Achilles tang & Blue spotted angel -> adding more large fish?

[inktomi]

Hi folks!

I have a large tank that's lightly stocked (Achilles, Blue spotted angel, kole tang) and I'd like to add a few more large fish. Thing is, as an achilles does, the achilles tang "tolerates" the blue spotted angelfish and really would prefer it not be in the tank at all.

I am open to getting rid of my achilles tang, though I'd strongly prefer not to have to do that. I was thinking, what if I added 2 or 3 large fish at once? Think the achilles tang would find one to particularly hate and kill it, or do you think it would spread out it's attention and not be overly horrible to any one fish?

I was thinking of adding perhaps a Regal Angel, Blond Naso tang, maybe a purple tang, or rabbit fish, etc - fish that I can get in the 5-6" size to be able to stand up to the achilles I have today.

Most of the time my achilles tang tolerates my blue spotted angelfish, though some days it pretty much keeps the angelfish on lock down in a cave. Maybe the best course of action really is just getting rid of it?

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I have an achilies in with a hippo, blonde naso, big rabbit fish and an 8" desjardini.

The desjardini is the king of the tank but aggression isnt too bad.

I think you coukd safely add some more fish that is dependant on what your definition of "large tank" is. Mine are in a 6x3 rimless witg light rock.

Just use all the tricks when you add them and add then both at the same time.

Put a mirror or two in the tank, put some odd ball rocks and various stuff in the tank, and use an "acclimation box" made of zip tied together light diffuser to keep them seperate for a couple days.

In my experience its mostly those first couple days that the bullies pick on the new kid.

I dropped in a scopas from my frag tank into the DT and the fish BEAT THE HELL out of him overnight. Two torn fins, a cut in his abdomen and a cut right through his eye!! He looked like rocky when he fought mr. T. Thought he was going to loose the eye but 10 days in melafix cures him up.

Dont get rid of the achilies though, a gorgeous fish and typically not THAT mean.

 

[inktomi]

I appreciate the reply - sorry for not pointing out my tank size.. oops! It's a 7 foot long by 3 foot wide tank, 2 feet deep, like yours - with light rockwork throughout.

I'm glad that you share my opinion on adding some more fish all at once - I wasn't sure this was REALLY a good plan or not.. Open to more suggestions though, if anyone has any to share.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I think the only thing you have to watch out for is the possibility of a minor spike in ammonia although i am not quite sure if this is really an issue or not with a tank of your size.

I forgot to add that I also have a school of 11 lyretail anthias. In freshwater systems "dither" fish like this can help diffuse agression somewhat. There is just a little more movement going on, plus it tends to help shy fish come out then there other fish doing their thing in the open water.

I added all four of my tangs at once.

 

[inktomi]

For sure, good point about reminding me of ammonia/etc. Always good to think about!

I do have a couple damsels, a few anthias, a few pygmy angelfish/etc - but as far as large fish only those three.

 

[lion king]

That sounds like a good plan, any of the 3 you mentioned. At the same time in a tank that size I don't see a problem. If you are concerned about an ammonia spike, just to remember to gradually increase the food Again with a tank that size, I think you'll be fine. Sounds like a nice tank, let's see apic.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Depending on your aquascape I have had success putting eggcrate in the tank to divide it and have the dominant fish on one side and the new fish on the other for a few days.

 

[inktomi]

Looks like these fish are out of stock at LiveAquaria now. Hopefully they'll be back shortly, unless anyone knows another high quality place to shop for fish online.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

You dont have a good LFS? That sucks man, I loathe buying fish online. I have had some good experiences but also my fair share of just too much stress.

Live aquaria is where i get mine. Maybe google and see what is closest to you?.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Reefwise, pieces of the ocean, among the reef, ny aquatic.