Powder blue and achilles in the same tank

[Moort82]

What are peoples thoughts on this?

I saw a post on another forum that I completely agree with but thought it was worth a discussion. Here's what he said

"I think that it is a very bad idea and I'm really shocked to see people (not just here) have started doing it. Imo it is extremely unfair to put two fish which are so similar and historically bad tempered into the confines of a tank no matter how big it is.
They both have the reputation as feisty so and so's as they can mature into very aggressive fish, so why would you want two in your system. Yes it may work for a while but if they begin (and consider one will likely take a hiding and the other get very stressed) but long-term if you miss feedings or they just develop a hatred for one another, you will have constant friction. I'm not a fan of packing highly strung fish such as tangs into a tank and it always surprise me that people (not having a go at anyone just a general observation) with large systems seem to pack as many as they possibly can which instantly makes the tank look smaller and less natural imo (stock what you like though it you tank).
Imo the reason to have fish is to mimic nature and create a natural calming environment. Yes this is nice for us but it should be the same for the fish and if there is a "competing" fish in there with it the fish will not live a long and happy life, rather a possibly shortened stressed one. Why would you risk such a beautiful fish as an Achilles (and possibly you entire stocking if parasites take over) for a fish which is the same but blue. I can't keep lots of fish I would like because of the limitations of my tank or my skill as an aquarist (would love some harlequin filefish but know I would have problems keeping them alive). Yes you may find people have done it and it may work for you if you tried but that doesn't mean its a good idea."

 

[ca1ore]

Not a good idea. I'm of the opinion that it is pushing your luck trying to keep more than a single Acanthurus species in the same tank. Zebrasomas, fine. Bristles, fine. Even Hippos, fine. But multiple Acanthurus is asking for trouble. I kept a group of convicts one with an Achilles, but that's about it.

 

[Stevenliu9]

it also depends on the tank size. What size is your system? if you have a really large system then you might have luck housing two of the most aggressive tangs. In general, tangs in the acanthurus family are all very aggressive. I've seen them together in public aquariums, maybe that's where people get the idea they can keep them together, but forgot those are in 20,000 gallon tanks.

 

[Moort82]

It seems to be a more common thing in the UK at the moment in tanks less than 1000 litres. Yes you may get away with it but I can't see how even having a much larger system reduces the stress involved much. Its just crazy imo.

 

[Paaty]

When i upgraded my DT to a 325g i decided to add a pb tang with my 6 year old achilles. What i did was add the powder blue first and then add my achilles 2 days later. I always add fish in complete darkness. I also added 4 -5 inch pb to go with my 8 inch achilles. So far almost zero aggression but it has only been about 4 months. I actually had a hader time adding a yellow tang and purple tang, but they were similar in size.

 

[Stevenliu9]

I always add fish in complete darkness.

A bit curious about adding fish in the dark. How long do you leave it dark? and has it been 100% successful?

 

[lhm nole]

A bit curious about adding fish in the dark. How long do you leave it dark? and has it been 100% successful?

I think what he is saying add the fish when dt tank goes out .... Stays in the dark till normal lightning cycle comes on

 

[Paaty]

Exactly, i wait untill the light goes out and i shut all the other lights in the room. It gives the new fish time to adjust without being attacted instantly. It does not work all the time but i find it is less stressfull for existing and new fish.

 

[SDguy]

I've done a few days with just very weak ambient light to help with aggression during introduction of new fish. It was worked pretty well for me.

 

[Holyreefer]

Tried it in my 210 first couple of months they were fine but that 5th month hit I had to remove them the PB was at the Achilles

 

[marty9876]

I've got a Powder Blue, Achilles and Sohal working for now in a 450. Yea, I'm wondering how this will work out in the long term too.

 

[prickles]

i agree not a good idea. my pb and Achilles don't really like each other and always chase each other. occasionally there are cuts/bruises.