need help purchasing tangs...

[rich66stang289]

Reef tank with zoos, softies, and lps...200 pds live rock...est. over a year and a half
Current stock list for 125...
2 false percula mated clowns
2 spotted pj cardinals
1 cherub angel
1 mandarinfish
1 dusky wrasse
1 yellow coris wrasse
1 lawn mower blenny
1 pink blue spot goby
1 flame cardinal
I would like to add 2-3 tangs...
I really want a purple tang...and am considering the powder blue and naso...Will the 3 go together, and also are they relatively easy to care for, etc etc...any info would be great....thank you

 

[bang guy]

I wouldn't recommend more than one Tang in a 125. The Purple in your list is the most appropriate. The Naso should have more swimming space than 6'.
The Powder Blue is compatible with the Purple but they are a difficult fish to keep.
Success
Level:
Very High - Purple
Medium - Powder Blue
Low - Powder Blue + Purple
Very Low - Anything including the Naso

 

[rich66stang289]

I've seen many other tanks posted with pictures of tangs with the same size tank that are doing just fine...I don't understand why I can't have more than one...is there any other tangs that I didn't list that can be suggested that will work together? thanks

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by rich66stang289
http:///forum/post/2925606
I've seen many other tanks posted with pictures of tangs with the same size tank that are doing just fine...I don't understand why I can't have more than one...is there any other tangs that I didn't list that can be suggested that will work together? thanks

You can have as many Tangs as you would like. I'm only suggesting that the more you push the envelope the greater the risk. Many hobbiests don't mind taking the risk, I just want you to be aware that there is a risk.
I'm sure you can find dozens of people with the Tangs you want in their tank right now. I doubt you can find many people that have had them in their tank more than a just few years. I don't consider that a success for an animal that should live 40 - 60 years in captivity.
As long as you understand the risk it's your tank. To answer your question, a Hippo + a Purple has a good chance of success in a 6 foot tank.

 

[srfisher17]

I agree with Bang Guy; A purple & a Hippo would be a good choice.I agree on the risk factor as well; but, IMO, you're not in the "they'll die soon, for sure" category. Avoid two of the same genus, like a purple & a yellow; they don't do well unless they have lots of room and there are three or more. Avoid a naso in this tank; IMO, they're just too big.BTW, there seem to be a lot of gorgeous purple tangs on the market now. I saw a med purple, from a great dealer, for about $90. The yellow-belly variety of the hippo is also becoming more affordable and common.

 

[calvertbill]

Unless you have a tank larger than 125 I'd be careful about too many Tangs but if you insist, the most common rules are.
1. buy young fish so they can grow up together
2. Tangs aggressiveness is exacerbated by body shape, i.e. Zebrasomas will go after each other before attacking any Acanthurus, and Acanthurus will go after either each other or Paracanthurus.
Therefore you have a better shot at harmony with a Purple and either a Hippo or a Sohal than you would with a Purple and a Yellow
3. Put largest fish in last
4.Put most aggressive fish in last
Here are mine (in a 450): http://98.218.41.235:1024/img/main.c..._file=main.htm

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Calvertbill
http:///forum/post/2925701
Unless you have a tank larger than 125 I'd be careful about too many Tangs but if you insist, the most common rules are.
1. buy young fish so they can grow up together
2. Tangs aggressiveness is exacerbated by body shape, i.e. Zebrasomas will go after each other before attacking any Acanthurus, and Acanthurus will go after either each other or Paracanthurus.
Therefore you have a better shot at harmony with a Purple and either a Hippo or a Sohal than you would with a Purple and a Yellow
3. Put largest fish in last
4.Put most aggressive fish in last
Here are mine (in a 450): http://98.218.41.235:1024/img/main.c..._file=main.htm
IMO & IME; a Sohal would be a disaster in this tank. They can reach 18" and are one of the most aggressive fish (not just tangs) that we keep. A Sohal can, and often will, kill any other fish it doesn't like.
Here's what one major online dealer says about them; it describes mine perfectly:"Description
Wide berth should be given to this Red Sea inhabitant as it’s aggression extends from the tangs to Parrotfishes, Triggerfishes and whatever else it may feel particularly displeased with. Plenty of space will give the aquarium inhabitants places to swim and hide away from this belligerent beauty. The Sohal Tang is best kept as the only tang (and possibly only large) species in your fish only or reef aquarium."

 

[calvertbill]

Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/2925710
IMO & IME; a Sohal would be a disaster in this tank. They can reach 18" and are one of the most aggressive fish (not just tangs) that we keep. A Sohal can, and often will, kill any other fish it doesn't like.
Here's what one major online dealer says about them; it describes mine perfectly:"Description
Wide berth should be given to this Red Sea inhabitant as it’s aggression extends from the tangs to Parrotfishes, Triggerfishes and whatever else it may feel particularly displeased with. Plenty of space will give the aquarium inhabitants places to swim and hide away from this belligerent beauty. The Sohal Tang is best kept as the only tang (and possibly only large) species in your fish only or reef aquarium."
I tend to agree! When I mentioned it along with the Hippo I was using it as an example of body shape like an Achilles...my bad!

