Will I have a problem with a larger Purple Tang with smaller Black and Yellow Tangs

[nuxx]

Hey guys quick question...

I've finally found a Purple Tang. It's very healthy, been in a large tank at a local LFS for 5 months. No HLLE, no ICH etc...

Only issue is it's 4".

I have an existing 3.5-4" Yellow Tang and will be picking up a Black Tang this week.

Purple and Black will go into separate QTs and will be introduced with the Yellow to the display at the same time when QT is done.

Will having the purple being the largest of the three be an issue?

Should I try to get a larger 4-4.5" Black Tang instead of a 3-3.5"?

Thanks guys... might be overthinking this...

Friend suggested trying to block off a QT and let the Black and Purple see each other... only have 40 breeders, so might not be big enough.

Would the Purple and Black seeing each other over the QT time be good enough. Basically QT tanks right next to each other...

Thanks so much :hmm5:

 

[Rea17]

If they are added to the display at the same time it shouldn't be an issue. If you have the opportunity to get the slightly larger black I might do that, but the size difference seems minimal.

 

[nuxx]

If they are added to the display at the same time it shouldn't be an issue. If you have the opportunity to get the slightly larger black I might do that, but the size difference seems minimal.

Should have a pick of multiple Black Tangs. First in line on a new shipment.

What would be the sweet spot size wise?

The tank is 120x29x31" as well...

BTW: My Yellow is the dominate Tang of my old tank. Not aggressive, but the boss.

 

[d-man]

Def going to have an issue at some point.
If it were me I remove yellow, introduce black first for a few months then purple if you must.
I love my black. He is only tang as of now in my 130" tank.
May add a trio of sm yellows later but not for a long time

Sweet spot for blacks are 3" or larger

 

[Rea17]

If your yellow is 3.5-4" I would go with the slightly larger black and the 4" purple. Is the yellow tang already in the tank, or qt? It would be optimal to add them at the same time, but with your tank size it ought to be fine. I always recommend using an acclimation box for new additions just in case.

 

[nuxx]

If your yellow is 3.5-4" I would go with the slightly larger black and the 4" purple. Is the yellow tang already in the tank, or qt? It would be optimal to add them at the same time, but with your tank size it ought to be fine. I always recommend using an acclimation box for new additions just in case.

Only fish in the new display tank are a 2.5" Tomini Tang and Trio of Pajama Cardinals.

Yellow is in a QT with Yellow Bellied Blue Tang and Black Ice Clownfish.

Plan is for all of them getting introduced at once.

 

[speedyron]

It all depends on the fish. they have different personalities just like people do. the size difference seems pretty close. my tomini is half the size of my yellow and he is the boss. u got a huge tank they should be allright

 

[Rea17]

Sounds like a good plan then. Hope you post some pictures!

 

[nuxx]

It all depends on the fish. they have different personalities just like people do. the size difference seems pretty close. my tomini is half the size of my yellow and he is the boss. u got a huge tank they should be allright

You are right, guess it's up to the fish. The Purple could be a total pushover

Sounds like a good plan then. Hope you post some pictures!

Will do for sure in my build thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2386255

Should see what Blacks come in tomorrow and place my order

If the sizes match up and I have an ETA for delivery, might pick up the purple Friday or Saturday.

 

[shah1]

hey it wouldn't be a huge issue if you put them in at the same time also with your tank there shouldn't be a problem good luck

 

[Dmorty217]

If they are added to the display at the same time it shouldn't be an issue. If you have the opportunity to get the slightly larger black I might do that, but the size difference seems minimal.

+1 adding them at the same time will minimize aggression and will help what aggression there is subside quickly (within a day or two) whenever you add them to the tank, leave the lights off for 24hrs to help them transition and to minimize stress.

 

[ca1ore]

Hard to predict how individual fish will interact. Purple's are generally considered to be the most aggressive Zebrasoma, but it doesn't always work out that way. I have five tangs in my tank and the Yellow is the boss - despite being smaller than both my hippo and sailfin; and about the same size as my Achilles and purple. So, go figure!

 

[d-man]

Like I said, at some point you'll prob have an issue. But adding at same time is best way to keep initial phases down.
But in a year or two, i bet the purple will begin to make himself really known.

 

[CHSUB]

Like I said, at some point you'll prob have an issue. But adding at same time is best way to keep initial phases down.
But in a year or two, i bet the purple will begin to make himself really known.

having a problem understanding your logic??? what will happen in a year or two?? are you suggesting that he shouldn't add the purple because it may suddenly become aggressive in a year or two?

 

[Dmorty217]

The issues will be short lived if there are any.... Bet it won't take long for the yellow and purple to find a new home if it comes down to it

 

[nuxx]

Like I said, at some point you'll prob have an issue. But adding at same time is best way to keep initial phases down.
But in a year or two, i bet the purple will begin to make himself really known.

What are the details on your tank?

#s of rock, dimensions etc?

I was thinking of Tang skirmishes when I did my rock work. Lots of areas where rock would break up chases and lots of caves and hiding spaces.

 

[ca1ore]

I've got a purple, yellow, desjardini sailfin, hippo and achilles in a 265 with a relatively open landscape. Yellow and hippo were established, purple, sailfin and achilles were added subsequently in that order using an acclimation box initially. For the first few days, all new tangs were subjected to some aggression but it died down pretty quickly. OK, there are occasional skirmishes, and a ripped fin or two, but all look fine and rips heal very quickly. Other than the bigger Hippo, all were in the 3-4 inch range when added.

Assuming yours are going into your 470 eventually, I really don't think you will have a major problem.

 

[nuxx]

Sounds like a good plan then. Hope you post some pictures!

Here's the Purple Tang. Ended up finding a smaller 3" one

I'm spying on him here with a network cam, already picking on some live rock I tossed in the QT tank:

Black Tang and others are a little held up... should be this week or next

 

[Rea17]

Very nice! I need one of those cameras for my qt

 

[nuxx]

Very nice! I need one of those cameras for my qt

Easy way to observe and not freak them out. Going to put it in the middle of the 3 QTs when the other fish show up.

Have an HD cam on the DT as well