Hippo Tang growth, behavior, and lifespan in a 55g.

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by jason2459

So, curious. CRC88 have you decided which way you will go?

He's going to buy his fish and not tell anyone about it now. He'll just photoshop it out of any pics he takes. I know I'll be looking closely for any blurry spots on his pictures I'm not pointing any fingers, but it's often the "big tank" guys that are pointing out the stocking "rules".

Did anyone read what Paul said? He's been around a while, everyone could learn something from him IMO.

On the subject of adequate systems to successfully sustain marine life; how many people here ridiculing this individual own, or have owned an anenome? Do you know what their lifespan is in the wild? How do you plan on caring for that specimen once you have passed on? Likely no thought has been given to that as captive specimens don't usually last longer than a few years.

I've been on the business side of this hobby and I know for a fact that there is a huge turnover of livestock, every hobbiest is guilty of not providing the right environment for what we keep, as perfection is the ocean and even that we are making a mess of on a grand scale.

I'm not saying I agree with the OP, but man the berating that takes place over this topic is incredible and the irony is we are all guilty of the same thing, it's just that this community has decided to self regulate and provide guidelines for stocking, which was likely born of too many of these kinds of arguments taking place.

I vote that RC post guidelines for Anenome keepers as follows: Only individuals that intend on living for 300 or more years should consider having an Anenome as one properly kept can acheive this lifespan, and, proof of succession must be provided for the said Anenome's offspring.

[guy9smiley2]

Or you could use the want of the new hippo as a reason to go upgrade and then go get the tang.

[CRC88]

Originally Posted by jason2459

So, curious. CRC88 have you decided which way you will go?

Yeah I have. So to start off, I want to thank everyone who's posted respectful and insightful comments, they have helped.

When I posted this thread, I knew that Hippo tangs are very active fish and need a large tank when full grown (180g+). I also knew that they are not recommended for a 55g. However, what answered my question is that I didn't know they could be spazzy and aggressive in a 55g from the start. I assumed they would be fine for any number of months before they'd flip out and start nipping at everything. I really do care about the health of the fish, and my other fish, so that answers my question - no Hippo.

I've looked at the Yellow Eyed Koles, but I have yet to see one I like at the LFS. They always seem to have this weird and deformed beak / mouth. I've gathered that it's purposefully shaped this way to help scrape algae off rocks...I just think it looks weird. I'll wait at this point to get a Tang. There's plenty of other cooler and smaller fish I can get until then. RO/DI unit for Christmas, so I imagine I'll focus more on Corals in the new year. Thanks guys and gals.

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by Telaverus

He's going to buy his fish and not tell anyone about it now. He'll just photoshop it out of any pics he takes. I know I'll be looking closely for any blurry spots on his pictures I'm not pointing any fingers, but it's often the "big tank" guys that are pointing out the stocking "rules".

Did anyone read what Paul said? He's been around a while, everyone could learn something from him IMO.

On the subject of adequate systems to successfully sustain marine life; how many people here ridiculing this individual own, or have owned an anenome? Do you know what their lifespan is in the wild? How do you plan on caring for that specimen once you have passed on? Likely no thought has been given to that as captive specimens don't usually last longer than a few years.

I've been on the business side of this hobby and I know for a fact that there is a huge turnover of livestock, every hobbiest is guilty of not providing the right environment for what we keep, as perfection is the ocean and even that we are making a mess of on a grand scale.

I'm not saying I agree with the OP, but man the berating that takes place over this topic is incredible and the irony is we are all guilty of the same thing, it's just that this community has decided to self regulate and provide guidelines for stocking, which was likely born of too many of these kinds of arguments taking place.

I vote that RC post guidelines for Anenome keepers as follows: Only individuals that intend on living for 300 or more years should consider having an Anenome as one properly kept can acheive this lifespan, and, proof of succession must be provided for the said Anenome's offspring.

Big Tank guys? Edited~dc FYI, I just put up my 180g and was running a 55g before that for several years. So, I know exactly what it's like to have and stock a 55g including stocking it with Tangs. It's not a good situation. I loved the 55g but there is absolutely no depth or length for a big fish let alone a fish that loves to swim. That doesn't apply to just tangs. I would never suggest a Large Angel fish of any kind at any size to be put into a 55g, would you?

I have the up most respect for Paul and know exactly what he said and have read every single post in his 35+ year tank thread. Doesn't mean we can't have different opinions as that is what all this is.

BTW, I'm just genuinely curious on what the OP's decision is.

[Jcohen9999]

Originally Posted by Telaverus

He's going to buy his fish and not tell anyone about it now. He'll just photoshop it out of any pics he takes. I know I'll be looking closely for any blurry spots on his pictures

Actually, he'll just pics at night when the tang is tucked away between the rocks.

Originally Posted by Telaverus

Did anyone read what Paul said? He's been around a while, everyone could learn something from him IMO.

