Sailfin Tang Diet

BrandonS · 07/29/2007, 08:38 PM

Mine right now eats brine shrimp and mysis; depending on what I buy from the LFS at when it's empty.

In any case; him, my clown, and my cleaner shrimp are hanging out in my QT becuase of an algae bloom I had. I wanted to remove any possible nutrients from the main tank to see if it goes away. All that's happened is crappy slimey algae has been replaced by assorted types of macro algae.

What I was wondering is, can a Sailfin live off of a vegetarian diet or does it need meat in it's diet to be healthy.

Thanks.

jer77 · 07/29/2007, 08:46 PM

It doesn't need any kinds of meaty foods in its diet to survive since they are herbivores. Its better if most of its diet is algae based. I'd feed it nori and spirulina and formula 2 to keep its color and health.

reefnetworth · 07/29/2007, 08:49 PM

yes sir! they are mainly herbivors, but will eat shrimp in a heartbeat. you might wanna put him in first without (Mysis, Brine) food so he changs his diet. it may take a day or two, or he might start immeadiatly eating the macro.

BrandonS · 07/29/2007, 08:56 PM

I was going to use him to get rid of stuff. The "annoyance" algaes went away and now I have a bunch of macros growing out the rockwork of my display. I have another thread on those, but if I could put him in by himself and not feed him I would.

Could I assume he'd be fed as long as there is algae still on the rocks?

fishyvet · 07/29/2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BrandonS
Could I assume he'd be fed as long as there is algae still on the rocks?

Unfortunately, not every tang is an algae hound and he may not even touch the stuff, especially if he's been spoiled with tasty treats. Watch him to see if he's picking at the algae. If he does, I'd say you could be pretty safe, but I'd still supplement his feedings if he isn't tearing the stuff apart.

07/29/2007, 08:38 PM	#1
BrandonS Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 255	Sailfin Tang Diet Mine right now eats brine shrimp and mysis; depending on what I buy from the LFS at when it's empty. In any case; him, my clown, and my cleaner shrimp are hanging out in my QT becuase of an algae bloom I had. I wanted to remove any possible nutrients from the main tank to see if it goes away. All that's happened is crappy slimey algae has been replaced by assorted types of macro algae. What I was wondering is, can a Sailfin live off of a vegetarian diet or does it need meat in it's diet to be healthy. Thanks.

07/29/2007, 08:46 PM	#2
jer77 Phish Lover Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,642	It doesn't need any kinds of meaty foods in its diet to survive since they are herbivores. Its better if most of its diet is algae based. I'd feed it nori and spirulina and formula 2 to keep its color and health. __________________ - Jonny -, 120g 5 Year Old Reef w/ SPS, BTA, Zoos & some Softies. 40g Frag Tank. 40g Sump. Super Reef Octopus XP 3000 External Cone Skimmer. 250W Radiums. TaoTronics LED. PanWorld 200PS w/SQWD

07/29/2007, 08:49 PM	#3
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	yes sir! they are mainly herbivors, but will eat shrimp in a heartbeat. you might wanna put him in first without (Mysis, Brine) food so he changs his diet. it may take a day or two, or he might start immeadiatly eating the macro. __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

07/29/2007, 08:56 PM	#4
BrandonS Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 255	I was going to use him to get rid of stuff. The "annoyance" algaes went away and now I have a bunch of macros growing out the rockwork of my display. I have another thread on those, but if I could put him in by himself and not feed him I would. Could I assume he'd be fed as long as there is algae still on the rocks?