Which Tang next?

[wattsupdoc]

I really want to add another tang to my 135. But my Blonde Naso rejected my powder brown and wouldnt tolerate it. I tried relandscaping the tank twice, but he wold have none of it. I like the PB a lot. But there are several that would be acceptable. The Powder Blue is a beautiful fish, and I understand the delicateness of it. I would like to try one. But is it likely that he would reject it also? Thinking that while the acanthurus japonicus was not the same group as the Naso, they were somewhat close in their coloration. Should I try the powder brown again? Or the powder Blue? Or which other of the Tangs should I try? I have enough yellow in this tank allready, so not a yellow tang....I klike the orange shoulder tang, the sohal, the clown, the hippo, the mimic, the desjardinii sailfin, the tennant, snd the purple, but I understand the purple is quite the nasty little devil.
My current stock list is:
1 longnose butterfly
1 Blonde Naso
1 blackcap basslet
2 bangaii cardinals(breeding

)
2 green chromis
1 Banded bullet goby
135 FOWLR and some inverts, sponges etc.
Future inhabitants:
! flame angel
3 more chromises
The tang....
Possibly one other????

 

[j.p]

chevron? had to throw it out there my fav. fish or u could do a doctor fish

 

[wattsupdoc]

Bumpity bump bump

 

[m0nk]

Just curious about the powder brown and the naso, what exactly went wrong? Was the naso just aggressive towards it? I'm still considering the same sort of options, I currently have a blue hippo and plan on getting a naso later this year, but was also tossing around the idea of a powder blue or brown, or a clown, though the clown would probably get really nasty over time so I'm personally undecided on the 3rd.

 

[wattsupdoc]

The naso had about 6 mos. of having the tank with no other tangs. When the PB was introduced, initially they checked each other out. Then after about 5 min. they began tail wagging each other. Not good with tangs. I gave them some a day to try to see if the would settle down. Thenr earanged the rocks drastically. This had little effect and withing 30 min, they were back at it. The naso was more aggressive of the 2. It didnt seem to be too bad as the would get in a tiff, then they would part and a few minutes later, they would get back in it again. But not real bad scrapping. The powder brown was mostly on the move, but didnt really back down from the naso. He was feeding well and was looking healthy overall. I rearange the rocks a couple of times during this episode. To no avail. I came home one day, found the Naso was a little tattered, and the PB didnt come out at all. The second day I found him partially devoured. Really I cant say it was the Naso that was his demise, but all things point to it. They never really cohabitatted well over 2 weeks time. They were both similar size. The powder brown was in QT before introduction and was treated with copper as well as a FW dip before introduction to the QT.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Anybody?

 

[lesleybird]

If you do research on Blonde Naso tangs you will find that they grow to 18 inches which is as wide as your tank.....so it will outgrow your tank. Also it states that these tangs will not tolerate any other tangs in the tank with them. Do you research before you purchase your fish? The Naso tangs will usually tolerate other types of fish that are not tangs so if you keep him you might want to get fish other than tangs, or trade him in for a couple of tangs that are smaller types that can get along with other tangs if put in the tank at the same time. Lesley

 

[wattsupdoc]

Naw, I dont do any research, I just pick 'em as I see 'em.

I know how big the naso's going to get. They actually get up to 20 in in length, in the wild. And the resaearch I have done indicates otherwise, that they cohabitate with other tangs. According to Fenner that is. As a matter of fact, before I ever statrted stocking this tank, I put of a stocking list in here. WITH the naso tang. And 2 others. It's just this one didnt like the PB. Also a 135 is a decent sized tank for him at the moment. I also want to know how exactly your post had any form of help to my Question. Man, I tell you sometimes it's like according to some here, you cant have any tang in any tank for any amount of time.... So according to your resaerch they wont tolerate any other tangs.
From Fenners site, on Naso Lituratus
Lipstick Tang Compatibility,
Though this species appears "cool, calm and collected" in the wild and most of the time in captivity, it can be a real "alpha" animal should it feel threatened, or too crowded... Again, large-enough quarters (at least a six foot length "run") with not too many other fishes present... and placing it near or at as the very last specimen are suggested.
And though this species is found at times in the wild in shoals of several individuals, it is indeed overtly territorial, particularly the "streaming" tail-finned males... and unless you have a system of humongous proportions (1000's of gallons), you should settle on keeping one specimen to a tank. The Lipstick Tang can go with other Naso species, as well as all other Tang genera/species.
By and large, invertebrates are left alone by Nasos... including shrimps and crabs of more than mouth-size. Your Cnidarian sessile invertebrates may suffer from the copious wastes of this animal however.