 

[jarodw45]

Please do not put a yellow in with a purple. I had a 180 years ago untill the seal busted (thats a different story it was a disaster) anyway they were both about 4 in, I also had a sailfin and a powder blue. After about a year the purple began to get really aggressive with yellow and nearly killed it, I had to remove the yellow and keep it back in the qt to nurse it back to health. The tang in my avatar is the survivor! The powder blue I had constantly had ich and I finally lost him to it. The sailfin got pretty large and after the tank crash I had to take him and the purple back to the LFS.

 

[rich66stang289]

well i went to the pet store...just to check them out...i was going to pic up a purple tang, well i ending up walking out with no fish...every fish in that store was covered in ich. ofcourse, i walked out with some coral...lol
i think i will consider the purple tang and a hippo...but i wanted to add, my tank is actually 5ft long...but taller and wider than the normal 125. also, can i qt a purple tang and a hippo in a 7 gallon for 2 weeks to 3 weeks while i perform hyposalinity to make sure i don't add ich to my main tank...or should i stick with one at a time. Thnks

 

[calvertbill]

If you were close enough, I'd lend you a pair pf 20s. It's normally best to introduce them to the main tank simultaneously.
When people talk of overcrowding Tangs as a source of conflict they're right and the fish don't know that the QT is only temporary!

 

[girlina4x4]

I wouldnt put either one in a 7 gallon. You are better off getting a used 20 gallon or larger off of craigslist or freecycle. If they are super small when you get them (2 inches) put them in together. If they are larger, then get the hippo first. Remember, if you have a 125g, you will be getting larger fish; so it will be wise to invest in a larger qt.

 

[bang guy]

A sterilte container whould be far better than a 7 gallon. Even a 32 gallon Roughneck trash can would be better.

 

[rich66stang289]

cool, i can do the big rubbermaid container...thanks again

 

[bang guy]

Make sure they have a place to hide. A piece of PVC tubing is good or if they are larger then another plastic container.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by rich66stang289
http:///forum/post/2926580
cool, i can do the big rubbermaid container...thanks again
These containers are great for many things in the hobby. The downside to using one as a QT is that you can't examine the fish closley for signs of parasites & disease. If you hypo or use copper in QT; that isn't as important, but I sure like a good look at a fish before it goes into my DT. If you hypo, I don't think 3 weeks in QT is long enough; you need at least 4 weeks to cover the ich life cycle. This will take care of most other parasites too. You can find a used 20 gal on Craig's list for almost nothing. One more way would be to get a look at them in the 7 gal you have; use your imagination and acclimate them in the 7 gal. More stress, but if you aren't changing their water more than once during the process; I think the benefits would outweigh the minimal risk.
Also, I'd sure QT the corals that came from that LFS (or anywhere). they can easily carry dormant stages of parasites into your DT.

 

[rich66stang289]

Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/2926676
Also, I'd sure QT the corals that came from that LFS (or anywhere). they can easily carry dormant stages of parasites into your DT.

I put them in there last night...i've never done qt with corals...i add lugols when i add the coral...but that is it

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by Bang Guy
http:///forum/post/2926510
A sterilte container whould be far better than a 7 gallon. Even a 32 gallon Roughneck trash can would be better.
The 32-gallon trash can will serve at least two purposes. Your QT and it’s a great place two mix your RO water and salt you can run a submersible pump and a length of tubing to circulate the water. When you are ready for a water change remove the desired amount of water from your DT wheel in the trash can (make sure you get one with wheels) put the hose in your DT plug in the pump and you are good to go with the refill.
Note
I have a yellow sail fin and a Kole in my 110

 

[marcb]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2926697
The 32-gallon trash can will serve at least two purposes. Your QT and it’s a great place two mix your RO water and salt you can run a submersible pump and a length of tubing to circulate the water. When you are ready for a water change remove the desired amount of water from your DT wheel in the trash can (make sure you get one with wheels) put the hose in your DT plug in the pump and you are good to go with the refill.
Note
I have a yellow sail fin and a Kole in my 110
Lol, thats almost exactly my water change procedure. Only difference is I use 2 rolling garbage cans, one for the old one for the new.
Oh, and I have a PB and yellow tang in my tank. So far they actually seem to like each other. I'd love an achilles, but I think that would be a disaster.

 

[calvertbill]

Originally Posted by rich66stang289
http:///forum/post/2926692

I put them in there last night...i've never done qt with corals...i add lugols when i add the coral...but that is it
it's not the coral that can have the parasite, it's the water!