Best method to add a Copperband, Yellow and Purple tang to a 6th tank

[holdyourlight]

I would like to try my luck with a CBB, YT and PT in a 6 foot 125 gallon. What is the best method in terms of what order to add them to give myself the best chance at success. Add the CBB first and then the 2 tangs or add all 3 at the same time? Would it be best if the CBB is larger than the 2 tangs?

[ajherrera2]

I would add the CBB in first to make sure it settles in and is eating well prior to adding the tangs. As for the tangs, tangs in the zebrasoma genus do much better in odd numbers. I'd consider adding a 3rd tang (maybe 2 yellows and a purple) and add them all at the same time.

[DopeCantWin]

I would add the CBB in first to make sure it settles in and is eating well prior to adding the tangs. As for the tangs, tangs in the zebrasoma genus do much better in odd numbers. I'd consider adding a 3rd tang (maybe 2 yellows and a purple) and add them all at the same time.

I'll admit, I'm not that familiar with Zebrasoma, but 3 in a 125 sounds like trouble. I've seen 8 in a 2k gallon tank, and I think they still weeded each other out.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1850501

[ajherrera2]

I agree that 3 in a 125 sounds like trouble but 2 in a 125 would be more trouble IMO.

[gwlaws]

I would add the CBB first, then add the tangs together only if QT. I have a Naso, Yellow and Purple but put them in at different times, and ending up banishing the Yellow in the sump for a while else I feared for the purple. But since then I added a PB. I found the biggest thing to help was mirrors and placed them in the tank for a week at the same time the new tang was put in. It really screws them up so I would really focus on the mirrors more than anything. Besides, how many have 2 QT tanks?

[horseplay]

Tangs are bullies. I initially had a Kole Tang and added a Yellow 6 months later. Gradually the yellow became bolder and bullied the Kole even though it's smaller. The Kole tang could handle the abuse. When I added delicate fish such as a Regal angelfish and Copperband the yellow harassed them. After I removed the yellow the Kole tang took up what the yellow left off and the abuse continued. Especially at night time when the Kole didnot allow anyone to be near the rocks. I was not able to re-introduce the tangs even after a long timeout period.

So my point is if you want to keep tangs keep them with fish that can handle the bullying and abuse long term. And Copperband is not one of them.

[holdyourlight]

I agree that 3 in a 125 sounds like trouble but 2 in a 125 would be more trouble IMO.

Agreed. It is a 6 foot tank so i think that helps. I'm leaning towards adding a larger CBB first and letting it establish, and then 2 yellows and 1 purple at the same time.

I would add the CBB first, then add the tangs together only if QT. I have a Naso, Yellow and Purple but put them in at different times, and ending up banishing the Yellow in the sump for a while else I feared for the purple. But since then I added a PB. I found the biggest thing to help was mirrors and placed them in the tank for a week at the same time the new tang was put in. It really screws them up so I would really focus on the mirrors more than anything. Besides, how many have 2 QT tanks?

I will definitely try the mirrors if i try this. And i will add the CBB first. And i do actually have 2 QT tanks :)

[ben jammin]

Definitely the CBB first, no question. I had my yellow first and tried adding a CBB later in my 260, and even in that size tank with lots of open rock work available, my yellow beat up the CBB pretty good. Kept him pinned in an upper corner of the tank and wouldn't let him eat. I removed the CBB and returned him to the LFS so he could find a more suitable home.

I don't know whether you need 3 zebrasomas rather than two. I think having two of the same species (yellows) even with a purple could be just as big or bigger a problem than having one yellow and one purple. Whatever you do, I'd add the tangs at the same time if at all possible, and not till the CBB is established and eating boldly.