how many tangs is to many
- Thread starter ShesEasy
- Start date
Pet Detective
New member
The more the merrier I always say, I love tangs as well, I would say 6-8 would be fine, the only problem is adding them 1 at a time...Tangs get extremely territorial, especially the PURPLE Tang, I have had the most success when adding them all together, also be advised that the Naso Tangs get pretty big if you were considering one, I would reconsider, Powder Blue, Powder Brown, Achilles, Hippo, Chevron, Yellow, Purple....
Pet Detective
New member
Well most of mine are 10+ years old & none have even reached 8" long yet, I don't think they will in fact.
Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
This isn't accurate at all. Whether you buy them small or not they will grow to be at least 80% of max size, some this doesn't apply to either. Think of it like this, if you buy a shark egg and it hatches in your tank it won't "grow to the tank". The shark or fish in your instance will grow to be whatever size it is they are listed at getting.
IMO powder blue, powder brown and Achilles can all be very aggressive, especially with multiple tangs in a 180g
PirateToast
New member
Geeze, I've been researching powder browns for awhile. It seems people are all over the map with these. Some say wayyy more docile than powder blue and extremely peaceful. You're on the other end of the spectrum. I'm just not sure what to believe!
Reef908
New member
When I first started in saltwater tanks I kept a powder brown in a tank way too small than what I should have. It was peaceful and would constantly be out and about the tank. I was new and had more fish than I should have and fish in the tank that I should not have in the tank. That scenario should have provoked aggression, but it was probably the biggest baby in the tank. The two chromis (who I still somehow have) were half its size yet fully ruled the tank. Once I started doing a lot more research I eventually rehomed the fish that I should not have had even though the tank was calm. I think it purely is based on the individual fish, but as a species they may tend to be more aggressive when in less than the recommended confines or surrounded by fish that are also more aggressive or competing for same food source. I would recommend trying the fish out but have an exit strategy if it is not a good fit for your tank.
One thing I have noticed is that when I provided a lot of caves or places to sleep in the rocks for fish that were not all interconnected, aggression seemed to be lower. I decided to try this after observing how all those African ciclids stay within one small tank. This is an observation and something I tried that has seemed to work for me so far and is by no means a rule of thumb that I know of though haha.
Good luck!
One thing I have noticed is that when I provided a lot of caves or places to sleep in the rocks for fish that were not all interconnected, aggression seemed to be lower. I decided to try this after observing how all those African ciclids stay within one small tank. This is an observation and something I tried that has seemed to work for me so far and is by no means a rule of thumb that I know of though haha.
Good luck!
scooter31707
New member
What other fish are in the tank besides the tangs? IMO, you may get away with a Kole or Yellow Tang. I would only add 1 more. You already have 2 that gets at least 8 inches or bigger and can be aggressive.
Clownfish Chris
New member
I think you should be fine IF you add them as close to the same time as possible. As many have said before it depends a lot on the individual fish.
I personally never subscribe to the theory that a fish will "grow to the tank". Open water swimmers like tangs may be able to live in the tank but will be highly stressed. Zibrasomas (Yellows, Sailfin, and Purple among others) are grazers and require a lot of rock work. If your aquascape zigzags with quite a bit of surface area you will have better success with them. Other tangs require more linear swimming space so tank length not volume becomes a concern.
Ultimately, if the fish are cramped, they are stressed. If they are stressed, they are more susceptible to disease.
I personally never subscribe to the theory that a fish will "grow to the tank". Open water swimmers like tangs may be able to live in the tank but will be highly stressed. Zibrasomas (Yellows, Sailfin, and Purple among others) are grazers and require a lot of rock work. If your aquascape zigzags with quite a bit of surface area you will have better success with them. Other tangs require more linear swimming space so tank length not volume becomes a concern.
Ultimately, if the fish are cramped, they are stressed. If they are stressed, they are more susceptible to disease.
A 4-5 would be fine, any more although look good, will be a lil rough on the fish. Not to say it can't be done and that they won't be happy. Who knows really, but you increase the risk for issues.
Think of it like this... 4 People living in a house who coexist but don't necessarily like each other. Now add 4 more in the same location. For a while things might be ok, but temperament most likely will be shortened at times leading to stress and possible disease. Oh and these 8 people are all active, outdoorsy people(just like tangs).
Think of it like this... 4 People living in a house who coexist but don't necessarily like each other. Now add 4 more in the same location. For a while things might be ok, but temperament most likely will be shortened at times leading to stress and possible disease. Oh and these 8 people are all active, outdoorsy people(just like tangs).