 

[kjr_trig]

Lesley seems to think that fish in tanks grow as large as they do in the Wild

I had an Achilles Tang that ruled my tank (a 135, 6 footer), I added the Naso and for about 2 days the Achilles abused the 6 inch Naso (slightly larger than the Achilles) nearly to death, then left him alone for 4 years....Every now and then, he might just show him who the boss was, but they cohabitated nicely. I don't know, I think any tang you put in there is going to get a fair amount of abuse, but my experience is it will stop....I would avoid the Sohal, as I do think they need bigger tanks...I like your Tennant Tang idea, neat fish you don't see often, and fairly hardy. D-Sailfin is great too...BTW, my 6 inch Naso is a 6 1/2inch Naso after 5+ years, I think he is about ready for that growth spurt that will get him to the 18 inches Lesley is talking about....Do your research Doc

 

[wattsupdoc]

Originally Posted by kjr_trig
Lesley seems to think that fish in tanks grow as large as they do in the Wild

I had an Achilles Tang that ruled my tank (a 135, 6 footer), I added the Naso and for about 2 days the Achilles abused the 6 inch Naso (slightly larger than the Achilles) nearly to death, then left him alone for 4 years....Every now and then, he might just show him who the boss was, but they cohabitated nicely. I don't know, I think any tang you put in there is going to get a fair amount of abuse, but my experience is it will stop....I would avoid the Sohal, as I do think they need bigger tanks...I like your Tennant Tang idea, neat fish you don't see often, and fairly hardy. D-Sailfin is great too...BTW, my 6 inch Naso is a 6 1/2inch Naso after 5+ years, I think he is about ready for that growth spurt that will get him to the 18 inches Lesley is talking about....Do your research Doc

Thanks Kjr_trig

I had the Achilles on my original stock list, and desperately wanted one. But was afraid I wouldn't be able to accommodate it. So I am still filling it's spot. It may have been an unhealthy specimen to begin with.(P Brown that is). The timing was just about right if it had ever been cyanided, but I don't like to blame. You know everybody does with uncertain deaths. After all, like I said, it wasn't too bad of aggression. Maybe if the P Brown was healthier, if he wasn't healthy that is. So I'm thinking the D. sailfin might be the next choice. Also thinking about the Tennant. As a matter of fact. SWF.com has one right now. The tennant that is. I might just order it if I can get some other responses for a better vote of confidence.
You know it's irritating when you put out the hours of research, all the time into trying to decide what you like that will work. And then the fish doesn't know it's supposed to get along with the newbee.

So you start a thread, fill it with all the pertinent information, try to include everything that's important. Obviously a thread not started by a newbee that hasn't done any thinking about it. Then someone comes along, posts up a post that has no help whats so ever and accuses you of being an idiot.....

 

[huntoaks]

Id say the clown tang red sea there nice.

 

[ophiura]

IMO, a tang that does not grow is a problem, but that is me. We could constructively debate that, but let's try not to make this personal (on ALL sides), OK???
I personally saw naso's in LFS 135 tanks and all they did was pace back and forth. It is, IMO, not the best tang for that size range. I would say you will likely have problems, perhaps bigger problems, with a powder blue. Obviously any tang of that body shape is likely to be a problem - your Naso is already told you that.
And with those tangs comes a very high risk of ick. I didn't spot it - do you QT?
I would suggest something like a yellow, purple, scopas or sailfin...or yellow eye or tomini. The latter 2 would be my preference.

