Mixing Tangs

Sethjamto

New member
I'm window shopping right now for future fish for my 8ft 300g tank. I should have the tank moved into the house in a couple week max to start the cycle (it's going through a leak test of the plumbing in the garage as I type). I currently have a Sailfin and Blue Tang in my 90 that's moving into the 300g.

I've seen before but cannot find now, a listing of compatible Tangs. I'd like to add a few more to the 300g in addition to the two I have now. I love the Naso Tangs so that is the first one I want. Also love Yellow Tangs. Are these all compatible? What else should I look at?

Thanks!
 
I don't know of a list that compares individual tangs to each other for compatibility, but reefcentral offers a list of tangs and their recommended tank sizes.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946079

Typically tangs of the same genus (the first word in the scientific name) are more aggressive towards each other due to similar body shape/color. Also, Zebrasomas tend to be especially aggressive.
 
Naso should be fine. Yellow might be an issue with the sailfin but will probably be ok in that size aquarium.
 
Be careful with the yellow and/or add him last as once they get established they can be lethal to new tang additions regardless of genus...
 
I think you just need to be sensible about it. I have a similar sized tank, a 265, that initially housed a large Hippo and medium Yellow. I subsequently added a Purplle, Desjardini, Achilles and Naso. All but the Naso have settled in fine; Naso died for reasons that remain unclear, was not aggression though. All of them were added after at least 12 weeks of QT and via a DIY acclimation box. Personally I have not found Zebrasomas to be that bad; my experience with Acanthurus much worse. I would not, for example, attempt to now add a powder blue to my tank. And I'd never again keep a either of the clown tang species.

To the prio post, my Yellow is definately the alpha tang. Didn't think it would be, and perhaps as the Sailfin grows that will change, but yellow is boss for now.
 
I added a powder blue to my 210gal that had an existing yellow and the yellow half killed the blue. Supposedly powder blues are mean but they haven't met my yellow I guess...
 
Usually its best to keep only one of the same genius. For instance don't keep 2 Acanthurus ******* together. You can keep a Zebramosa and Acanthurus together.
 
I have a yellow and a purple together going on 2 years in a 8ft 300 with no issues . Yellow is slightly smaller and both were added at the same time
 
I have 3 purple tangs for the past 6 years and they are doing well. Keep odd number of tank in your tank and they will be fine
 
You can add most any tangs you want if they are of similar size and added together without issues. Except when it comes to a clown or Sohal tang, they are just pure evil and very large tanks are the only tanks recommended for them. They are aggressive to begin with and couple that will a undersized tank.... You have serious aggression issues
 
Mr. saltwater tank did his one of his last Q&A on compatible tangs. Find it.
Danfeig has had great success with tangs, introduced two at a time, but yes, he has a BIG tank.
Daniel. :wildone:
 
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