Are Yellow Tangs just problem fish?

[jon in tx]

I've had my new tank up for 8 months and just lost my THIRD yellow tang.

Lifespans were 1, 2 & 4 months. I love these fish but sure am having bad luck with them. I asked a friend and he said he gave up on trying to have one in his tank for this reason. I figure one of the following explains (what do you think?):
1 - They are sensitive fish and prone to quick unexplained death
2 - There is a problem with my tank causing the deaths
I only feed a small amount every other day, have lots of live rock and my water quality SEEMS to be OK (stays in following ranges)...
PH 7.8 - 8.2
Salinity 1.019 - 1.021
Ammonia 0 - 0.25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0-5
I buy my water from LFS for changes. Any advice or suggestions? :help:

 

[garnet13aj]

Did you QT them when you first got them? What size is your tank? Both of these can make a big difference in the lifespan of your fish.

 

[garnet13aj]

And atleast they seem to be surviving longer w/each new fish! Even though that is a pretty small lifespan for each

 

[who dey]

Originally Posted by Jon in Tx
I've had my new tank up for 8 months and just lost my THIRD yellow tang.

Lifespans were 1, 2 & 4 months. I love these fish but sure am having bad luck with them. I asked a friend and he said he gave up on trying to have one in his tank for this reason. I figure one of the following explains (what do you think?):
1 - They are sensitive fish and prone to quick unexplained death
2 - There is a problem with my tank causing the deaths
I only feed a small amount every other day, have lots of live rock and my water quality SEEMS to be OK (stays in following ranges)...
PH 7.8 - 8.2
Salinity 1.019 - 1.021
Ammonia 0 - 0.25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0-5
I buy my water from LFS for changes. Any advice or suggestions? :help:
are u feeding them a variety of greens?? That was my mistake decades ago i didn't know they were herbavores??

 

[puffer32]

Are you putting algae flakes and nori sheets in the tank for them? How long do you acclaimate? What size tank? I have had 2, one i sold when I moved, and the one i have now has been in the tank several months, they are one of the easier tangs to keep. :thinking:

 

[jon in tx]

Originally Posted by garnet13aj
Did you QT them when you first got them? What size is your tank? Both of these can make a big difference in the lifespan of your fish.
My tank is 90 gal. I don't QT since the LFS didn't recommend.

 

[jon in tx]

Originally Posted by WHO DEY
are u feeding them a variety of greens?? That was my mistake decades ago i didn't know they were herbavores??

For feeding, I alternate between flakes and frozen shrimp - that's what the LFS recommends - is that not good enough?

 

[who dey]

Originally Posted by Jon in Tx
My tank is 90 gal. I don't QT since the LFS didn't recommend.
i would never go there again if they didn't recommend it. That means they would rather them keep dying and keep buying. Heres my PBT ive had for 2 years which is one of the hardest tangs to keep and i've done it in a 55 gal so you have plenty of room for the yellow. 'again what do you feed ur yellows??

 

[sebae09]

try another LFS, sounds like its got something to do with collection methods possibly cyanide.

 

[who dey]

Originally Posted by Jon in Tx
For feeding, I alternate between flakes and frozen shrimp - that's what the LFS recommends - is that not good enough?
what kind of flakes?? Veggie??? u should have clipped nori sheets for that tang to graze on

 

[jon in tx]

Originally Posted by sebae09
try another LFS, sounds like its got something to do with collection methods possibly cyanide.
I have... they have the same lifespan. There are only two LFS in my area.

 

[jon in tx]

Originally Posted by WHO DEY
what kind of flakes?? Veggie??? u should have clipped nori sheets for that tang to graze on
They are called "Marine Flakes - Omega One Natural Protein Formula with Garlic (For all Marine Fish)"
So I wasn't feeding the Tangs what they needed?

 

[who dey]

Originally Posted by Jon in Tx
They are called "Marine Flakes - Omega One Natural Protein Formula with Garlic (For all Marine Fish)"
So I wasn't feeding the Tangs what they needed?
not even close. I hand feed mine 1 piece of krill once a week with garlic on it. Daily i feed omega one super veggie flakes and once a week i clip on the norie sheets. Ive been cutting back on the nori because he's getting kinda fat

 

[stanlalee]

Originally Posted by Jon in Tx
They are called "Marine Flakes - Omega One Natural Protein Formula with Garlic (For all Marine Fish)"
So I wasn't feeding the Tangs what they needed?
nope. they should have algae clips daily as well as prepared herbivore food. some meaty food as well but mostly greens.

 

[garnet13aj]

If you are going to keep going to the same LFS I would suggest that you don't take their advice. From what I've seen my LFS has beautiful fish and my clowns were healthy and happy when I got them and they continue to be so. But my LFS gives really bad advice sometimes so I don't always listen to what they say unless I check back here first. I would really suggest a quarentine tank, it will save you money and tears.

 

[bill109]

Originally Posted by WHO DEY
not even close. I hand feed mine 1 piece of krill once a week with garlic on it. Daily i feed omega one super veggie flakes and once a week i clip on the norie sheets. Ive been cutting back on the nori because he's getting kinda fat
is it bad if i havent beeen feeding with garlic every so often... only once i believe

 

[who dey]

Originally Posted by bill109
is it bad if i havent beeen feeding with garlic every so often... only once i believe
Not really... I just do it as a precautionary measure because garlic has been known to boost immune systems.

 

[clekchau]

yellow tangs are bullet proof, you must be doing something wrong

 

[volunteerg]

I agree with the advice given...i've had my yellow tang for over 2 years in a 75g...I feed it a variety of foods including the nori sheets.

 

[xdave]

Yellow Tangs are far from bullet proof. In fact, a larger number of them die in aquariums than practically any other fish.