125G Start Up, Stocking, Achilles Tang

[abenak89]

Sooo I am about to purchase a 125g 6ft tank with stand, canopy, crappy 48" LED lights, 150lbs live rock and.... thats about it. Not sure how this guy has these 48" lights hooked up but I will be upgrading those ASAP lol might put those below in the sump.

Tank does not have drilled over flow so I am going to go the HOB route.

My center piece will be the Achilles.. now I have heard a lot about these. They can be tough to keep around, they need high flow and great water consistently. Some of you may argue the 125 to not be big enough but this tank will be built around this fish sololy... from the aqua scape to stocking of the tank. Which is why I feel it will do just fine.

Stocking....
Achilles is number 1... I am not sure what else to really do or what I can do with this tang.
I would like maybe a white tail bristletooth? Or a blue eye kole? Would one of those be ok? Assume not both?
would like a puffer of some sort simply for the personality they bring.
chromies?
damsels?

I am not too picky... I will kinda see what you all feel would go good in a reef tank with an Achilles.


JUST how much flow is needed for a happy Achilles?


If you all TRULY feel an achilles will just not work in a 125 (even though I hear quite of few do well) What would be a good replacement for it? I love tangs... and really love these Achilles...

Anyways please let me know what you think. I have little exp but a strong passion to learn and do things right.

OH! This tank is down but the liverock is in garbage cans with power units. Will I need to do a full cycle in tank? I believe he left some water on the sand to keep it alive. IF NOT I am assuming I will need to do a cycle to get the bacteria going in the sand... or does buying new live sand cycle fast?

Any recommendations on lights? Want to be able to have some corals..not to sure on kinds but freedom to pick and choose I suppose..

Andrew

[niladride]

Just has a look in liveaquaria, the fish is mentioned as 'Expert only' care level with minimum tank size of 180 gallons. The fish is a real gem, but I did not get exactly why they are mentioned for experts only.

Also, this fish is written as aggressive towards other tangs.

It is better to have full cycle in tank, your sand bed will be populated by beneficial critters as well as bacteria colony.

[scooter31707]

Achilles is really recommend to be in at least a 8ft tank. 125 is way too small for this fish. 2 tangs would probably be the max for that tank. Mimic tangs, any of the Ctenochaetus tangs, yellow tang, and purple tang. All these will be suitable for your tank.

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by scooter31707

Achilles is really recommend to be in at least a 8ft tank. 125 is way too small for this fish. 2 tangs would probably be the max for that tank. Mimic tangs, any of the Ctenochaetus tangs, yellow tang, and purple tang. All these will be suitable for your tank.

Yeah recommended is 180g which is basically telling you 6ft long. If I leave the ends open in my aquascape and allow for him to utilize the 125 to the fullest i feel he will be more then happy. Plus giving him the actual flow he wants/needs as well.

Still want to know what more people think on stock to go with this. Hoping to have the tank maybe this weekend. Then will hopefully get a cycle going!

[scooter31707]

If you are stuck on that, why come here and ask for advice? Good Luck!

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by scooter31707

If you are stuck on that, why come here and ask for advice? Good Luck!

Im not 100% set on it. Its what i want tho. From research they need min 6ft and if i accomidate it with high flow and room to move is it going to be ok or not. Thats all im trying to get at.

Theres a min for a reason because they feel thats the min for the fish. Im not stocking the tank super full im trying to accomidate this one specific fish.

I live in WI used 220g and larger tanks are impossible to find. 125 is one of the large ones that comes available and this one is priced right so im here making sure it will actually be ok if i sacrifice some extra fish and such for this achilles..

[Argo747]

I'm going to agree with scooter on this issue. A 125 is just not enough room for an Achilles tang.

[abenak89]

Found a gem now! Around 200 gallon he said. This is going to be 72x26 height was unsure. He measured everything with stand ha. Get 8 extra inches on the width.

Is this something more suitable for the Achilles? Its even more open then the 125.. Again Achillies would be the main fish in the tank. Please let me know if yall are more comfortable with this. IF not im not running to Chicago for it ha.

