Quarantining multiple tangs

[Reefneophyte007]

My new 200g setup has just finished cycling. I would like to add 3 tangs to the display. My choices are PBT, Hippo, and Yellow tang. I have read multiple threads stating tangs should be added to the display all at the same time. I have a 29g QT setup that is also cycled. I want to QT them before adding them to the display but will they all be OK in a 29 gallon for a few weeks while being observed?

 

[MrTuskfish]

Adding them all at once is a good idea; but they will establish a pecking order any way you do it. Tangs do much better in established tanks with good algae growth, so don't rush. I think you'll have trouble with 3 in a 29 QT. I'd put the hippo in first, yellow, then the PBT. If you start with fairly small fish, I think you'll be fine. I never pay attention to the "tangs at the same time" rule and have never had anything more serious than a little pecking order stuff. IMO, its more important to get them feeding and acclimated in the QT first; that's why I suggest one at a time. Also, more aggressive tangs (like the PBT) should be last---if possible. Making stocking plans is a nice idea; but the fish I want, in the size I want; aren't always available when I want.

 

[Dmorty217]

If they are all small you shouldn't have a problem for the 6 weeks they will be in the 29g, just be sure to check the water often and change the water at least once a week with 3 in a 29g. A skimmer would be good but don't know if you want to spend the money

 

[michaelr]

Adding them all at once is a good idea; but they will establish a pecking order any way you do it. Tangs do much better in established tanks with good algae growth, so don't rush. I think you'll have trouble with 3 in a 29 QT. I'd put the hippo in first, yellow, then the PBT. If you start with fairly small fish, I think you'll be fine. I never pay attention to the "tangs at the same time" rule and have never had anything more serious than a little pecking order stuff. IMO, its more important to get them feeding and acclimated in the QT first; that's why I suggest one at a time. Also, more aggressive tangs (like the PBT) should be last---if possible. Making stocking plans is a nice idea; but the fish I want, in the size I want; aren't always available when I want.

+1 i never added my tangs at the same time and they always tolerate each other fine. There is usually a little fighting at the beginning but after a few days they are fine

 

[Reefneophyte007]

Thank you all for your input. Makes sense. Would like to do my best in following recommended practices but I thought 3 tangs in a 29 gallon would be like a chicken fight with the PBT as victor. Will do Hippo first, then yellow, and PBT last as MrTuskfish recommends. Thanks again.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Thank you all for your input. Makes sense. Would like to do my best in following recommended practices but I thought 3 tangs in a 29 gallon would be like a chicken fight with the PBT as victor. Will do Hippo first, then yellow, and PBT last as MrTuskfish recommends. Thanks again.

No warranty expressed or implied!
IMO & IME; this is one of the countless areas of our hobby where there just isn't any "right" or "wrong" answer. Our hobby is based on a collection of opinions, experiences, some common sense and just "gut feelings''. A lot of research is involved too; but much research is still based on the same factors listed previously. A lot of stocking decisions depend on a lot of variables too; individual fish have different little quirks and there are exceptions to every "rule". Not referring to this particular thread; but its amazing how quickly a new ''rule'' can be established based on nothing but an individual experience. IMO & IME; "rules" should be based on long term results; not just what happens to the fish during the first hour in a new tank. My Sohal wussed out for at least a week when first introduced; he has since become the alpha fish, as most Sohals do. A big female maroon clown still keeps the Sohal out of her territory, though.

 

[Wsantos]

+1 i never added my tangs at the same time and they always tolerate each other fine. There is usually a little fighting at the beginning but after a few days they are fine

What Kind of Tangs do u have? Im adding 3 more, and im getting my ear blown off about " DONT DO IT ". I have a 170 with 2-3" Yellow Tangs.. I already bought the, Naso, powder blue and a Sailfin. Their in my Quarantine now..

 

[keithhays]

You QT one at a time, but it doesn't have anything to do with pecking order. Fish coming into your system may have come from different tanks at the LFS, different distributors, etc, etc. If one fish is diseased and the others are not, you will needlessly be exposing all of them to the same disease and then the same treatment. The exception would be if the fish are all exactly the same species and you know they were together before you got them and you received them at the same time.

 

[wooden_reefer]

My new 200g setup has just finished cycling. I would like to add 3 tangs to the display. My choices are PBT, Hippo, and Yellow tang. I have read multiple threads stating tangs should be added to the display all at the same time. I have a 29g QT setup that is also cycled. I want to QT them before adding them to the display but will they all be OK in a 29 gallon for a few weeks while being observed?

I think your 29 gal QT is too small for the tangs due to the behavior of tangs (not ammonia accumulation).

It could work if all are very small, otherwise, I would go bigger.