Tang Madness!

Razzo

Razzo

AC Members
Mar 5, 2009
938
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18
Michigan - Indiana Border
Real Name
Russ
OK, I had a wild thought,.... a 265 gallon Tang community show tank!

What do you guys think? Would you do it if you had a 265? What would your dream stock list be?

I really like altolamps and would like several types:
Comps (Orange)
Comps (Gold Head Muzi)
Calvus (Inkfin and or White)

For starters, could I go with three speices of altolamps in one big tank (about eight fish per species)?

Other thoughts, I could build my rock piles and shell colonies on either side of the tank and leave some large open areas for sand sifters.

So, how about three altolamp species, cyps or paracyps, shellies, sand sifters and whatever else?

Thanks,
Russ
 
With eight per species, that's an awful lot. I would think that once pairs start forming that you could run into some territory issues but I can't say for sure whether that much space will actually help. Also, the mixing of variants can become an issue, unless you have no problem with that.

To be honest, I think the layout of the tank is the single biggest factor. Just my opinion, but it's hard to plan out a tang tank without knowing what it looks like and which species will fit into the space available. With such a large tank I would definitely consider that before compiling a list of inhabitants.
 
you cant have sand sifters and shell dwellers unless there is alot of space. i would have enantiopus sp kilesa, and cyps in the top waters. and maybe some stonework in the back corners with altocomps.
 
jpappy789 said:
With eight per species, that's an awful lot. I would think that once pairs start forming that you could run into some territory issues but I can't say for sure whether that much space will actually help. Also, the mixing of variants can become an issue, unless you have no problem with that.

To be honest, I think the layout of the tank is the single biggest factor. Just my opinion, but it's hard to plan out a tang tank without knowing what it looks like and which species will fit into the space available. With such a large tank I would definitely consider that before compiling a list of inhabitants.
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Hey jpappy,

My thought on aquascape design would be some rock work clusters on both ends of the tank with open sand in the middle, enough to open space to make a sand sifter very happy. Each rock cluster would have several pods of shells around it to allow for ample territories for shellies and altolamps. Shell pods would either be out of sight from each other or separated by the vast open space in the middle of the tank. The rock clusters would have lots of nooks & crannies for julies.

About altolamps, I don't mind mixing species provided they won't kill each other. Any offspring/fry would most likely end up being food for the adults. I am going for a show tank and I love altolamps. I could do 6 per altolamp species (2/4f). My gut reaction is that 265 gallons with the following layout would be plenty of room.

Altolamps, shellies, julies, sandsifters & cyps/paracyps???

TangMadness265GallonAquascape.jpg


Thanks,
Russ
 
austinpetemo said:
you cant have sand sifters and shell dwellers unless there is alot of space. i would have enantiopus sp kilesa, and cyps in the top waters. and maybe some stonework in the back corners with altocomps.
Click to expand...

hey austin, I didn't see your reply before putting up my initial concept for tank layout. What do you think? Thanks, russ
 
Razzo said:
I really like enantiopus sp kilesa!
Click to expand...
kilesas are my favorite, they are beasts. i like your idea for the tank but i think that kilesa take alot of sand. you would have to get rid of one of the rockpiles though because the kilesa will take alot of space.
 
I am in agreement with Austin.

FYI: I have no personal experience with sandsifters but most of what I have read has said that males will take up a great deal of open sand space for a territory.

Another problem, for me, is just visualizing the layout. I don't know with that many "rock dwelling" alto's if they'll be able to coexist. Also consider the fact that the separate shell piles can just as easily become one pile depending on where each species decides to inhabit. ;)

As for other species, a perfect setup for cyps but paracyps would be a decent substitute in my opinion. Would have to compensate for some more rockwork though. As for julies, it is hard to tell. My gut reaction is to say not to risk it as once breeding behavior sets in really all bets are off unless everyone has a good hold of their territory.

I'm probably not the best person to speak about the mixes. I know some tidbits about individual personalities but don't have the experience mixing a lot of these species. Someone like Pitt would be a better judge than I am.
 
austinpetemo said:
kilesas are my favorite, they are beasts. i like your idea for the tank but i think that kilesa take alot of sand. you would have to get rid of one of the rockpiles though because the kilesa will take alot of space.
Click to expand...

How about a smaller rock cluster pushed off to the far back left corner with a shell pod close to it?
 
Think about siliconing rocks to the back and possibly the sides of the tank. You can provide plenty of space for substrate spawners while maximizing open sand area for the Kilesas! A win/win imo!
 
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