Tang Questions

[tjnitro]

I know that one size does not fit all. but answer the questions as a general rule of thumb. I have a Blue hippo tang now. My plan is to upgrade to a 200 gallon reef in the spring. After i get that all setup and the Blue hippo tang moved to the new tank would i be able to put in a powder blue tang in the same 200 gallon tank as the Blue Hippo tang? What tangs can be kept with the others and what ones should i avoid? The only other fish that i have that would most likely move to the new tank would be a Mandarin (when tank is ready) and my pair of Ocellaris clowns. Some people have told me no more than one tang in a tank and others say with a larger tank you can have more than one but that depends on type. I have plenty of time before i get the new tank but thought i would start planning now.

 

[browniebuck]

it really depends on the temperament of each fish. I have been told that I can get away with tangs from different groups (Zebrasoma, Acanthurus, Ctenochaetus, Naso, Paracanthurus)...basically, what you need to look for are tangs with different body types. If you wanted to try to mix from the same group, adding them at the same time would be best so that there wouldn't be any established territory (I would strongly suggest that you have a plan in place as to what to do in case this didn't work out...another tank, return, QT tank, etc...). I would think that in a 200 gallon aquarium, you would be able to get away with a few different tangs without much incident.
Granted this tank is much bigger than yours...but look at all the tangs that Goodwin has in his 600...
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/243448/start-of-one-big-sps-tank

 

[errattiq]

I think 200 for those two tangs should be sufficient, I've seen more in smaller tanks without incident of fighting or stress. If I were you I'd put the hippo in the 200 simulatneously with the powder blue. That way they have an equal chance to establish themselves with the least amount of territory issues. From my experience tangs of similar color/shape are more likely to fight than tangs of opposing colors(maybe because they recognize each other as the same species easier?). Its hard to say which species of surgeonfish is the "one" to stay away from because each specimen is different. However a lot of people believe yellows are pretty aggressive along with purples... Sohols are considered the quote "boldest" members from a few places I've seen, but have no experience with them to offer. Sailfins are typically considered the most peaceful and everything else is in between. Honestly, just pick out the ones you like and add them at the same time (be sure not to overstock) and you should be ok unless you get the "damien" of that particular species lol. hope this helps.
-josh p

 

[tjnitro]

Thanks for the advice. I planned on having options. I will be keeping my 75 gallon reef too so that will be one option. I also already knew that each fish can be different but I as just looking for the general rule. You guys helped me out. If anyone wants to still add more advice feel free.

 

[stevedave08]

Originally Posted by tjnitro
http:///forum/post/3190249
Thanks for the advice. I planned on having options. I will be keeping my 75 gallon reef too so that will be one option. I also already knew that each fish can be different but I as just looking for the general rule. You guys helped me out. If anyone wants to still add more advice feel free.
I have a 75g with 2 hippos and a purple. They get along perfectly. As long as they are differently shaped they probably won't try to kill each other. I put a yellow tang in my tank to hold for a friend and my purple tang went right after it and almost killed it before I was able to get it out and the hippos were actually cool with the yellow and schooling with it. It's all about shape as far as I'm concerned. Of course, there are always exceptions, but as long as they're differently shaped you should be fine. If you want to put a powder blue in with a hippo and have no problems.

 

[al mc]

I have had a hippo. yellow and scopis in the same 175g tank for over two years without incident. They were NOT put in at the same time.
As some other posters indicated, certainly when you are dealing with living creatures you can never be totally sure what will happen.

 

[meowzer]

I have a hippo, sailfin and yellow in my 225
I got the yellow and sailfin at the same time, and the hippo about 2 weeks later...all get along great
OHHH...they have been in the tank since August/Sept 08