Tangs compatibility

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Beautemps, Jul 3, 2011.

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  1. Beautemps

    Beautemps Bristle Worm

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    Hi,

    My 120 gls tank has been established for over two years and it is mostly tangs dominated. Blue, yellow, black, sailfin, all of them leaving together for over a year happily.

    I want to introduce a purple tang. Could I risk any conflict with the others?

    Thanks!


    [​IMG]
     
    Beautemps, Jul 3, 2011
    Beautemps, Jul 3, 2011
    #1

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  2. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    yes since the yellow and black tangs are from the same genus ...and the sailfin
     
    1.0reef, Jul 3, 2011
    1.0reef, Jul 3, 2011
    #2
  3. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    Purple tangs are one of the more aggressive zebrasomas, so if you were to do it, adding it last is the right way to go, but you would still be taking a big risk. Even the ones you have in there now may begin fighting one day, and adding another to the mix may unleash chaos in all your zebrasomas.
     
    mikejrice, Jul 3, 2011
    mikejrice, Jul 3, 2011
    #3
  4. chuck78

    chuck78 Astrea Snail

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    I hope you plan on getting a bigger tank! You're already pushing your luck having more than 3 tangs in anything less than a 150 gallon. IMO, if you've had 2 yrs of hamony with 4 tangs in a 120, you should'nt disturb that balance & keep in mind that those tangs WILL become more agressive as they reach adulthood...competing for food, space & w/o even knowing it...oxygen. The surface area of your aquarium can only create a certain amount of oxygen exchange. More Fish = Less Oxygen.....Less Oxygen = More Stess & we all know what stress leads to when tangs are in the equation. I know it's hard to not wanna add something new to your tank from time to time(it defeats boredom). But if I were you, I would not risk chaos in this beautiful environment that you have created. Thats my 2 cents & good luck with whatever decision you make :)
     
    chuck78, Jul 4, 2011
    chuck78, Jul 4, 2011
    #4
  5. chuck78

    chuck78 Astrea Snail

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    chuck78, Jul 4, 2011
    chuck78, Jul 4, 2011
    #5
  6. johnc101

    johnc101 Feather Duster

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    I have a chevron, purple and convict tangs and they r all best of buds but my purple is no doubt more aggressive than the others. Eventhough its my chevrons tank and has to let the purple tang know that from time to time.....I would have to agree with the others on this one.
     
    johnc101, Jul 4, 2011
    johnc101, Jul 4, 2011
    #6

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  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Adding another Zebrasoma species tang to the tank would be very dangerous. I agree with mikejrice on this one and the rest in saying no.
     
    2in10, Jul 4, 2011
    2in10, Jul 4, 2011
    #7
  8. PSU REEFER

    PSU REEFER Astrea Snail

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    I have a 500g w/ naso, vlamgni, purple, hippo and tried adding a yellow after the purple and he harrassed it death in 1 nite.
     
    PSU REEFER, Jul 10, 2011
    PSU REEFER, Jul 10, 2011
    #8