Can I get a yellow tang now?

[ReefWhatYouSow]

Hey everyone,

I've had a fish list since before I had my 210 tank setup and I've been adding fish for the last year least aggressive first etc. Right now it is mostly Blennys and wrasse, plus a foxface and 2 clowns.

What I have left to put in are mostly anthias and tangs. Possibly a few more wrasse. I was going to put the tangs in at the same time at the end, but my daughter would really like a yellow tang. It could be a while if I wait to get through the list.

Just wondering if I can put the yellow tang in now before I add the anthias and possibly more wrasse?

Thanks!


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[scooter31707]

IMO, I would not put the tang in, especially if you are still planning on adding anthias and more wrasses.

 

[GimpyFin]

Tangs are usually best added toward the end to limit the bullying, especially if they are not small. However, it doesn't have to be the last fish you add. I've added fish after my purple tang, and things have been fine. Aside from a few initial shoo-aways, I haven't had much aggression. I would think especially in a bigger tank like a 210, you'd be ok.

 

[MondoBongo]

if you're not already, using an acclimation box for new arrivals can help defuse at least some of the initial aggression.

i know with my YT the aggression is usually worst for the first 3 - 5 days. so giving new fish about a week in the acclimation box can help to mitigate some of that aggression by giving them a chance to safely get acquainted.

it's also helpful for the new fish, giving them time to adjust to the sites and sounds of the new tank and start reliably eating without competition before they make their debut in the open.

 

[Tisbe]

I would second adding him towards the end. I did and mine is still a bull. I have to tape a bigger Tang picture on the side of the glass now and then to keep him in check and he is only about 5 inches. He even sliced a 3/4 in gash in my 9 year old clown, I think by accident. The clown healed and now stays far away from the Tang.

 

[ReefWhatYouSow]

I do have an acclimation box that I picked up recently. I'm planning to use it for all fish.

My main concern is adding the anthias in after the yellow tang. The potential other tangs will go in later (after the anthias).


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[MondoBongo]

I do have an acclimation box that I picked up recently. I'm planning to use it for all fish.

My main concern is adding the anthias in after the yellow tang. The potential other tangs will go in later (after the anthias).


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i just added 4 lyretails to my reef, my YT hasn't really even seemed to notice that they exist.

he mostly picks on larger/similar shaped fish and conspecifics. he gave my copperbanded butterfly a hard time at first, but they generally seem much more amicable now a few months in.

 

[jenjen]

My YT doesn't seem to care much when I add smaller fish. He doesn't like other tangs at first, but anything else doesn't seem to bother him.

My dwarf angels on the other hand are relentless!