Purple tang advice

Buford25 · Dec 8, 2016

I'm looking to add a purple tang to my mixed reef. Has anyone had success with these in the past? I've had sailfin tangs in the past and loved them. From my understanding the purple tangs are similar. I will not own blue hippos for the ich concern. Are purples prone to any types of diseases? The tank currently has 2 Picasso clowns. Any advice tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Salty1962 · Dec 8, 2016

If you get a healthy one it should do well. Be SURE to QT, as with all tangs, they are prone to stress induced diseases.

Buford25 · Dec 8, 2016

Salty1962 said:
If you get a healthy one it should do well. Be SURE to QT, as with all tangs, they are prone to stress induced diseases.

Thanks for the tips! I am always hesitant to purchase any new fish when a tank is already doing well.

Tyreef2016 · Dec 8, 2016

I've had one for about 6 months now. similar to the Yellow tang. Just be sure to start with a healthy one like salty said. They can get stressed pretty easily just like any other tang.

technojunky101 · Dec 8, 2016

Why is everyone talking about hippos like they are plague ich is problem with all fish feed them well keep tank parameters stable and you will have no issue I've had my issues with ich but really all fish get ich getting them to live threw it without qt or affecting other fish is key.

Buford25 · Dec 8, 2016

Not saying they are the plague. I have kept many tangs, just have not had very good luck with hippos. Just my opinion.

eatbreakfast · Dec 9, 2016

technojunky101 said:
Why is everyone talking about hippos like they are plague ich is problem with all fish feed them well keep tank parameters stable and you will have no issue I've had my issues with ich but really all fish get ich getting them to live threw it without qt or affecting other fish is key.

The first line of defense from any parasites or disease for fish is their protective slime coat. Some species have a thicker slime coat than others, making them more resistant. Hippo tangs have a very thin slime coat, so they are more susceptible to parasites, such as ich.

Minimizing stress, providing a varied diet, peaceful tankmates, and stable parameters can certainly help, and in some cases is enough to manage ich, but it doesn't completely eliminate the risk. If there is a falter with this hippo tangs are more likely to be susceptible.

Buford25 · Dec 9, 2016

eatbreakfast said:
The first line of defense from any parasites or disease for fish is their protective slime coat. Some species have a thicker slime coat than others, making them more resistant. Hippo tangs have a very thin slime coat, so they are more susceptible to parasites, such as ich.

Minimizing stress, providing a varied diet, peaceful tankmates, and stable parameters can certainly help, and in some cases is enough to manage ich, but it doesn't completely eliminate the risk. If there is a falter with this hippo tangs are more likely to be susceptible.

Very well put.

tj w · Dec 9, 2016

Purple tangs are truly beautiful but IMO they behave much different than a sailfin tang. I have both and the purple is a lot more aggressive and doesn't play well with any new additions. If you plan on adding a purple you may add him on the back end of your fish stocking. Also, what size tank do you have?

Buford25 · Dec 9, 2016

I have a 90 gallon. However if this is on the small side I would avoid entirely.

tj w · Dec 9, 2016

If the purple will be the only tang in the tank I think a 90 will be fine, especially if you get a smaller specimen.

Buford25 · Dec 9, 2016

He will be the only tang. I honestly do not want too many fish anyways. I have the two clowns now and the tang, if purple, would be one of the last.

Trex · Dec 9, 2016

Buford25 said:
I have a 90 gallon. However if this is on the small side I would avoid entirely.

Personally, I would pass on a purple in a 90.
Had one about 10 years ago in a 75 (( same foot print as a 90 )), and it was great for the first 6 months or so. However, as the tang grew, so did its attitude (( IMO, it was cramped )), to the point where it was drawing blood on my male Clarkii.

Justin D · Dec 9, 2016

I have my purple in a 350 gallon i would not put one in a 90 gallon sorry for the bed news

Buford25 · Dec 9, 2016

Justin D said:
I have my purple in a 350 gallon i would not put one in a 90 gallon sorry for the bed news

Not bad news at all. Thanks!

Justin D · Dec 9, 2016

Buford25 said:
Not bad news at all. Thanks!

They are big swimmers and they can get nasty if they don't have the room to swim but they're peaceful and a big tank

4FordFamily · Dec 9, 2016

technojunky101 said:
Why is everyone talking about hippos like they are plague ich is problem with all fish feed them well keep tank parameters stable and you will have no issue I've had my issues with ich but really all fish get ich getting them to live threw it without qt or affecting other fish is key.

Not true for about half of them, they'll succumb before building a resistance.

If you get velvet (VERY common these days) all bets are off

4FordFamily · Dec 9, 2016

Since it seems you're doing "ich management", you're best bet is to buy a purple tang from another hobbyist. Chances are it's already got a strong resistance and you risk killing a $200 fish less this way.

Just my .02