On the subject of adequate systems to successfully sustain marine life; how many people here ridiculing this individual own, or have owned an anenome? Do you know what their lifespan is in the wild? How do you plan on caring for that specimen once you have passed on? Likely no thought has been given to that as captive specimens don't usually last longer than a few years.

I've been on the business side of this hobby and I know for a fact that there is a huge turnover of livestock, every hobbiest is guilty of not providing the right environment for what we keep, as perfection is the ocean and even that we are making a mess of on a grand scale.

I'm not saying I agree with the OP, but man the berating that takes place over this topic is incredible and the irony is we are all guilty of the same thing, it's just that this community has decided to self regulate and provide guidelines for stocking, which was likely born of too many of these kinds of arguments taking place.

I vote that RC post guidelines for Anenome keepers as follows: Only individuals that intend on living for 300 or more years should consider having an Anenome as one properly kept can acheive this lifespan, and, proof of succession must be provided for the said Anenome's offspring.

+1

[jason2459]

Originally Posted by CRC88

Yeah I have. So to start off, I want to thank everyone who's posted respectful and insightful comments, they have helped.

When I posted this thread, I knew that Hippo tangs are very active fish and need a large tank when full grown (180g+). I also knew that they are not recommended for a 55g. However, what answered my question is that I didn't know they could be spazzy and aggressive in a 55g from the start. I assumed they would be fine for any number of months before they'd flip out and start nipping at everything. I really do care about the health of the fish, and my other fish, so that answers my question - no Hippo.

I've looked at the Yellow Eyed Koles, but I have yet to see one I like at the LFS. They always seem to have this weird and deformed beak / mouth. I've gathered that it's purposefully shaped this way to help scrape algae off rocks...I just think it looks weird. I'll wait at this point to get a Tang. There's plenty of other cooler and smaller fish I can get until then. RO/DI unit for Christmas, so I imagine I'll focus more on Corals in the new year. Thanks guys and gals.

Thanks for responding as I really wasn't looking to argue at all. I was really curious what you decided. I think it will be worth the wait. Good luck in looking to get an upgrade!

[CRC88]

Originally Posted by Telaverus

He's going to buy his fish and not tell anyone about it now. He'll just photoshop it out of any pics he takes. I know I'll be looking closely for any blurry spots on his pictures

Might want to eat those words now. I figure if I'm not open and honest with everyone on RC, then how can I expect to get valuable feedback?

I guess I'm not like all the other noobs out there

[MakomekTVN]

A lot of people will go crazy after seeing thread like this and showing some anger, don't know why.Why? Guess they have couple died on them.
IMO Hippo tang is the hardest tang to keep in a small/big tank ,they are too easy to get ich from stress and died from it. Like peoples said they stress from space I agree bigger tank is better but most of the time is by moving them or water quality. In the past I own one about 1" in my 29g for about 1 yr it grew to 3" ,I then upgrade to a 65g where it stay for 1.5yr till I sold my tank.It won't grow fast if it stay in a smaller tank.I own 3 HT in the past with success in a 40g breeder,33G,and a 29g

IMO if you can keep SPS healthy in a small tank you can keep a hippo tang healthy .

I'm sure Imma get flame but what the heck , I have success with it in a smaller than 55G tank.

[Toddrtrex]

Originally Posted by TimTVN

A lot of people will go crazy after seeing thread like this and showing some anger, don't know why.Why? Guess they have couple died on them.
IMO Hippo tang is the hardest tang to keep in a small/big tank ,they are too easy to get ich from stress and died from it. Like peoples said they stress from space I agree bigger tank is better but most of the time is by moving them or water quality. In the past I own one about 1" in my 29g for about 1 yr it grew to 3" ,I then upgrade to a 65g where it stay for 1.5yr till I sold my tank.It won't grow fast if it stay in a smaller tank.I own 3 HT in the past with success in a 40g breeder,33G,and a 29g

IMO if you can keep SPS healthy in a small tank you can keep a hippo tang healthy .

I'm sure Imma get flame but what the heck , I have success with it in a smaller than 55G tank.

Not sure how keeping SPS in a small tank has to do with keeping a "hippo tang" -- let alone any fish. Could you expand on that a bit, please.

How long was your "success" ?

[MakomekTVN]

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

Not sure how keeping SPS in a small tank has to do with keeping a "hippo tang" -- let alone any fish. Could you expand on that a bit, please.

How long was your "success" ?

The longest success with one HT is about 2.5 yrs before selling my whole tank. keeping it on a 30" and 36" long tank. I'm just posting my experience with this fish in a small tank. Should we not post something like this? or should we ONLY post negative thing about tang in a small tank?

[Toddrtrex]

Originally Posted by TimTVN

The longest success with one HT is about 2.5 yrs before selling my whole tank. keeping it on a 30" and 36" long tank. I'm just posting my experience with this fish in a small tank. Should we not post something like this? or should we ONLY post negative thing about tang in a small tank?

Sorry for wanting some more insight.

[MakomekTVN]

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

Not sure how keeping SPS in a small tank has to do with keeping a "hippo tang" -- let alone any fish. Could you expand on that a bit, please.

