Adding a tang

[JohnnyRedd]

Hi all,

Have a 2 year old 180 with a yellow, tomoni and a larger purple tang (5 inches) . I have the opportunity to add a scopas and an atlantic blue. A few months ago we tried to add a blue hippo and the purple went after him and pinned him between a rock and the glass in a matter of seconds.

Can I move the purple to the sump or a hospital like tank for a week or two, add these two new ones and then add him back in after that time? This is one thing I have not had experience in and know that he is the dominant fish in the tank.

Any suggestions on success would be appreciated.

 

[ace_92101]

That's a lot of Tangs for a 180. Scopas and Atlantic Blues also get fairly large. You've got a nice mix now, and as one would expect the Purple is the boss. Even with a reintroduction, I'd vote no.

 

[hawaiifavo]

You could try re-arranging the aquascape while the purple tang is separate from the DT. Then add the new tangs, then after a couple weeks re-add the purple tang back into the DT.

 

[m3lacoste]

It might be a good idea to add the new tang(s) just before lights go out at night. My lfs recommended this when I added my new powder blue tang to ease the addition and agression from my purple and yellow tang.

 

[ca1ore]

Purple and Yellow are going to be tough on any new Tang. What is the source of the potential additions? I'd advocate QT regardless of the source, but especially if they are newly imported. Not just for disease, but as a way to get their strength back up to survive any hazing. An introduction/socialization box is a good idea as well. Also, size of the new fish will go a long way to reducing aggression. If either of the new additions are small, the chance of success goes down. Removing the purple for a couple of weeks may well help; though in its absence the yellow could develop 'beer muscles'.