Tang Compatibility Suggestions?

[Salt Creeper]

Hi guys. Im setting up a new reefer 450 system and would like to plan out my fish ahead of time. I believe that tangs are the most beautiful fish in the aquarium and would like some suggestions for tang combinations. The display is 5'x2' these are my ideas..

1 yellow 1 purple
2 yellow 1 purple*
1 yellow 1 purple 1 black*
1 brown powder 1 purple
2 purple

Starred are preferred combinations. They will be introduced at the same time and I am willing to get juveniles if suggested. I also realize my tank is a bit small for 2/3 tangs but I am willing to rehome them if they get too big or upgrade my aquarium. There will also be plenty of swimming space.

 

[mike61289]

Hi guys. Im setting up a new reefer 450 system and would like to plan out my fish ahead of time. I believe that tangs are the most beautiful fish in the aquarium and would like some suggestions for tang combinations. The display is 5'x2' these are my ideas..

1 yellow 1 purple
2 yellow 1 purple*
1 yellow 1 purple 1 black*
1 brown powder 1 purple
2 purple

Starred are preferred combinations. They will be introduced at the same time and I am willing to get juveniles if suggested. I also realize my tank is a bit small for 2/3 tangs but I am willing to rehome them if they get too big or upgrade my aquarium. There will also be plenty of swimming space.

The biggest issue is that you want to mix fish from the same genus. Purple tangs can be real jerks and you will likely have issues dealing with that aggression, even if the fish are added simultaneously.

I recommend you rethink your list and try to mix up tangs of different genera. Try looking into a bristletooth tang and consider mixing it with the yellow tang. Kole tangs are pretty cute. I'm currently keeping a tomini tang and love his personality.

 

[Dmorty217]

Pick a black, purple, OR yellow. More than one zebrasoma can’t work together in that size tank long term. If you want a second tang look at the bristletooth varieties

 

[nereefpat]

Good advice above.

If you really want to try two, I would do a yellow and a kole, or a yellow and a lavender.

 

[Salt Creeper]

Thank you for the advice. I think I will rule out keeping more than one zebs. Maybe when I get a bigger tank. What about a purple and a powder brown tang?

 

[Salt Creeper]

I'm also liking the idea of a purple and a kole.

 

[Sam2832]

Hi, for my part i got 4 different zebra with no particular issues.
Yellow-12 years, purple 5 or 6 years, sailfin 1 1/2 year and a small scopas i added last month. The tank is 48*24*20= 100g. I never tried keeping more than 1 bristeltooth, i have a tomini who goes by unnoticed by the rest of the crew.
The major problem is the feeding, they eat a lot.


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[Jtyjackson]

I have had yellow and tomini tangs together, the initial introduction can be rough, I would do it with the lights off first.

 

[Jesterrace]

Thank you for the advice. I think I will rule out keeping more than one zebs. Maybe when I get a bigger tank. What about a purple and a powder brown tang?

That could work but beware that Purples can be aggressive in general. I love the color of them and would love to have one but I would need a totally different config in order to try and keep one.

 

[Pericyte]

Agree with advice above plus my 2 cents: Purple tangs are pretty and little less common in the trade, but truth be told I would take my yellows over my purple (or black or gem) any day. Nothing pops in a tank like a yellow tang. If you have a black back on your tank - purples, koles and blacks will be someone lost. I have no experience with powder browns, but my powder blue is a fantastic fish.

 

[Sam2832]

Here a picture

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[kennytze]

Of course I can't guarantee the same luck, but I have a Black and Sailfin Tang in my 180 gal mixed reef tank. I placed them in my 40 gallon quarantine tank for three weeks with a egg crate partition in middle of tank. I added them to the 180 at same time. They have been together now for two and a half years with no problems. When they run into one another the black usually defers and changes direction.

 

[BrianD]

Sam2832, those are absolutely gorgeous fish.