish. That, the look and the interesting behaviors is the bonus. These are the fishes I like the most, the dual functions fish.

Highlight in bold. You are buying them for the dual function. If it doesn't perform the utility task you still have it for its beauty. We are saying the same thing. I only said I do not recommend buying a fish solely for utility.

Simply put - I am buying a Scopas Tang for utility, eating algae of X type. I go through my protocols and after a few months I do not notice it grazing on the algae. It isn't under control, it doesn't eat it, and will only eat prepared foods be it pellet, frozen, or nori. In this case I purchased it based on recommendations. Now I may, or may not, be able to introduce other Zebrasoma. Thus my comment about what to do now that it didn't do what I purchased it for...

OP - didn't mean to derail the tread. My apologies.

 

[Naekuh]

Thanks for the info. I’m narrowing down the search.

Acanthurus species... like that convict, powder blue, achilies, have a MANDATORY QT.
I would not even trust vendors with QT on these guys and would do it myself.

They are the ICH factories you hear about, and even when you thought you did a good QT, they still somehow get ICH.

If you have no intention of doing QT, or setting it up a QT, lemme warn with firm caution, DO NOT GET Acanthurus Sp.

You will regret it for the rest of your life after its nuked your tank with ICH.

 

[tobster]

Acanthurus species... like that convict, powder blue, achilies, have a MANDATORY QT.
I would not even trust vendors with QT on these guys and would do it myself.

They are the ICH factories you hear about, and even when you thought you did a good QT, they still somehow get ICH.

If you have no intention of doing QT, or setting it up a QT, lemme warn with firm caution, DO NOT GET Acanthurus Sp.

You will regret it for the rest of your life after its nuked your tank with ICH.

Yes I definitely QT whatever I get for 30 days. I even QT inverts and corals.
Thanks for the heads up!

 

[ca1ore]

For those who have convict tangs: How big have they grown in your tank? I looked on Live Aquaria and it lists max size as 8 inches. I assume they rarely get that big in captivity?

I have had a few, including the Mauritius convict/zebra (A. Polyzona). Maxed out at about 5 inches. One I had never grew much beyond 3 inches, even though I had it for years. With the exception of the zebra all came to me very thin and took many months to get to a healthy weight. Had the zebra for about 7 years before it began to lose weight. Nothing I tried would reverse it and one day he simply was not there.

Cool fish though .....

 

[LAReefer4Life]

I have kept close to 20 different kinds of tangs. Bristle genus are good for slime algae, not so good for hair algae. Acanthurus genus are ok with hair algae, but tend to be on the aggressive side. Convict has been the best grazer for me, though they are a tricky fish to keep. Zebrasoma genus is probably the best choice for hair algae. I have had the most success with the scopus.

+1 bristle genus are the best grazers

 

[OrionN]

My Convict tang eat a lot of algae but only grew from 2 inches to 3 inches over 1 year. Fat happy and very trouble free. He was emaciated when I first got him.