Adding several small tangs to a tank with larger tangs

[Emoney]

I have a 180 display with less than 100lbs of rock work with plenty of open swim room for my tangs. 100 gl sump and 80 gl frag tank.

I want to add 8 yellow tangs (1.5-3") to my display. already have 5 tangs (Sohal, yellow belly hippo, purple, convict, and naso)

We will be moving with the next year and will be upgrading to a 300+ gallon display. Also if there where issues I could put the yellow in the 80 frag tank.

Would like you thoughts on survival of the small yellows in the tank with the big boys?

 

[787will]

IMHO you are at your max for number of tangs, and adding a smaller one will only increase it chances of being beat on, i would put its survival rate down near 10%. IME if you want to add a group of yellows like you said i would wait until you upgrade, add them all at once and add them at the same time you transfer your existing tank mates.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ya might want to wait on adding that many to that tank. Your already at limits for those size of fish. I'd wait on the bigger tank, then you'd be safe, as they wouldn't be impeding on each other. Thats what I'd be worried about if you put them in now, theres not enough room for all of them.

 

[cdness]

Since you asked for opinions... I think you are at your max for tangs for the 180 and any addition of more will result in fish loss... To be honest I think you have too many tangs in the 180G already and some should be moved off to another tank. However with that said, they could still be small so temporarily you may be fine...

The Purple tang will more than likely fight with the yellows. I have a feeling that if the yellows are familiar with each other, they may team up against the purple...

If you want the safest possible introduction and highest survival rate, add them all to the 300G when you get it. This will add confusion to ALL the fish causing them to figure out their place in the new tank all over again. There will be fewer territorial battles this way.