Critique my tang list

[JOKER]

Ok so this will be a large tank. 7' x 2' and this is my tang list so far. Which would you leave out or have more than one? Will be very stocked. They are in no certain order except the Lavender is for sure. I plan to QT these all before putting into tank.
1.Lavender
2. Kole, square tail, tomini or chevron
3. Blond naso
4. Orange shoulder
5. Convict
6. Achiles
7. Possibly yellow

 

[eatbreakfast]

That lisy looks fine. I would encourage adding the naso first, they are among the most peaceful of tangs. Achilles can be both sensitive and aggressive, but worth it.

 

[JOKER]

I was thinking naso first and maybe the smaller one and convict together, then the rest. These will be last additions but I want my list on these guys locked in. Would you try more than one of any?

 

[eatbreakfast]

I've only seen multiples of the same species work long term in tanks 10' or larger, though I would love to see a group of convict tangs in aquaria.

 

[JOKER]

I would also. Jason fox has a bunch in his 400 I believe it is. I may try a trio of convict. The scape is going to be pretty much open so if doesn't work could get them out if needed.

 

[ca1ore]

Though I am sure there will be folks who'll pipe up saying they're doing it, my own experience trying to keep more than one acanthurus in a tank has not gone well. Convicts, particularly, have not mixed well with an Achilles. In my current 265 I have (in order of introduction) a hippo/regal. yellow, purple, Achilles, desjardini sailfin, and a chevron. While the sailfin is the clear alpha, the Achilles is his 'attack dog'. I had a convict that I had nursed back from the brink of starvation that I tried in an acclimation box, but it became pretty clear the Achilles was having none of that. Chevron got added at the same time, and though beaten up pretty well initially, it has now settled in.

 

[mcarroll]

Here's my critique:
I hate lists of 7.
Why a numbered list instead of bullets? Duh!
Wrong font!
Totally not alphabetical.
You've got orange, blonde and yellow fish in one list! Get it straight.



In seriousness, 2x6' is not THAT big of a tank. I would be more conservative, personally. Your tank will be more stable with fewer large fish anyway, so less is better.

Also, I hope you have a nice QT tank...QT can be just as stressful or more as a stay at the fish store.

 

[mcarroll]

I would also. Jason fox has a bunch in his 400 I believe it is. I may try a trio of convict. The scape is going to be pretty much open so if doesn't work could get them out if needed.

400 is a good example of a large tank. Still on the small side of large tanks though.

Though I am sure there will be folks who'll pipe up saying they're doing it, my own experience trying to keep more than one acanthurus in a tank has not gone well. Convicts, particularly, have not mixed well with an Achilles. In my current 265 I have (in order of introduction) a hippo/regal. yellow, purple, Achilles, desjardini sailfin, and a chevron. While the sailfin is the clear alpha, the Achilles is his 'attack dog'. I had a convict that I had nursed back from the brink of starvation that I tried in an acclimation box, but it became pretty clear the Achilles was having none of that. Chevron got added at the same time, and though beaten up pretty well initially, it has now settled in.

This is typical "action" for tangs in a 2x6' tank....stressful, not stress-free.

Stress-free tanks are MUCH more stable and the fish are MUCH more healthy.

I know I'm the odd man out opinion-wise, but I would add fish slowly - even the tangs.

That way you will have plenty of time to decide how you like every given individual and assess their impact on the system - both biological impact as well as social impact.

I would definitely stop adding fish once aggression became an issue - which may be after what seems like very few fish. (I keep 3 barnacle blennies very happy in 50 gallons.) But you may find that you like that stability of the system with a number of fish so low that it precludes violence instead of making it the norm.

It's definitely one option.

For another point of view, if you haven't already, look at the history of posts by @Paul B. (Do a search for him if that's not a clickable link. It's clickable on the website.) He specializes in healthy fish instead of tank drama - a good model to follow!

 

[JOKER]

Well the tank is 7'. LOL. I plan to have the other fish that I want in first. I will have at least a 20 long for QT. Probably a 40 breeder for the tang. I plan to QT everything and I make sure when adding any new fish I am going to be home for most of the day. My list is not set in stone yet, these are just the tang I really like. I know after I stock the other fish I plan to keep (which I am still working on, and will have bullets lol) I may have to narrow that list. The lavender is definitely my top pick and will be a for sure. I hope to get the sump running soon since I am still waiting on tank that was supposed to already be HERE!! I read everything he post. He has an amazing tank. I think the most natural tank out there.

 

[mcarroll]

Well the tank is 7'.

Oops, typo!

Don't get me wrong - 7' is not small, and I am jealous. But unless it's unusually tall, it's not that big of a tank. On the large side of medium, I'd say.

So rock your tangs, but just remember not to go nuts.

 

[JOKER]

LOL I understand. I want this tank to be healthy and with not too many problems so I will take it slowly. I am a long way from tang so it may end up being much less in the end. I just want to be sure and not add any that will be a problem up front. Thanks for all the comments.