Tang compatibility

[Slickdonkey]

Slick,
Powder Blue/Brown and Achilles tangs are all gorgeous fish, but they are also pretty delicate and can come down with ich pretty easily. You do have a big tank though, and could definately get away with things I could not in mine.

Yep, I've done my reading on each of these fish and think I'm ready to take on the challenge.

If you're set on getting a couple of tangs in your tank, I'd suggest picking one of the Acantharus tangs, and adding it at the same time you add the purple. If you're bent on getting two of the acantharus tangs.....I'd get two of them as small as possible, and add them simultaneously....and even then I'd only give you a 50/50 chance you wouldnt lose one of them within the year. Another thing to keep in mind is that by adding those fish, (either two Acan tangs or one acan and the purple) you're pretty much ensuring that anyother fish you add later is going to have a nasty welcome wagon waiting....

Hmmm, ok. Well I've never owned an Acanthurus tang so I don't have firsthand experience as to how aggressive they can be. I was planning to add the Achilles soon and the purple last. Perhaps I'll wait a bit and add them both at once as the last fish. I suppose I could live without the Powder Blue/Brown I'd rather do what's best for the fish than what's best for me.

 

[Maxx]

Sorry if I sounded disapproving...not the case at all. Just wanted to answer your question fully.
There are many people who break "the rules" to this hobby. Enough of them are successful to a point that others try and emulate them.

All I'm trying to do here is give you the best chance for success for your tank.

Nick

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Maxx I agree with your concerns which are spot on. Except for the yellow which was adopted first from another friend, my tang list was made by a very experienced adviser. He likes the Red Sea variety's. I was very concerned for the Red Sea Sailfin's welfare after being put into the larger Yellow's turf. Was a lot of chasing and nipping and the dejardini was very frightened. After the blue was introduced a day later, things calmed down. After the angel (biggest fish) and the Sohal, there is so much activity, the yellow forgot that it "owned the tank" and they all settled in to competition for food in lieu of territory. Feeding frenzy over the Nori even by the Navarchus. Fingers crossed that they all stay friendly. Like Angels, Tangs are very territorial. Getting a school is a wonderful goal, but so is obtaining Nirvana this lifetime and I'm not placing any bets (would use a LOL but it is broken:lol: )

 

[morgan]

rules are ment to be broken