new tang opinion

[ALH]

I have a 180 with a powder brown tang. I'd like to add one more tang and I was thinking of an orange shoulder. I've always thought they are amazing looking fish. I also like convict tangs although my husband thinks they look boring. But, hey, it's my tank. I've always heard that 2 Acanthurus tangs can be problematic. Is that really something to be concerned about?

 

[sandwi54]

2 arcanthurus tangs are problematic at best. often times it ends in disaster. however, there are still lots of people with sucess in keeping two in large aquariums. i think with a 180g it can be worth a try if you introduce them at the same time. keep in mind though, your chance of success will improve drastically if you select from different families. i have a pair of naso tangs and a powder blue and there's no aggression at all.

 

[Reefing Newbie]

With the species you would like I would go with the orangeshoulder instead of the convict. I have read that they get bullied easily by other tangs(I think they may be the most peaceful tang). I have read that orangeshoulders are a pretty easy going fish, and some could almost care less that there is another tang in the same tank. The key is order of introduction. I think you could get away with adding the orangeshoulder, may not have a convict very long(bullied easily as I said before).

 

[MrTuskfish]

IMO & IME, the "multiple tangs" problem is often over-blown, but much depends on the individual fish. Weird thing about many tangs: often two of the same genus will be in a constant war, but 3 will often work. If you have room, I think you could add both, expect some pecking order stuff, and then be fine. 3 Acanthurus tangs in a 180 may be pushing it a tad, but I'd try it. 180 tanks come in 6' and 8' lengths; I'd feel a little better with the 8'; especially with the LT. tang.

 

[agreeive?fish]

my opinion is, even though i think convicts are WAY UNDER RATED , personally i would not put a convict in with a powder brown who is already established.

convicts have a reputation of getting bullied by other tangs in general . my convict tang and hippo tang get along fine(added at same time and hippo was dime size and convict was quarter size ) but the convict was the aggressor tang when i added the 4" false personifer angel 6 months later (if you can call it aggression )

although (knock on wood) in 4 separate salty tanks, all with tangs (6 tangs divided between 4 tanks) i have never had any tang aggression issues adding fish/tangs

 

[ALH]

Good point about the convict potentially being bullied. I think I'll go with the orange shoulder.