 

[1journeyman]

Originally Posted by ophiura
IMO, a tang that does not grow is a problem, but that is me. ....
I completely agree. I highly suspect if a Tang shows no growth for years in a tank it is due to a dietary issue.
Fish is captivity, if provided the proper diet, habitat (including disease free)and low stress environment should certainly grow near "maximum" size.

 

[kjr_trig]

I respect both of your opinions, however....I consider any fish that has lived 7+ years in captivity to be a success, he is still swimming back and forth in the 135 I gave my friend when I moved from Charleston SC. He has never had Ick, nor any illness for that matter. If that is not success in this hobby, I don't know what is.

I bought him when I was about 3 months into the hobby, and would not advise this fish for a 135 now, but that dosen't mean it can't be done with success. I think overfeeding is the most common error in this hobby...Just my opinion.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Definitely I QT. I stated that he had a stay in the QT. He was FW dipped before hand. My previous 125 (which I upgraded to the 135) was hypoed after my ick incident. Which is why I QT all new additions, and hypo any tangs which are acquired. My Naso does not pace the tank. He is quite happy or so it appears. He's more like a dog than anything. He follows me begging for food. The aquascaping in this tank is much more accommodating for the fish that are in it. The corner OF's allowed the rock to be stacked between them,.This gave me much better placement with larger crevices and higher profile, while keeping plenty of swimming room out front as well as the areas in front of the OF's. This tank is fed 2x a day with a varied diet of marine cuisine, emerald entree, formula 1 and 2, nori sheets, macro algae gets dumped in(cheato, but he likes it) spirulina enriched brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp. Heck I have about 10 different frozen foods, use 2 different vitamins, every now and then throw some flake in there, as well as nori and other algae I'm trying. In addition to a homemade recipe. So nutrition's not a problem in my tanks. We should not always jump on the band wagon about tank size. My future plans are not listed here. I don't know if/when they'll happen. I will though do whatever is necessary when the time comes. Like I stated earlier, the aggression was not that bad. I cant be sure it was the Naso. The naso does not have any problems with other new additions. After my ick outbreak, I was left with only him, and the LNB. I have replaced the BC. Basslet, the Bangaii cardinals, (which should be spitting out babies by this Monday). The chromis, and the BBG. No problems there. The PB now, was definitely cruising the tank, back and forth, constantly, I think he just never really adjusted to tank life. In addition, the Pb was closely similar to the naso, body color was not that far off, shape somewhat similar, and the little guy would not back down. The naso initially started tail wagging the PB, then the PB would dart off,. The naso would go about his business, after a period of time, the PB would go swimming up to the Naso and following him. Then it would start again. Maybe 3 or 4 times a day. Towards the end it appeared they were going to get along with the episodes tapering off. The PB however, just cruised and cruised. I feel as though the PB was the more aggressive of the 2.

 

[mcbdz]

Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
I really want to add another tang to my 135. But my Blonde Naso rejected my powder brown and wouldnt tolerate it. I tried relandscaping the tank twice, but he wold have none of it. I like the PB a lot. But there are several that would be acceptable. The Powder Blue is a beautiful fish, and I understand the delicateness of it. I would like to try one. But is it likely that he would reject it also? Thinking that while the acanthurus japonicus was not the same group as the Naso, they were somewhat close in their coloration. Should I try the powder brown again? Or the powder Blue? Or which other of the Tangs should I try? I have enough yellow in this tank allready, so not a yellow tang....I klike the orange shoulder tang, the sohal, the clown, the hippo, the mimic, the desjardinii sailfin, the tennant, snd the purple, but I understand the purple is quite the nasty little devil.
My current stock list is:
1 longnose butterfly
1 Blonde Naso
1 blackcap basslet
2 bangaii cardinals(breeding

)
2 green chromis
1 Banded bullet goby
135 FOWLR and some inverts, sponges etc.
Future inhabitants:
! flame angel
3 more chromises
The tang....
Possibly one other????
I love the BH, No othe blue fish is this dramatic of a color and they really would add some color to your tank.
Also love the sailfin

 

[pastor b.]