Andrew

[Dmorty217]

That's the minimum I would use for a AT. You won't won't to add the Achilles first if you plan on getting any other fish. You will also need to read up on proper quarantine for all fish, not just the Achilles

[GimpyFin]

IMO, I wouldn't classify achilles as an expert fish like they often get labeled. However, the trick to keeping them happy, where people fall short, is having a big tank as others have mentioned. I kept one in a smaller tank for over a year and I ran into real problems when he got bigger. (Something I would never do again nor recommend outside of having a 200+ gallon tank.) As they mature, these fish will swim directly against your powerheads and do constant laps around your tank like an olympic swimmer. If they don't feel they have a lot if room (not just length, but width and depth) they will get stressed, stop eating, and things will go downhill from there. Anyway, just my $.02, and I'd definitely spring for the 200 gallon tank if this is a fish you want.

[Sapelo]

Learn what a quarantine tank is and how to quarantine fish before proceeding.
Also, since you're starting out, I'd put the Achilles on the back burner for at least a year until your tank is up, running and STABLE.

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by Dmorty217

That's the minimum I would use for a AT. You won't won't to add the Achilles first if you plan on getting any other fish. You will also need to read up on proper quarantine for all fish, not just the Achilles

Ok thank you!!

Originally Posted by GimpyFin

IMO, I wouldn't classify achilles as an expert fish like they often get labeled. However, the trick to keeping them happy, where people fall short, is having a big tank as others have mentioned. I kept one in a smaller tank for over a year and I ran into real problems when he got bigger. (Something I would never do again nor recommend outside of having a 200+ gallon tank.) As they mature, these fish will swim directly against your powerheads and do constant laps around your tank like an olympic swimmer. If they don't feel they have a lot if room (not just length, but width and depth) they will get stressed, stop eating, and things will go downhill from there. Anyway, just my $.02, and I'd definitely spring for the 200 gallon tank if this is a fish you want.

How much flow do you recommend?

Originally Posted by Sapelo

Learn what a quarantine tank is and how to quarantine fish before proceeding.
Also, since you're starting out, I'd put the Achilles on the back burner for at least a year until your tank is up, running and STABLE.

Ok well this leads me to my next question...

The tank is FULLY up and running right now. The guy had it professionally installed.. comes with RO system with a huge tub of RO water, chiller, sump, 2 250w MH and 2- 65w 420/460 Actinic flourescent. Live rock is PINK! looks super healthy.. has 6 fish in there now. Small stuff like a flame angel, black/white nemo, cardinal, and 1-2 others he said.

SO! how to I maximize this takes fully established cycle during the move?! Do I bring as much tank water as possible? Or just enough to transfer Live rock? Do I leave some water in the tank to keep the live sand ok? this is a 2.5 hour trek home.

Will I need to do a cycle before setting up and putting fish back in?

Best way to transport the fish? Though about putting a couple smaller pieces of LR in a garbage can and keeping the fish in there for the trek?

Andrew

[GimpyFin]

I would say having at least one powerhead (Something adjustable like an mp40 would be good for this) positioned with room so the fish can swim directly against it if it wants. They seem to like that. Other than that, just a lot of open room for them to swim freely to help keep from getting stressed.

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by GimpyFin

I would say having at least one powerhead (Something adjustable like an mp40 would be good for this) positioned with room so the fish can swim directly against it if it wants. They seem to like that. Other than that, just a lot of open room for them to swim freely to help keep from getting stressed.

Holy smokes 4500 gallons an hour? :O price tag is enough too haha but dude i want this fish.. lol I am getting a STUPID price on this tank so I am going to order one right away.

[GimpyFin]

Originally Posted by abenak89

Holy smokes 4500 gallons an hour? :O price tag is enough too haha but dude i want this fish.. lol I am getting a STUPID price on this tank so I am going to order one right away.

The flow rate is adjustable with the controller that comes with them. And yes, they are nice and low profile, but crazy expensive for what they are. That's the main reason I don't use them.

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by GimpyFin

The flow rate is adjustable with the controller that comes with them. And yes, they are nice and low profile, but crazy expensive for what they are. That's the main reason I don't use them.

