Tang buddies

[C.Sharkdude]

I would like to add a powder blue tang into my tank after I clear some space. The thing is is that I already have a Tomini in there. Would there be any issues that I should know about?

 

[SDguy]

I added my PBT to an established tomini. The PBT was bigger. I didn't have any issues. But each fish/circumstance is unique, so YMMV.

 

[pinnatus]

Tangs in general are always aggressive to any new fish put into a tank. The more like themselves the more aggressive, IME. That being said, once you get past the original aggressiveness due to adding a new fish, they tend to get along fine, also IME. So when addding a new fish there are a few tricks you can try to eliminate the new fish aggressiveness.

Here are ways I have tried:

1. Rearrange the rocks. That re-sets the fish's territory, and they start out on an even footing.
2. Put a mirror on the side of the tank. The established fish will spend his time fighting his own reflection rather than bother with the new different fish.
3. Use an acclimation box. This allows the fish to see each other and get used to each other so when you finally let the newcomer out, the older fish don't see him as a newcomer.
4. Add a large scary object to th etank, like a fish net or other that will scare the old fish but give a refuge to the new fish to hide around.
5. Add a piece of egg crate to divide the tank . This is basically the same as an acclimation box.

 

[mtaquarist]

I agree an acclimation box should work. I used one in my fresh water tank when rearranging the tank didn't work.

 

[C.Sharkdude]

Thanks guys I'll try that.