Yellow Tangs

sh2000

sh2000

Member
I got 2 yellow tangs small 1.5 inches I put them in together about 2 months ago in my 55 gal RT within a week they were fighting alot. One of the tangs dorsal fin at the back where the dot is was nipped at and he was hiding in a cave for a while I just would watch the bully nip at him and annoy him all day but he couldn't get to the tang that was hiding but made sure the tang coul not get out. I upgraded to a 120 gal RT last week and put the tangs in together again with new aquascaping I have 120 lb of LR in the DT and I'm expecting another 50 lb's this week. They seem more peaceful and are getting along but the yellow tang that was damaged has been recovering slowly and I almost can't tell the two apart. I want to remove one yellow tang and put it in my 80 RT and replace that with a Purple Tang.I want a Purple Tang soooo badly and am willing to remove both yellow tangs into my 80 or for now or 1 in my 55 and 1 in my 80. If anyone could help I would be thankful. Can I have 2 Yellows and 1 PT in my 120 ? All the tangs for now are 1.5-2.5 inches. Keep in mind the tank will have lots of caves and 175 lb's of LR.
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
Two tangs of similar size almost always fight, often to the death. Oddly, 3 or more usually do all right, if they have enough room.
 
sh2000

sh2000

Member
Can that be a purple and 2 yellows ? and since I did not introduce them at the same time if I do some major new aquascaping will that work in the 120 ? thanks
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by SH2000
http:///forum/post/2474770
Can that be a purple and 2 yellows ? and since I did not introduce them at the same time if I do some major new aquascaping will that work in the 120 ? thanks

Maybe. IMO, this is one of those many gray areas that depend on the individual fish. If the two yellow tangs are already attacking each other, that may not change, no matter what you do. Just be ready to get one out if you have to.
 
spiderwoman

spiderwoman

Active Member
From what I've read during my research, it's not a good idea at all to put in 2 YT's and 55 is not big enough for a purple either.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
Neither a 55 or an 80 gallon tank are big enough for one tang of any type, let alone 2. Especially since 2 of the same type will often fight, especially the zebrasoma type like yellow and purple tangs. You should NEVER put 2 of these in a 55g. IMO, you should find a new home for both of the yellow tangs unless you have a bigger tank.
 
sh2000

sh2000

Member
They were put in the 55 for a week I have them in my 120 now. they are still 1.5 inches they look microscopic in the 120..lets just say they have alot of room. As far as getting them out nearly impossible for me..as soon as the net comes near the tank they go in caves I have so much LR in there and 40 corals so getting them out is a tough task I spent many hours trying to do so to no avail. I tried a clear ziplock with food in it also did not work. They are not comming out either they work thier differences out or it's sad but may the best tang win . I might add another simillar shaped tang I heard in groups of 3 they do not fight.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
Originally Posted by SH2000
http:///forum/post/2475198
They were put in the 55 for a week I have them in my 120 now. they are still 1.5 inches they look microscopic in the 120..lets just say they have alot of room. As far as getting them out nearly impossible for me..as soon as the net comes near the tank they go in caves I have so much LR in there and 40 corals so getting them out is a tough task I spent many hours trying to do so to no avail. I tried a clear ziplock with food in it also did not work. They are not comming out either they work thier differences out or it's sad but may the best tang win . I might add another simillar shaped tang I heard in groups of 3 they do not fight.
The 120 will definitely be a better place. And yes, they will do better in a group of 3 of similar body type.
 
sh2000

sh2000

Member
I just relized I have a huge problem and have to QT my inhabitants..so i'm gonna have to hold off on getting another tang unless when I qt them they will not fight if there is a 3rd tang in there...if i shoild add another tang i'll get a similar shaped tang tom..maybe a scopas or sailfin...just to keep the peace.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
Originally Posted by SH2000
http:///forum/post/2475388
I just relized I have a huge problem and have to QT my inhabitants..so i'm gonna have to hold off on getting another tang unless when I qt them they will not fight if there is a 3rd tang in there...if i shoild add another tang i'll get a similar shaped tang tom..maybe a scopas or sailfin...just to keep the peace.
Don't get another tang, or any other fish, until you've treated the ones you have first.
 
spiderwoman

spiderwoman

Active Member
Please slow down! You have all the time in the world to populate your tank. Better to be sure the existing environment is as healthy as it can be first. I'm constantly holding myself back... it's hard!
 
sh2000

sh2000

Member
I just made the suggestion since i'll be qt'ing the fish and theres 2 tangs which they might fight I figured if I added another tang they wouldn't fight.. I dunno ??
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
Originally Posted by SH2000
http:///forum/post/2475415
I just made the suggestion since i'll be qt'ing the fish and theres 2 tangs which they might fight I figured if I added another tang they wouldn't fight.. I dunno ??
No, treat the ones that you have. BTW a purple tang is WAY more aggressive than yellows. This will not solve the aggression problem.
 
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