Calling all tang experts!!!

[labragg1]

Ok, here's the scenario: I have a 225gal tank 60x36x24, and a 75gal sump.

Tangs are my favorite fish, so I've tried to design the rockscaping with as much open swimroom as possible.

I currently have one yellow tang that is settled in good--which I know will be a problem when I add a few more--so here's where I want your opinion.

I have three tangs on order that should arrive on Saturday.
They are:
1--Purple tang (Red Sea) (3-4 inches)
1--Blue Regal tang (3-4 inches)
1--Yellow tang (2-3 inches)

I was originally going to take my current tang out and trade him back in at my local LFS.
That would leave me with just the three new ones--which I am adding simultaneously to avoid aggression.

My question is should I just take my current yellow tang out and add him back in later, or go ahead with my original plan and get rid of him altogether?

I don't know if I would be better off with 2 yellow's and the purple, or 1 yellow and the purple.

The reason I ask this is I've heard some say that when keeping multiples of the same species--have three or more. Having three or more spreads any aggression out among them and has less chances of one particular one getting all the abuse.

Since the Purple is almost identical to the yellow's--would I be better off with 2 additional yellows instead of just one?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

[rigleautomotive]

i have 2 yellows and a purple along with a big blond naso in a 180.i wanted a group of yellows so i added 5.2 survived long term,the others got beat on by purple and yellow tangs.my take on it is every fish is different.some get along when they should not.the 2 yellows are buddies and cruise together.all the tangs have been together for a few years now so all is well.i wouln give all the fish a try to see how things go,you can always trap any problem fish later if necessary

[BrianD]

I would not add multiple zebrasoma sp to the same tank.

I disagree with "give all the fish a try". We should strive to do what is best for our fish in a captive environment, not attempt to force unnatural stocking levels upon them.

[EvilMel]

I agree with Brian. I personally wouldn't put species together that have a good chance to fight. I just don't see the point in risking it.

No offense but, I don't see why having multiple yellow or purple tangs is even that great honestly. There are so many other cool tangs with different body styles that would totally get along, why would you risk it over yellow and purple tangs?

[labragg1]

Well--the main reason for the situation is that my wife wants at least one yellow tang--and I want the purple. I guess my main question was if a second yellow would make things worse or better.
From what you guys are saying, I think I'll just go ahead and get rid of the second yellow.
Hopefully down the rode if my wife will gets as attached to the purple as much as me--then the yellow can go if needed.

Hey--at least I'm not trying to put them in a 30gal tank! :)

[thor32766]

i have a yellow and purple together in my 220. had them for over 2 yrs. they never mess with one another. lucky i guess.

[labragg1]

thor32766--did you add them simultaeously?

So far my past experience with tangs has been that I've never really had problems with multiple tangs as long as I added them simultaneusly. Not sure if that is the experience of others or not?

[thor32766]

all of them were added together 2 yrs ago, i added the black tang about 6 months ago. I have never had a single problem. keep them feed that helps.

[LauraCline]

i'm far from an expert but, my boss had a 180 gallon with a yellow and purple that got along great. Both were about 6" when I worked there but, the boss said they were added at the same time as 1-2" fish. Other inhabitants were a Naso, Regal Tang, Maroon Clown, Onespot Foxface, Niger Trigger, Dogfaced Puffer, SFE, and a huge P. Volitans.

[yoboyjdizz]

Just only get one of each and like everyone said best results would be for you to add them at the same time...

[jake ballard]

in my 270 i have

1 Red Sea Sailfin Tang
1 Sailfin Tang
1 Purple Tang
1 Tomini Tang
1 Blue Hippo Tang
2 Foxface
1 Blue Niger Trigger
1 Cinniman Clown
1 Tomato Clawn
2 Perca Clowns
1 Clarki Clown
1 Saddleback Clown
2 Six Line Wrasse
6 Cromis
1 Coral Beauty Angel
2 Eels

have no problems

[labragg1]

THanks guys. Got my new fellows in from SaltWaterFish this morning and man are they beauties.
I went ahead and removed my existing yellow tang as I didn't want to take a chance on him being a bully to the new ones.

I received a beautiful large Purple, a larg Blue Hippo, and a small yellow. I ordered the small yellow as I was hoping having him a different size from the Purple might help.

THey acclimated great and are getting along great!
In fact, the small yellow is following the Purple around like it thinks it's its mother. All of them were eating great after only a few hours in the tank. So far so good!!!

Wish me luck! :)

[jnarowe]

I wouldn't worry about having a yellow and a purple together. my only concern is that 2 of a kind is tough and usually one will try to dominate the other. I either get one of a kind or three or more of a kind. They seem to do better when there is more than two. Just my experience though.

[jeffmerrill]

I have a yellow and purple together in my 180 with no problems. Were not added at the same time either. Good luck.