Tang Combinations

[lindfozs]

I currently have a Blue Hippo Tang and Blonde Naso tang that are in a 350 gallon (96"x36"x24") setup. I'm looking to add a few more tangs and need advice. I'm thinking 2 yellow tangs and a Powder Blue... Will I have any problems with the Powder Blue and the Blue Hippo Tang? Would a Powder Brown be the safer choice?

 

[MrTuskfish]

There just isn't a sure answer to any question on mixing tangs. I think you'll be OK, but expect some pecking order stuff and minor squabbles. Two yellow tangs, or just two members of that genus, generally hate each other. You'll often see tanks with several yellow tangs, but rarely with two. Strange, but adding a 3rd member of the genus often settles things down. You have the room and I'd add 3 YTs and the P. Blue. The PB will probably become the alpha fish and I'd add him last. I have 3 purple tangs, same genus as yellows, and a PB in a 240 and it works well.

 

[ca1ore]

While on the topic of zebrasomas, I have a yellow and a purple in a 265 and they just about tolerate each other. On a whim, not a good habit for reefing, I bought a smaller Desjardini Sailfin. I have it in QT at the moment, partly for parasite treatment, but partly to get a bit of size. Do you chaps think adding the sailfin will be ok given there will them be three zebras?

 

[lindfozs]

Thanks Steve! I hadn't really considered that three YT would be better than two... I do like the "uncluttered" look of a low bio-load tank though (i.e. 1" fish to every 5/6 gallons). Just feels more natural imo.

 

[lindfozs]

Ok I need someone to talk me out of this... How about an Achilles rather than the PB? I know the difficulty in keeping an Achilles healthy but I think the 350 gallons would enough space if I can provide a healthy amount of flow. Has anyone ever tried and Achilles with a Blue Hippo or Naso? What were the results? Also, what size tank did you use for quarantine?

 

[o2manyfish]

I have kept all the combinations of the fish you have listed. The more you have the more chaos and usually the better they all get along.

Definitely look for trios or more with the yellow/purple/black and you shouldn't have any issues.

Dave B

 

[lindfozs]

Thanks Dave. Did you quarantine the Achilles then? What size setup did you use for quarantine?

 

[Dmorty217]

20g L or a 29g are more than sufficent to QT most any/all fish in

 

[11sec76]

I had an achillies with the fish you have and it was fine. the only problem fish i had was a foxface that didnt get along with the achillies. a few nips between the two and they were fine.