Hippo Tang =(

Thats what i was thinking because he is really shy and he spends most of his time behind the rocks.

Ok i am going to do whats best for the fish and give him to someone with a larger tank, and someone with more knowledge about how to help this poor fish.

I just have a problem with my hippo tang.  It had ich and I started to feed garlic that I bought from aquatic dream, and within about 3-4 days it is about 80% better.  I think I am going to start feeding garlic everyday just to boost my fish's immune systems.  I also did about a 5 gallon water change once a day in my 90gallon tank.  It looks like everything in my tanks seems to be doing really well now.

BobC63 wrote: Plant-based foods have a lot of bulk, but liitle caloric content and almost no protein or fat. This guy needs some serious nutrition to combat that tail rot and HLLE, and to pack on a little weight.

This is a common and widespread misconception about plant foods - that they contain little protein. I agree that Blue Tangs eat a varied diet, but mostly algae. In this case the Tang has most likely been receiving almost no plant foods. That deficiency is why it is so sickly.

Humans, like Blue Tangs are not carnivores. Blue Tangs, like humans are designed for a mostly herbivorous diet. Unfortunately, we humans have been severely misinformed about the need for animal protein in our diet. Plants and algae contain enormous amounts of protein, carbohydrates and just enough oils. Additionally, proteins and oils from plants are in a more usable form. We have been lied to that we need to eat animal foods to get our protein. The truth is that we can get protein the same way as cattle. And how do cattle get their protein?      That's right.

Edited by Mark Peterson - November 30 2010 at 12:59am

If you want to give the best food, without vitamins added, for a blue tang, IMO it would be cyclopes (gives to Bob's point) and nori (gives to Mark's point). Many tangs would not feed well on cyclops because they are so small and floating around in the water. But I bet a lot of blue tangs like it. Also, the best flake food would be spirulina flakes. JMO. Mix it up though, no matter what, it's good to give a varied diet.

Tang is in a bigger tank, thanks for all the good help.

Not to argue with anything that has been said, but this may be of interest.  


Edited by Davidwillis - December 01 2010 at 10:08am

Davidwillis wrote: Not to argue with anything that has been said, but this may be of interest.   33% of all plant matter is cellulose, which is indigestible to humans.  However cows, horses, etc have an enzyme, bacteria, etc that allows them to digest cellulose (see http://science.jrank.org/pages/1335/Cellulose-Cellulose-digestion.html ).

Ahhh you beat me to it.

Actually there isn't a lot of protein in plant matter. There are specific plants that do contain good amounts of protein like beans but green leafy veggies have negligible amounts of proteins that are available to humans. As stated, we're actually not well suited for digesting plant matter, we don't have the ability to break it down very well. This is why vegans and vegetarians have to supplement their diet with protein.

Shawn is right in that balance is really the key to diet and well being. As humans, the reason we need to eat a lot more veggies and fruits is because only with large quantities will we get the nutrients we need. We don't need large amount of fats and meats because we digest them easier and therefore don't need as much for nutrient needs. Exercise, mental stimulation, etc are also key.

I'm glad to hear this tang is in a bigger home and getting the care it needs. I again agree with Shawn that providing the absolute best environment for your critters is the key to a healthy tank.

I would have to agree with Bob and most books and reference materials agree that Hippo tangs primarily feed on zooplankton, rarely on algae.  My Hippo tangs (I have 2 that I raised from 1/2" long) eat only "meats".  Enriched brine, mysis shrimp, silver side meat, shrimp meat (tiger), cut up fish, etc.  I do offer Nori and other algaes, but the Hippo do not eat it (the other tangs love it).  My guess is they have Hippo tangs in their own genus because they are quite different from other tangs.  The lack of algae is not the problem in my opinion.  Feed him a varied diet.  I would guess the problem has to do with water quality (high nitrates if I was to guess).

The really sad thing about the Standard American Diet (SAD) is that we have all been led astray by the greed and marketing of animal food companies. One of the big lies is how much animal protein they say we need to consume in order to stay healthy.

The only way to get cholesteral is to eat animals.

The best way to kick cancer, heart disease and many modern day illnesses is to eat just plant foods.

The chemicals and modified ingredients that are used in processed foods are actually the cause of some of today's health problems.

Plant foods have practically everything that humans need to grow and be healthy. They do have lots of proteins, just not animal proteins. The fiber in plants enables good health. Eskimos do not eat a lot of plant foods. Cold environments make animal proteins more appropriate.

When I started eating the total plant foods that my wife prepared, I actually had less exercise because I also changed jobs at that time. I know it was the change in what I ate that had the effect on my health and energy level. FYI, I do not take any vitamin supplements, but I do have a bite of animal food from time to time. I have found that gives me what I need to feel healthy.


Edited by Mark Peterson - December 02 2010 at 10:41am