Choosing a Tang

[Fin-up reefing]

I currently have 1 of each of the following tangs in my reef tank: Yellow, Sailfin, and Scopas... I was planning on picking up a 5in Purple tang on Thursday for $100.. but I’ve heard that the Purple Tangs are very aggressive.. so should I choose a different tang or get the purple?

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

Tank size is extremely important to know. As of now, i wouldn't advise adding another zebrasoma to the mix.

 

[Fin-up reefing]

Tank size is extremely important to know. As of now, i wouldn't advise adding another zebrasoma to the mix.

Thank you, I am getting a 220 gal aquarium in a few months. Do you think that’s big enough for them to get along?

 

[Best Fish-Jake]

Thank you, I am getting a 220 gal aquarium in a few months. Do you think that’s big enough for them to get along?

I would look into tangs not in the zebrasoma genus. You could potentially look at some kind of bristletooth or acanthurus tang, but it’s usually best to add multiple tangs at the same time (especially when introducing them to tanks with established tangs). @4FordFamily may have some more useful tips for introduction/ selection.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

220 gallons would probably limit out at 4 zebrasoma tangs, you're likely gonna see some fighting as they grow up. If it were me I would be looking at something a bit different in body shape such as a convict or powder blue.

 

[PatW]

Like others, I would suggest getting a non Zebrasoma tang. In the bristletooth genus, I have a Kole tang. He is very handsome and extremely active. He is also well behaved.

 

[Fin-up reefing]

Like others, I would suggest getting a non Zebrasoma tang. In the bristletooth genus, I have a Kole tang. He is very handsome and extremely active. He is also well behaved.

I’ve had several Kole Tangs but for some reason I never have luck with them. From what I’ve heard they are super easy to keep at times but I’ve never had luck yet I’ve kept some really hard to keep fish before. I even kept a moorish idol for 3 years before I traded him.

 

[4FordFamily]

Because you have three established zebrasoma, adding another to the mix is very unlikely to work out well. I’d wait until you upgrade to add tangs.

Bristlooth tangs would be a good choice, or if you diligently quarantine an acanthurus tang might work!