How long was your "success" ?

IMO keeping SPS healthy in a small tank the is most hardest thing to achieve ,water condition have to be dead on stable. Keeping temp rock stable is hard in a small tank. That is why I'm using SPS for example.

Hope you understand.

[Paul B]

Make believe that blue fish in here is a bluefin tuna because I don't want anyone to think I keep a hippo tang in a 100 gallon tank or that they live ten or twelve years and of all the tangs, you practically have to step on hippo's to kill them because they are the hardiest.



I also don't want anyone to know I keep them with SPS corals. It is all done with smoke and mirrors. OMG
I wish I knew how to photoshop



No SPS or hippo tangs for me, no sir.

[Reefing Newbie]

Not to be mean or be a party pooper, but you need to add another 140 gallons of water to the tank you will be setting up this winter Floowid... Unless you have an 8' tank don't get a blue hippo tang.

[Paul B]

Unless you have an 8' tank don't get a blue hippo tang.

Dam, I wish I knew this 30 years ago.

[Toddrtrex]

Originally Posted by TimTVN

IMO keeping SPS healthy in a small tank the is most hardest thing to achieve ,water condition have to be dead on stable. Keeping temp rock stable is hard in a small tank. That is why I'm using SPS for example.

Hope you understand.

First, temps do not need to be stable to keep SPS -- in fact, temp swings can be beneficial.

Second, SPS can be fragged, fish can't, so it is akin to saying that since I can climb a flight of stairs, that I should be able to climb the Grand Teton.

[Reefing Newbie]

Originally Posted by Paul B

Dam, I wish I knew this 30 years ago.

Just going by today's standards, 30 years ago I wasn't here to tell you whether you could put one in your 100 gallon

[MakomekTVN]

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

First, temps do not need to be stable to keep SPS -- in fact, temp swings can be beneficial.

Second, SPS can be fragged, fish can't, so it is akin to saying that since I can climb a flight of stairs, that I should be able to climb the Grand Teton.

Sorry to go off topic, when you said temp swing is good you mean how many degree swing in 24hr? SPS can survive 3-4 degree swing in 24hr but color and growth is not where a want it , I get the best color and growth on 0-1 degree swing in 24hrs. I live in FL and temp here are crazy ,like today in the morning is 45F by noon it's almost 80F,so keeping my 25g temp stable is a challenge .

[MakomekTVN]

Originally Posted by Reefing Newbie

Just going by today's standards, 30 years ago I wasn't here to tell you whether you could put one in your 100 gallon

Freeway speed limit is 65mph. Did you ever break that limit ??

[Toddrtrex]

Originally Posted by TimTVN

Sorry to go off topic, when you said temp swing is good you mean how many degree swing in 24hr? SPS can survive 3-4 degree swing in 24hr but color and growth is not where a want it , I get the best color and growth on 0-1 degree swing in 24hrs. I live in FL and temp here are crazy ,like today in the morning is 45F by noon it's almost 80F,so keeping my 25g temp stable is a challenge .

(( not to sound like a "tool" -- this will be my last post on this subject, don't want to hijack this thread any more. If you want to discuss this more [ would be glad to discuss it ], start a new thread, and/or look up some of "greenbean's" posts, he has done research on this subject ))

I have had up to 8 degrees per day -- usually fall/spring, and my temps go anywhere from 74 to 83 depending on the time of day/year.

As for growth and color -- this occurred over 9 months with those swings.



to this, with me often breaking the tips.

[Paul B]

30 years ago I wasn't here to tell you whether you could put one in your 100 gallon

30 years ago I kept them in my 40 gallon tank which was considered a good size tank then. I didn't have any trouble keeping them but they remained small.

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by Paul B

30 years ago I kept them in my 40 gallon tank which was considered a good size tank then. I didn't have any trouble keeping them but they remained small.

Many people don't know it, but, Paul eats everything he kills

[Telaverus]

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

to this, with me often breaking the tips.

KAPOW!!!

[Palting]

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this thread. This thread reveals the wide spectrum of not just aquarists, but the wide spectrum of posters here at RC. From people who genuinely read things through and give their best opinion, to people who just read the title and blast off with both barrels completely missing the point, also people who make no sense at all, and people who enjoy sparring for a little bit in fun. Great thread!

[MakomekTVN]

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

(( not to sound like a "tool" -- this will be my last post on this subject, don't want to hijack this thread any more. If you want to discuss this more [ would be glad to discuss it ], start a new thread, and/or look up some of "greenbean's" posts, he has done research on this subject ))

I have had up to 8 degrees per day -- usually fall/spring, and my temps go anywhere from 74 to 83 depending on the time of day/year.

As for growth and color -- this occurred over 9 months with those swings.



to this, with me often breaking the tips.

I promise this the last post ...

WOW Temp swing up to 8 degree for 9 months and you tank look very nice and growing like crazy. You really need to invest in a A/C unit in your house soon since you have a very nice tank.You fishes must be injected with steroid to handle that kind of swing in 24hrs. Kudo to you.