Tang addition order

[hobbzz]

We're setting up a 300g and wanted to add a few tangs. I've been in the hobby over a decade but never had anything over a 125. TSV will be about 400-450 gallons, ATB 10.5 deluxe or alpha 250 skimmer, 75 fuge with chaeto/live rock. I currently feed 4 times a day and don't have a problem with n or p. Here's the list:

We currently have a 3.5" mimic that has just barely started to change color. Based on how long we've had it, it'll be a while before it gets it's adult coloration, so it'll be the same color and shape as the orange shoulder for a while, and same color as the atlantic.

We'd like to add, and I'm thinking in this order:
Powder brown
Orange shoulder
Unicorn/Vlamingi - My wife loves them, I told her about the size and I've sourced two tanks above 1500g that will take it when it outgrows ours.
Atlantic Blue

So is this too many? If not, I put the order in terms of aggressiveness. Since the mimic should be more aggressive than the powder and orange shoulder I was thinking about adding them together to lessen any aggression in the beginning. Then add the vlamingi/unicorn, giving a few months for them to adjust and become comfortable before adding a small atlantic. Or should I add them all at once, or two groups? If I need to cut anything let me know. I QT everything and treat with cupramine as a precaution fyi. Tia.

 

[Rea17]

The powder brown will actually be the most aggressive, followed (most likely) by the Atlantic blue/orange shoulder/mimic. Vlamingi and unicorn tangs are normally pretty mildly tempered despite being large.

 

[hobbzz]

So live aquaria didn't quite get it right on this one lol? Should they be fine together? Maybe added in a different order?

 

[Rea17]

I think they'll be alright. I would add them in groups if I were you, even one group if they are small.

 

[hobbzz]

Thanks. Anyone else?

 

[o2manyfish]

I agree that the Powder Blue might be the trouble maker.

I find that the more fish in the tank actually the less aggression issues.

Vlamingi are usually like puppy dogs. They just want you to keep feeding them and usually could care less about anyone else in the tank.

I don't have much experience with the Atlantic Blues. But the couple I have had over the years have alway been a bunch of flare but no bite. They rush all over the tank showing off and flaring their fins in front of other fish but never do anything.

I have one in my frag tank outside at the moment, And he is 4" from a friends established tank. We moved him into a frag tank with 6 small yellow tangs, and no rock work. And he is always showing off to the yellows but never actually touches them.

I think with your current list you should be fine. And could consider some Hippos, Purples or Yellows as well.

Dave B

 

[hobbzz]

Its actually the powder brown I was looking into. LA has them listed as very shy and likely to be bullied by more aggressive tangs. Those are pretty much all the large fish I wanted. If my wife ends up not wanting the unicorn, I'd go with a two spot bristletooth or chevron . I love the adult coloration. The rest will be filled in with smaller fish, anthias, chromis, wrasse etc. Thanks guys.

 

[Rea17]

LA lists them as semi-aggressive and then calls them passive, which I assure you they are not.

 

[Dmorty217]

LA lists them as semi-aggressive and then calls them passive, which I assure you they are not.

+1 get them all small and do it one time and you should be fine

 

[hobbzz]

Should they be ok in a 40 breeder for 4 weeks? Otherwise I can use my 2'x4' 80 gallon...

 

[reeferstace]

They should be fine in a 40B if they are all juveniles and there are hiding places within which to retreat if needed.

 

[hobbzz]

Yeah there will be plenty of pvc and they will be as small as I can get them. Thanks.

 

[homegrowncichli]

I would add them all at once if available. Then no one has the territorial upperhand.