Tang question

[CoralKing]

I was reading that certain tangs, like blue tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus) can be kept in small groups. Has anyone kept these in a group (if so, how large)?

Joe

 

[Psyire]

The reason most tangs aren't kept in groups is because of the large tank required. Large tanks in the 180g+ range can support multiple tangs but most people like to have a variety of fish rather than just one type. If you had small hippo's then you could get away with a group in a smaller tank, but they will definately outgrow it.

I have 3 tang's in my 180g and I feel I'm pushing it.

 

[McCrary]

You can have multiple tangs in a tank as long as they are juveniles and are added at the same time. If you have an aggressive tang like a sohal and you want to add another one you could try buying a criiter keeper (they are clear plastic containers that people usually keep small reptiles in) and putting the fish in that for a few days. I used this method when I was introducing a powder blue to a tank with a sohal and a purple tang. They will attack the critter keeper for a few days then they get used to the fact that they can't hurt him and they will leave him alone.

 

[fishaholic911]

sounds like turbosnail8898 hit the nail on the head.

 

[Dave Cox]

I have three Hippos in my 200g FO. Bought 6 months ago at 1" they are now 2 to 3". One has grown more and as such is dominant, but witnessed aggression between the three is minimal.

Plans are in place to upgrade to 375+ in 13 months time, and I feel these fish will need the additional space by then...