Dear hobbyist , I presently have a 150 gallon aquarium , which has 12 fish . My stock list is:
One Queen Angel fish - 7"
One Blond Naso Tang (male with streamers)- 7"
One Clown Tang - 6.5"
One Hippo Tang - 5"
One yellow Tang - 5"
One Harlequin Tusk - 7"
One Corris Wrasse - 5"
One Royal Gamma - 2.5"
One Cleaner Wrasse- 2.5"
One Orange tailed blue damsel- 3"
One Coral banded shrimp-3"
And two green chromis -2.5"
Of the four tangs that I have, the Clown Tang is the most aggressive .My bond naso doesn't bother anyone at all. But is often harassed by the Queen angel fish. But what amazes me,is that,they'll sleep in the same area at night and show no aggression towards each other at all ...

 

[wattsupdoc]

Originally Posted by Pastor B.
Dear hobbyist , I presently have a 150 gallon aquarium , which has 12 fish . My stock list is:
One Queen Angel fish - 7"
One Blond Naso Tang (male with streamers)- 7"
One Clown Tang - 6.5"
One Hippo Tang - 5"
One yellow Tang - 5"
One Harlequin Tusk - 7"
One Corris Wrasse - 5"
One Royal Gamma - 2.5"
One Cleaner Wrasse- 2.5"
One Orange tailed blue damsel- 3"
One Coral banded shrimp-3"
And two green chromis -2.5"
Of the four tangs that I have, the Clown Tang is the most aggressive .My bond naso doesn't bother anyone at all. But is often harassed by the Queen angel fish. But what amazes me,is that,they'll sleep in the same area at night and show no aggression towards each other at all ...

What order were the tangs introduced?

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
We should not always jump on the band wagon about tank size. .

And sometimes we should appreciate that people are providing information based on experience...and a different perspective or values, that should cause us to think if nothing else.
There is no band wagon that I am on at least...

 

[wattsupdoc]

Geee Ophiura, it seems like every time I post where you have, I say something that is received as not what was intended.

I am sorry, I do very much appreciate you and your experience. It bothers me to think I may offend or not come across right with you. I didn't mean that you are on that wagon, I know you stated the tank size thing. But I want referring to you personally it just seems as though there are those on here who have the attitude "no one but me should have tangs". I dunno.... So when I said that I meant it in general. You are one of those that I feel are very open minded or maybe a little more liberal(meaning this nicely). I do appreciate that. As well as most of us do. Actually, I'm a pretty nice guy too. Believe it or not.

At the current size of my tang he is very happy in there. He will hopefully grow to a large size. Then I'll be forced to do something with him.

You do realize as this is a tang thread it took some time for me to finally decide to post this. You have to be willing to stick your neck out there and hope you don't get hammered too much. So my guard has been up. Really it's a shame too that this is the case. Yourself and Kjr_trig (though I don't really believe in stunting fish) are really about the only ones who have posted thus far with anything really helpful to me. Pastor _b posted, but I know cohabitation principal with Tangs. Adding one after an established naso is my query. But really you are the only one who has stated what to try. I just don't want to kill any more of these needlessly which is why I posted. But I really do want another.
You have to wonder, how many people have had problems with tangs and not posted, because they were afraid they would get hammered for it. When tank size at that point is not the issue. But they know that the tang is in what is too small of a tank for adult size. So they don't post up and the fish suffers because they cant find the answer they need. Then there's those who could give the advise needed but refuse to because they think "shouldn't have that fish in that tank" regardless of the circumstances. So again, no help is received. It's a shame really.
But I have never seen Ophiura do this. Always giving good solid advice when she can. Backed with experience and gently presenting it.
I would like to say though, that it is important whenever someone posts up with a undersized tank for a tang, that someone gently state that. So other readers will see it. But a person shouldn't needlessly be ostracized like another poster earlier here did, with inacurate information.