Lol you suggest but don't use... classic lol anything else comparable to these that maybe only cost one leg? not both...

[Dmorty217]

When I had my 220g the juv AT I had would always be swimming in front of the MP60. There is no such thing as too much flow for a Achilles

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by Dmorty217

When I had my 220g the juv AT I had would always be swimming in front of the MP60. There is no such thing as too much flow for a Achilles

Ha sounds good! I am actually looking at 2 other brands that have something very similar for 200 bucks new. May get 2 of those instead! But good to know they like that high flow!!

Question will i be limited on corals down the road with this much flow?

[abenak89]

Something else i just started thinking about.. the desjardini tang is another favorite of mine.. with this bigger tank now is that a decent tang to go with the achilles? Those would be the only two tangs. I am sure there is a better option of tang to go with achilles but.. curious on that desjardini.

The little research i did came back as use caution..

Other tangs i like are naso and blue hippo i suppose maybe yellow tang?. If either of those will be a good fit with achilles.. if not i will ride the achilles solo ha

[GimpyFin]

Originally Posted by abenak89

Lol you suggest but don't use... classic lol anything else comparable to these that maybe only cost one leg? not both...

Yeah, I know, it sounds funny to hear... They are cool powerheads and if the cost wasn't an issue for me, I'd probably use them. Tunze would be another option to look at. I use a Gyre 150 on my current tank, but the flow type you are wanting for an Achilles is better suited to those other powerheads.

[abenak89]

So update if anyone sees this and goes to last post.

No longer a 125g its a 200+ 72x26 base tank now.

Still focused around the Achilles Tang. I am currently curious about another tang to go with it. I have a few others I like and those are naso, desjardini sailfin and 3rd a hippo. Of those I would say sailfin is 1st then naso then hippo (if i were to rate which one I would prefer most to go with the AT) BUT I am here to ask if one would be better then the others or if frankly NONE would go best and you all feel there is a different one that would work better.

I am also curious if a puffer would go ok in this... something like a dogface or... porcupine. I want some personality.

I also am curious about 2 pairs of clown fish... is that doable? Or stick with one?

ONE LAST COMMENT.. went to one of 2 local fish stores (im in a small town) and the fish seemed lively and healthy but when I got talking with the gentlemen he seemed to... not know tangs very well nor much common sense with stocking a 200 gallon tank. He made one comment about having 5-6 yellow tangs... mentioned the naso is smaller then the AT so wouldnt do good? Naso's get almost 18" lol... were AT is 9 ish... There was a few other comments that really made me wonder how much he knew.

With that said I am really counting on this great community to help guide and teach me along the way.. i am new and after talking with him I just don't feel comfortable going to him for advice. Would rather get it from yall.. so Thank you for those helping me in this and hopfully more of you chime in!

Thanks Reef Central!!

[2015GaTor]

Good luck. Did you already get the tank? The ATs are amazing, unfortunately my tank isn't big enough (125g), so I am going to go with my next favorite the powder blue tang. Like others have said, make sure you get a quarantine tank setup as soon as your display tank is. That way when you finish your cycle you can get your pair of clowns and start QTing them. 4-6 weeks is long enough to stare at rocks and moving water...No expert but heard it isn't advised to have two pairs of clowns in the same tank because they will squabble. Good luck!

[abenak89]

Originally Posted by 2015GaTor

Good luck. Did you already get the tank? The ATs are amazing, unfortunately my tank isn't big enough (125g), so I am going to go with my next favorite the powder blue tang. Like others have said, make sure you get a quarantine tank setup as soon as your display tank is. That way when you finish your cycle you can get your pair of clowns and start QTing them. 4-6 weeks is long enough to stare at rocks and moving water...No expert but heard it isn't advised to have two pairs of clowns in the same tank because they will squabble. Good luck!

Tank is not set up. I am picking it up Sunday but it is fully setup. So I am hoping to treat this tank transfer as a... "50-60% water change"

Will keep live rock in garbage cans and put a good bit of water in those. I will leave a tad bit of water in the tank for the live sand.. the few fish there are will go in the garbage cans with live rock.

So hoping it goes as smooth as possible lol