Question 4 tang keepers

[eric mac]

I am in the process of upgrading to a 225 DT from my current 150. I would like some input from the hobbiest that have multiple tangs. I started off with a mimic about 9 months ago. Then got a 5" sohal 2 months ago, the sohal kicked the living hell out of my mimic. I put the mimic in QT until his fins came back. A few days ago I added a yellow tank, along with the mimic back into DT. The sohal has calmed down quiet a bit. The sohal has not attacked the yellow or mimic yet. He did a few chases but no finns have been damaged.
My question is, when finally get the 225 up and running. I would love to have a Achilles tang or a powder blue as well. Should I even try to get one or even both of these tangs with my sohal. Does anyone have this combination of tangs (sohal, mimic, yellow, PBT, and Achilles)? If it is possible to keep all these guys in a 225 would it be best to add the sohal last? Any feed back would be much appreciated.

[nonstopfishies]

IMO you would be playing with fire adding any sort of genus acanthurus in addition to the sohal. All of those fish should be the dominant fish in a tank like yours and all 3 will not live very long IMO. A 225 isn't that much bigger than a 150, and your sohal was beating on a mimic. That is a sign of things to come with tangs that are the same shape as it is.

[dzfish17]

Youre just asking for problems keeping the sohal in there. Why not rehome him and get a few others that are more suitable for a 225. I have a 600g tank and you wont see one of those bad boys in there.

[cervidaejager]

The achilles would not last with the shoal the achilles is a very timid tang. I had one for about a year before I shut my tank down to keep the now ex wife happy and even the yellow I had was a little aggressive for him. My advice would be if you want an achilles is to put him in the tank first and let him get well established before you add another tang. Just my opinion.

[eric mac]

Thanks. I might have to scratch the Achilles idea then. I love my sohal way to much to get rid of him. The only fish I've had that will let me catch him with my hands, has no fear in him. At first he beat the hell out of everyone but sense adding more fish and him settling in to his new home he has relaxed alot. Has not bit another fish in about month. http://tapatalk.com/mu/aefe5399-e3bb-cb19.jpg

[MrTuskfish]

I kept a Sohal & Achillies for 8+ years before Katrina and have had two new ones together for about 5 years now. It just isn't other tangs, or even tangs of the same genus---Sohals don't like any other fish. They will always be the alpha fish and will generally avoid bloodshed if their tankmates know this----which they will if they want to survive. Anytime I add any fish to a tank with a Sohal, I put the Sohal in my QT for a week or so as soon as the new fish goes from the QT to the DT; that way, he's always the last fish introduced. I don't think this really reduces his aggression, and IMO & IME, they are more aggressive than simply territorial. But it does spread the Sohal's routine of re-establishing his dominance over all his tankmates. Adding a fish while the Sohal is there, results in a constant attack on the newcomer. No matter what you do, there are going to be some battles; but if there is enough room, most fish can survive and learn their place in the pecking order. Both times I kept the Sohal & Achilles together, they were fine; but the Sohal still has to make the occasional mad dash to remind the Achilles of his place----no serious fights though.

[eric mac]

I kept a Sohal & Achillies for 8+ years before Katrina and have had two new ones together for about 5 years now. It just isn't other tangs, or even tangs of the same genus---Sohals don't like any other fish. They will always be the alpha fish and will generally avoid bloodshed if their tankmates know this----which they will if they want to survive. Anytime I add any fish to a tank with a Sohal, I put the Sohal in my QT for a week or so as soon as the new fish goes from the QT to the DT; that way, he's always the last fish introduced. I don't think this really reduces his aggression, and IMO & IME, they are more aggressive than simply territorial. But it does spread the Sohal's routine of re-establishing his dominance over all his tankmates. Adding a fish while the Sohal is there, results in a constant attack on the newcomer. No matter what you do, there are going to be some battles; but if there is enough room, most fish can survive and learn their place in the pecking order. Both times I kept the Sohal & Achilles together, they were fine; but the Sohal still has to make the occasional mad dash to remind the Achilles of his place----no serious fights though.

This is what I was thinking. That is exactly what has happened so far. He does make sure the other tank mates know he's in control, also hes first to eat off clip.
Might I ask what size tank was enough for your tangs?

[MrTuskfish]

This is what I was thinking. That is exactly what has happened so far. He does make sure the other tank mates know he's in control, also hes first to eat off clip.
Might I ask what size tank was enough for your tangs?

I have them in a 240 and I won't do it again; I just don't think its big enough.

[Reefing Newbie]

Sohals need the biggest of tanks IMO. The minimum suggestion for a sohal is a 350 and a 10' aquarium. You are going to have trouble with that many tangs in a 225. The PBT and achilles combo isn't the best idea because of the similar body shape.

[nanoreefer1000]

maybe a passer angel? I heard they are aggressive.

[nonstopfishies]

maybe a passer angel? I heard they are aggressive.

Huh?

Anyway, a Passer would challenge a Sohal for dominance and also terrorize pretty much all other fish.

[turbo1006]

I think the shoal tang is the most beautiful saltwater fish and the most aggressive i got my shoal tang at 3in. and he chased my 12in. grouper 16in queen trigger for two years now he's about 7in. and the boss of my 1000gl.

[Reefing Newbie]

I think the shoal tang is the most beautiful saltwater fish and the most aggressive i got my shoal tang at 3in. and he chased my 12in. grouper 16in queen trigger for two years now he's about 7in. and the boss of my 1000gl.

Wow, he has spunk lol!!

They are gorgeous by all means but look even better when they have room to swim if I am correct!! :beer: When I set up my dream tank(1200 gallon L-shaped tank that is 120"x48"x28") I will be getting a sohal tang along with a few other tangs. I don't want one until I know it has the room it needs to swim.