Multiple Blue Tangs

[nonstophoops]

Anyone have any experience keeping more than one Hepatus, Palette, Blue, Dory, Regal Tang together in one tank?????

If so, tell me a little about the tank size, other inhabitants, how many you kept, and what sizes you introduced them at.

Also, whether it worked out or not?

I am thinking about getting more than 1 for my 210.

 

[jworth]

Now personal experience is lacking, but I have done some reading. Multiple specimens is doable, but they should be added at the same time and most preferably at different sizes as to form a 'hierarchy" amongst themselves.

 

[nonstophoops]

Now personal experience is lacking, but I have done some reading. Multiple specimens is doable, but they should be added at the same time and most preferably at different sizes as to form a 'hierarchy" amongst themselves.

Thanks, I have read that as well. Just can't seem to find anything more than that really.

 

[Heathd]

Only time I have seen it done was in a 300 reef with lots of open space, both were blue hippos, and their size was relatively close to each other. That may or may not help.

 

[nonstophoops]

Only time I have seen it done was in a 300 reef with lots of open space, both were blue hippos, and their size was relatively close to each other. That may or may not help.

That helps a little. I would optimally like to do 2 of them, but I think 3 would work better. So hearing this helps.

 

[Heathd]

That helps a little. I would optimally like to do 2 of them, but I think 3 would work better. So hearing this helps.

I have heard that with yellow tangs, its best to keep them single or in groups of odd numbers to reduce aggression. That may help with other species as well.

 

[nonstophoops]

I have heard that with yellow tangs, its best to keep them single or in groups of odd numbers to reduce aggression. That may help with other species as well.

That was my thinking as well.

I think it is a risky thing to do, but I think I might try it. I think it will work for sure when they are young, but as they grow it may cause problems. At worst, I will have one in my 210, one in my 75 gallon for a while, and sell one.

 

[Heathd]

That was my thinking as well.

I think it is a risky thing to do, but I think I might try it. I think it will work for sure when they are young, but as they grow it may cause problems. At worst, I will have one in my 210, one in my 75 gallon for a while, and sell one.

I think you can do it. Keep them on a high algae diet with low protein/meaty servings to help keep the aggression down. I also think that so long as they dont feel cramped, nothing will come of it.

 

[FLESHY]

Mixing tangs is going on like crazy out here in LA.

Introduce at the same time, at a small size if it were me.

 

[nonstophoops]

Mixing tangs is going on like crazy out here in LA.

Introduce at the same time, at a small size if it were me.

My question to that is was there anything in the tank to be considered territory? A lot of fish don't get aggressive when they have nothing to defend. The tank is probably overstocked too.

I hate it, cause you walk into a store and you are like sweet all those fish can be kept together....but that isn't the case when you bring them home. Happened to me when I ended up losing most of my fish to ich a while back.

I may not be able to do the multiple blue tang thing if I keep this Atlantic Blue Tang I got tonight alive. I talked the owner down on price cause the fish needs to be treated for ich and possibly a fungus. My first goal is to get it as fat as I can as quick as I can first. Then start treating in a couple days.

I also talked the owner into letting me take over the saltwater section of the store too, cause the tanks and fish are just awful. I figured I could spend some time there and help them out while I continue to look for a job in my field. Seriously, I would not support a place like this at all. The store needs a major cleaning for sure. Of all the saltwater tanks there are maybe 2 healthy fish and one healthy anemone. I more or less saved a fish I really like and have wanted for a while.