Experience mixing yellow and hippo tangs?

[jaybfresh]

In a 6ft tank, what are the chances of success. I have a good sized yellow tang but want to add a splash of blue.

 

[AaronReef]

I've kept both together quite a few times with no problems.

 

[superkat]

well....i know that i was told, and it is not advisable to have two tangs in a tank....however...i am excited to say that i just bought (daring...to heck with the odds) a kohl tang from ARC last night and after about 10 mins of territorial behavoir from my established yellow tang...they left each other alone. Today, the two of them are swimming around with each other....!!!!!

 

[jaybfresh]

I know conspecifics are a no-no unless you have a very large tank (or else I'd get a purple tang), but I'm hoping hippos and yellows are different enough to be workable. Thanks for the quick replies

 

[superkat]

you bet! correct me if i'm wrong...but aren't hippos ich magnets?

 

[jaybfresh]

Yep, i believe that is the case (all tangs are, really). Thats the other thing that will help make a decision. The other fish have been established for a while and had no problems when I had a trigger die from ich.

Though the recent move to a new tank probably caused a little extra stress for them

 

[superkat]

i'll tell you what...i was glad i took the gamble...because watching the two of them swim around as a pair right now? totally worth the risk.

 

[Steve Canyon]

Maize and Blue!
My Hippo, Yellow and Sailfin (all mature) all get along well with my mature foxface and about 20 other fish in my reef. I believe the primary factor is LOTS of food!!!!

 

[superkat]

.......and space.

 

[danrobberg]

I agree with the food post. If they are well fed they have a much better chance of staying ich free. I have four tangs in my tank at the moment, I know thats two many but my brother brought a naso over in a bucket and i couldnt say now. I have had the blue tang for almost four years. He even survived the october storm where my tank temp went down below 50. I took him to ARC and randy let me keep him and a few others in his tanks. He had an ich outbrake only once and I bought this blend of stuff from ARC, I dont mean to be giving the store free advertising just sharing a story, it has some garlic and other suppliments in it. Any way after about 5 days it cleard rite up. I also have a yellow tang and a clown tang. All get along great and are doing very well

 

[belgian_waffleman]

yellow tang and hippo, living together in my tank. The hippo did come down with ick but made sure there was always nori in the tank and he fought it off. Both tangs are fat-n-happy at the moment (knock on wood)

Waffleman

 

[mr86mister]

Now would be the time to add a Blue Hippo since your YT hasn't settled in to his new environment. I have two in my tank as well and they have always gotten along. Just make sure to get one the same size or possibly a bit bigger.

 

[Sir Edward]

I have a yellow and Hippo anlong with a foxface. They have always got along very well. When I changed over from my 72 bow to the 220, I then added a Purple Tang to the group. They are all best of friends in my tank. As far as the Hippo being an ich magnet, I think ich is a product of stress. Good water conditions along with a good diet, usually equals no ich.

 

[jfl14609]

I agree with mr 86 people underestimate how nice yellow tangs are mine is mean once he gets comfy in the tank they can get very possessive and as we know hippo's get stressed and ich very easy. if the yellow isnt comfy yet run and grab that hippo now

 

[superkat]

i think i just heard tires squealing.......

 

[jaybfresh]

Is anyone of the opinion that a full grown hippo tang shouldnt be kept in a tank shorter than 8 feet?

Or is that an extreme idea of the TANG POLICE ?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

The one thing that hasn't come up is the effect the hippo will have on water quality. These guys eat and poop a ton when they're large. If you're set up for it, it's not a big deal, but may impact other future fish additions if you're trying to maintain pristine water quality for SPS corals.

 

[jaybfresh]

Good point Scott... I have a pair of lyretail anthias, clown, and yellow tang now. The hippo will likely be my last fish, so I'm not worried about the stock level. I actually gave up a couple fish when swapping tanks this weekend.

 

[frofan]

I had a blue hippo and a yellow tang in the same tank for a while. No problems.

 

[DEEP BLUE SIX]

Just my 2 cents.

I have 3 tangs. Sailfin, Yellow, & Hippo all together.

When considering a new one-
Make sure eating and very healthy before purchase.

Tang care basics: feed well.
Plenty of nori-algae strips.
Excellent mix of various frozen.

Having them together:
Try to add all at the same time. If not, still possible-
Add at night after lights out and settling down of other established fish.
Gives new comer time to acclimate without being pestered as much.

Change a couple rocks around here and there(only if you have to) to throw off initial aggressions. (note: I added all 3 of mine at different times(not together) and all with success)

Last- Hippo tang IS a big time "waste" maker.
Still, this can be dealt with and still be successful.

Plenty of skimming!!!! Keep up on ALL the parameter levels from depletion-
and do Water changes MORE often.
SPS can be kept with this guy(hippo) but the fish makes it more challenging.
If you don't mind a little more work- then you can do it.

Also, make sure any thing(corals you have, frags etc.) are "nailed" down. Aqua puddy, glued "secure". Mr. or Mrs. Hippo is super clumsy. Can knock things over all the time. Even when given adequate space. DO leave room for adequate swimming space!

(reefs are easier to keep with less fish) But don't let that stop you. It's about what you want and what's your commitment level. You have to decide that. But stick to it! 'An ENJOY!!!