Adding a Blue Hippo Tang

[PirateToast]

Hi all, I have a 6' 180 that I'm just beginning to add residents to. Currently I only have a large mystery wrasse swimming about (from my old tank). I'd like to add a couple new tank mates, specifically, a tiger goby and a blue tang.

I feel fine about the goby, they're always model fish. However, I've never had a tang before. Is it a mistake to add a blue tang this early to a tank? I don't want him to be aggressive towards future tank mates, since he will likely be the biggest fish I'll have.

 

[brett559]

People often say to add tangs last. With a 6 foot tank, maybe look into two tangs. They are such cool fish, and great algae eaters.

A blue tang and a yellow tang would be a great combo. Red Sea sailfins tangs are beautiful as well. Nasos are awesome too, although some would say even a 6 foot tank is too small for a naso.

I'm envious - I've always had the problem of wanting tangs and not having the space. Don't limit yourself to just one...

 

[lespaul339]

I had a blue tang that I recently lost to ich. He was very territorial and a bully. I would add the blue tang last if it were me. I think you would have less chance of it becoming aggressive and picking on new additions.

 

[Dayson]

I think you will be fine and agree that you could add multiple tangs. I have a yellow, Blue, Blonde Naso, and Sailfin in my 180. All been doing well for 6 months. I had them all in QT together for a month...figured if there were any problems they would be easy to catch in QT.

My warning about tangs and especially on the blue tang is that they are Ich monsters. I am not one of these must QT every grain of sand that goes into your tank guys but i would never add a tang to my DT without a thorough QT process.

 

[scooter31707]

I think he should be added last. They can be aggressive once they are established and if they have size advantage over the other fish in the tank.

 

[snorvich]

Reef Central's recommended tank size for tangs can be found here. Tangs should always be the last fish added.

 

[BrianD]

I think you will be fine and agree that you could add multiple tangs. I have a yellow, Blue, Blonde Naso, and Sailfin in my 180. All been doing well for 6 months. I had them all in QT together for a month...figured if there were any problems they would be easy to catch in QT.

My warning about tangs and especially on the blue tang is that they are Ich monsters. I am not one of these must QT every grain of sand that goes into your tank guys but i would never add a tang to my DT without a thorough QT process.

You might have more comfort after 6 years, but I wouldn't base any assumptions off of 6 months. From my experience, you will eventually have issues with the above mix, possibly severe.

 

[BrianD]

OP, I assume you are referring to the Hepatus tang. They are a wonderful fish, but are typically skittish and prone to hide after their initial introduction. Be sure to accommodate this behavior with appropriate aquascaping.

 

[Dayson]

You might have more comfort after 6 years, but I wouldn't base any assumptions off of 6 months. From my experience, you will eventually have issues with the above mix, possibly severe.

The weird part is I cant even tell who the Alpha in the tank is...

I agree...However, i don't plan on having a 180 forever. If I still enjoy the hobby in a few years I will upgrade. If not than everything will be for sale.

 

[BrianD]

I had a large hepatus and a very large sailfin for several years in an 8x3x3 tank. They basically "grew up" together. They were peaceful for 6-7 years until they decided they hated each other. They terrorized each other and the rest of the tank inhabitants as well. It was terrible to deal with.

 

[brad]

I had a hippo over 5 years in my 120, never saw any aggression.

If you add several hippos, add them together. Otherwise I would not worry, except don't add more aggressive tangs (clown, sohal, Achilles, etc) first.