Sailfin tang and purple tang

[tmulrney]

I'm sure I know the answer to this question but I'll ask anyway.
I have had a 210 set up for almost two years. A little over a year ago I added a Sailfin. The only other tang I have is a Naso. Any chance I can safely add a purple tang? I'm unwilling to get rid of the Sailfin in order to get a purple so if I can't keep both I will stick with what I have.
Thanks in advance

 

[package]

I had a purple, sailfin and hippo in a 210g and it was not an issue. Sailfin was a bit bigger and the purple went in last - but if you did it and said it was a train wreck I would not be surprised either.

I also had a rabbit fish in there as well. I think the variety creates more of a distraction.

 

[MrTuskfish]

IMO, a real "its the individual fish" question. These are both Zebrasoma genus and these tangs often hate each other. You'd be better off adding 2 Purples than just one. For some reason, groups of 3 or more Zebrasoma tangs usually do well (if they have enough room); pairs often are at war. They often are OK, after some initial posturing too. Its very common to see groups of these tangs in any LFS, but never just two. If you have a plan "B" and can put up with some squabbling, chances are it will work. If you put the sailfin in the QT for a couple of weeks after introducing the purple, it may help.

 

[damac20]

I have a sailfin, yellow and purple in my 180 with no issues. Just some fin flaring every now and then which will happen in any size tank IMO.

 

[tmulrney]

I have a sailfin, yellow and purple in my 180 with no issues. Just some fin flaring every now and then which will happen in any size tank IMO.

In what order did you place them in the tank?

 

[tmulrney]

IMO, a real "its the individual fish" question. These are both Zebrasoma genus and these tangs often hate each other. You'd be better off adding 2 Purples than just one. For some reason, groups of 3 or more Zebrasoma tangs usually do well (if they have enough room); pairs often are at war. They often are OK, after some initial posturing too. Its very common to see groups of these tangs in any LFS, but never just two. If you have a plan "B" and can put up with some squabbling, chances are it will work. If you put the sailfin in the QT for a couple of weeks after introducing the purple, it may help.

Think putting a yellow and the purple together to make three of the same genus rather than two purples

 

[tmulrney]

I had a purple, sailfin and hippo in a 210g and it was not an issue. Sailfin was a bit bigger and the purple went in last - but if you did it and said it was a train wreck I would not be surprised either.

I also had a rabbit fish in there as well. I think the variety creates more of a distraction.

I do have several other fish as well so perhaps they will be ok

 

[BrianD]

I wouldn't do it. The Naso is already cramped, and adding a purple tang to the mix is not something I would do.

 

[Ambition]

I wouldn't add a purple unless you take both of the existing tangs. Both need bigger tanks that are at least 8' long. Both tangs are going to be cramped fairly soon, if not already which will just heighten the aggression of both tangs, especially the sailfin.

 

[tmulrney]

I wouldn't add a purple unless you take both of the existing tangs. Both need bigger tanks that are at least 8' long. Both tangs are going to be cramped fairly soon, if not already which will just heighten the aggression of both tangs, especially the sailfin.

Ok. Thanks for all the suggestions. I am going to pass on the purple. The possibility of the aggression coupled with them being confined isn't worth it.