Proposed Survey: Keeping Tangs and Using Carbon

[mpentz]

Hi All -

I would be interested in knowing members' experiences using activated carbon in tanks in which tangs are kept. I have been exposed to very strong (but, yes, anecdotal) evidence that insufficient rinsing of carbon will lead to HLLE in tangs (and, indeed, angels and other fishes).

My own experience is that I was keeping a Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis) in a 90-gallon reef in which it was crucial to the health of my corals to remove toxins released by my Sarcophyton, whose toadstool "cap" now has a diameter of more than 12". The tang (now a sub-adult approaching 4") began to show small areas of HLLE. I moved him to my 300-gallon FOWLR tank, increased vitamin, HUFA and Beta Glucan use and the HLLE hass been arrested, albeit not yet reversed. I have also refrained from using carbon in the 300, though I would like to (i.e., BRS 0.8 carbon) but am worried it might get the HLLE going again in my precious Chevron.

What are your experiences? Do you successfully keep tangs (i.e., little or no HLLE) and also use carbon? Please share your experience.

Thanks!

[ricksreef]

I've cured HLLE in good sized (and pretty scarred up) hippo tang and also a desjarni sailfin in systems that contained carbon to help with water quality that was key in reversing the problem (IME).

I use marineland black diamond.

[leebca]

I've used activated carbon with Tangs since 1970. After more than 40 years of use, I've not had any fish with what I prefer to label MHLLE.

Carbon dust has been on the list of possible causes of MHLLE, although I have never known of a confirmed case of this. But then again, rinsing of carbon before use has always been something I've done.

[mpentz]

I've used activated carbon with Tangs since 1970. After more than 40 years of use, I've not had any fish with what I prefer to label MHLLE.

Carbon dust has been on the list of possible causes of MHLLE, although I have never known of a confirmed case of this. But then again, rinsing of carbon before use has always been something I've done.

Thanks, Lee. Of course I rinse as well, although I was previously using a brand in the reef tank (from which the Chevron was moved) that was particularly dusty (Two Little Fishies HydroCarbon 2) and will use ROX 0.8 (very clean, even before rinsing) in the 300 gal FOWLR display where the Chevron now resides. The cause of the MHLLE may remain a mystery, but it is a very mild case, is not progressing, and hopefully will be reversed via diet, vitamins, etc., as prescribed in one of your threads.

FYI, the anecdotal evidence I have re carbon dust: Two different LFSs accidentally used carbon without rinsing in integrated store-wide systems (events at least a year apart and unrelated). Both times, dozens of fish quickly exhibited serious MHLLE.

Marty

[Jessie Nicoletti]

Hi All -

I would be interested in knowing members' experiences using activated carbon in tanks in which tangs are kept. I have been exposed to very strong (but, yes, anecdotal) evidence that insufficient rinsing of carbon will lead to HLLE in tangs (and, indeed, angels and other fishes).

My own experience is that I was keeping a Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis) in a 90-gallon reef in which it was crucial to the health of my corals to remove toxins released by my Sarcophyton, whose toadstool "cap" now has a diameter of more than 12". The tang (now a sub-adult approaching 4") began to show small areas of HLLE. I moved him to my 300-gallon FOWLR tank, increased vitamin, HUFA and Beta Glucan use and the HLLE hass been arrested, albeit not yet reversed. I have also refrained from using carbon in the 300, though I would like to (i.e., BRS 0.8 carbon) but am worried it might get the HLLE going again in my precious Chevron.

What are your experiences? Do you successfully keep tangs (i.e., little or no HLLE) and also use carbon? Please share your experience.

Thanks!

never had a issue with tangs reacting bad to carbon though i dont know what hlle stands for ive had carbon in the tank and the tang in the tank since 06 i think i have always rinsed carbon for 10 min and move it around in the bag to release any dust that can be traped

[reeferbill]

Hello ; I have read that Marine Head and Lateral Line Erosion can be stopped and cured by controlling high nitrates. It has to be kept lower than 40 PPM that is high for a reef tank. Atleast it can be cured with an enriched diet and good water quality. Happy Reefing!!!!!!!!!