Black Tang

walvis

New member
I've read Black Tangs are typically aggressive.
I have a 3" for several months now in 300 reef setting.
Will the Black Tang show aggression if I add at the same time 5 other Tangs?
5" Achilles, 3-small Yellow Tangs, and small Chevron Tang
They are currently in quarantine and plan on sneaking 'm when lights are OFF...
 
I have no idea, but I would like to know why you didn't ask this question before you bought the tangs just in case it is a problem. The reason why I ask is that I see tons of post after the fact rather than before and would like to know what the rationale is.
 
There will be some aggresion at first but should subside after a few weeks. You have to keep in mind that you will always have some aggresion with that many tangs anyway, BTW nice choice of tangs and good luck.
 
I've my 3.25" BT for 6 weeks now and I can tell you it can get pretty aggressive toward new comers even it they're larger. Mine was in for only 2 weeks and it was an angel that it was aggressive toward so I can imagine what it would be like if it was a tang. I've only added a 2nd tang once but by adding 5" purple tang to a established 3.5-4" yellow tang didn't work. The smaller yellow tang was just relentless.

Since you're going to be adding a few at the same time my suggestion is to put the BT in a acclimation box for a week for the other tangs to settle in and watch their interaction before releasing the BT.
 
My initial thoughts were, aggression will be there, however putting a fight with 5 others will be hard and that BT eventually giving up.
Catching that BT would be difficult in a tank stocked full with SPS corals...
 
If the BT went after all 5 equally then yes but what if the BT pick out one or two? Sorry, I tend to look from the worst scenario first. If you can't catch BT now how would you be able to it (or other tangs) out if you need to? The reason I'm asking is normally we use a acclimation box for the new fish but I can't imagine you be using 5 at the same time. Just trying to help you plan. I've gone through my share of breaking a tank down to catch a fish so I try not to do it anymore.
 
They're all acclimating in a sump compartment about 40 gal.
I'm not worry about the yellow & achilles, just that little chevron.
Will just have to make an effort getting that BT out for a while, I would hate to see fire works in the tank..
 
I have a black tang and they are aggressive , i have a 120g reef

i think it could feel a bit cramped in there . mine is about 5" and is all over my 7 foot 265. have no idea what size your is or what else is in with it .but there is no way mine would last in a 4 foot tank...
here's my baby :)
P3171452.jpg
 
i think it could feel a bit cramped in there . mine is about 5" and is all over my 7 foot 265. have no idea what size your is or what else is in with it .but there is no way mine would last in a 4 foot tank...
here's my baby :)
P3171452.jpg
Nice bt dont usually care too much for them at the larger sizes
 
IDC what a lot of people are saying about not enough space for that many tangs and that they might not get a long etc etc etc. This is a very reasonable tang list and wont be much of a problem. I will give you some quick tips on doing this successfully. If you want greater detail you can just PM or phone call or w.e

Step 1: While in quarantine get those fish FAT FAT FAT and accustomed to feeding schedule and type of food. Feed 3-5 times a day. I STRONGLY encourage getting off of the low nutrient frozen food bandwagon and get some dang New Life Spectrum food or equivalent.

Step 2: You say you have SPS so I assume your water quality is good and you probably have ample hiding spots. I still however encourage the use of temporary hiding spots ESPECIALLY if you have existing fish that have tempermant issues such as other tangs, angels, or triggers. Go to LOWES or HOME DEPOT and purchase some 3" 4" and 6" PVC fitting and throw them in the tank.

Step 3 Add the fish ALL IN THE SAME NIGHT. Typically you want the most aggressive to go last. But still add the fish with lights off and all in the same night. However, sometimes with a rare expensive fish you do the oppisite. As said for best success rate for all the fish you add the most aggressive last but there is sometimes an exception to this rule. BTs are pretty rare and expensive so I would make this fish the most comfortable by adding it first, your choice.

Step 4: Keep PVC fitting in there for several weeks minimum. Start taking them out 1 by 1 over the period of several more weeks.


An additional possibilty step would be if you needed to remove a fish that was being a bully. I consider this putting the fish in time out. If the fish is being mean then take him out and throw him in the sump (Why I like having big sumps). Same goes if fish get beat up or need to recoop. Beat up fish are easy to catch most the time but the bullies might be a diff story. You said you have a lot of SPS and such so I suggest building a fish trap. Very easy to make one...I built one out of simple egg crate and was able to catch a huge 9" emperor angel with it no problem...Just entice with nori, lettuce, brocoli for a tang.

I did not proof read this so sorry if I rambled and or mis-spelled a bunch of crap.

Do this you will be just fine. I have 16 tangs in my 300 gallon tank. Here is a video before adding 2 powder blues, a sohal tang, and 10 lyretail anthias. Enjoy.

 
My comment about the aggression was about the 120. in the 300 i don't think there will be an issue... In my 265 the blacks best bud is a chevron and a yellow.
 
Thank you all for the great info
I'm relieved, the Achilles is eating just about anything now and of course no problem with yellow/chevron eating.
I do think there is enough hiding places in case BT goes ballistic.
When I first add the BT, he was only maybe 2" and there was a 5"yellow that went ballistic. To my surprise that BT was not intimidated and held his own pretty good, I eventually took yellow out.
Will see what happens, plan on sneaking them in by this weekend so I can watch while I'm home


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