Kole/Brissletooth tang or other algae eater?

[gsiegel]

I am contemplating adding a kole or bristletooth tang after reading about the benefits they add in the tank as good algae eaters.

Concern is that I already have a hippo/naso/purple. Tank is 280g and all 3 co-exist with very little issues. The tank is really a pretty well harmonious group of fish co-existing well together. Occasionally the hippo tries to "play with" the naso, but the naso just smacks hippo with its tail and it is over. Thoughts on adding the kole tang and if so any certain way to help acclimate? Acclimation box as I have done with the wrasses?

I also have a lawnmower blenny, but other suggestions as well in addition to/or in lieu of the kole tang or bristletooth?
Also which would you select if between the kole or bristletooth?

TIA

 

[RayL]

Before I smartened up, I had a blue hippo, purple and kole tang in my 150. They all got along very well, no aggression at all. They were together for about a year. After realizing that I needed a larger tank to keep 3 tangs, I decided to go with more angels instead ,as they dont seem to swim as much. I wanted to keep one tang in the tank, so I kept the kole tang, he does an amazing job with the algae control.

I would definitely suggest getting one for your tank, and I do not think you should have any issues with your existing tangs.

 

[snorvich]

The purple is likely to take issue so an acclimation box is desirable. Kole Tangs are excellent fish.

 

[crabbyreef]

My One-Spot Foxface is an algae destroyer!

 

[Rea17]

You should be fine adding a kole or any bristletooth, but like snorvich mentioned the purple is the one to worry about, so an acclimation box would be a good idea. Koles are actually a very pretty fish as they grow, mine turned a dark magenta with blue/purple in the face.

 

[gsiegel]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes my concern would be with the purple and will use an acclimation box.

 

[gsiegel]

How about a Kole and a Tomini?
The one LFS I trust just happens to have 2 together currently.
Must be fate?

 

[RayL]

I think it is fate, pick them up. Adding two at the same time should also help limit the aggression from the purple

 

[CedzAquAddictio]

The kole and tomini will probably fight eachother if they aren't already in the same tank in the LFS. They are very similar fish like the PBT and Achilles in the same tank...

 

[Triggerfish]

maybe in that size tank it would work ok..
in my 75g i had a kole and added a blenny. it was ridiculous how the kole would chase the blenny. i didnt wait it out to see if it would settle down. after a week or so i removed the kole.