Help Picking A Tang!

[Struggler]

Hello guys I'm new to the hobby and still currently choosing my stocking on a 90 gallon tank I have. Currently I have 2 blue/green chromis. I am going to be adding two Ocellaris clownfish this friday and would like to add a reef safe wrasse, a Foxface Rabbit fish and then a Tang best friend for him (Got the idea from Tidal Gardens). The three I am considering are the Purple Tang, the Kole tang, and the Tomini Tang (Flame Fin) so if you have any suggestions on the pairing I would really appreciate it. Also I would like to add a dwarf moray eel if I ever see one for sale, but will most likely move the chromis and clowns if I do. So this is what I would like the community's help with:

- Which tang will do better in this size tank?
- Which tang in your own opinion do you believe visually looks better with the Foxface?
- Which tang is the simplest to keep?
- Which tang is a safer investment for a new reefer?
- Which tang is the least aggressive?

I have done a large amount of solo research on the tangs, but I feel that hearing personal experiences on the topic and differing opinions on the choice will be great for not only new reefers like me, but also any other new or experienced reefs that stumble along this post. Thank you so much for any input you can give!

 

[4FordFamily]

In a 90 gal a bristlooth would be most ideal, and since you chose two tangs with purplish coloration I went when kole.

Purple are also a very aggressive tang, particularly as the only tang.

 

[Neo Jeo]

I would love a Purple Tang but they are $$. If you have the money, do it . If not I personally like the Kole Tang. I have been reading about Tangs, they are most aggressive with other tangs and tangs that looks like them or of the same "breed". I would say any of those tangs will be fine.

Note: If you want more then 1 tang, now is the time to add them both. It's better to add 2 tangs at once vs one then another due to the fact of territorial reasons. Even better if they are younger. Just a thought

 

[tdileo]

A 90G isn't big enough for a purple tang from my understanding unfortunately. Planning out my 90 I wanted one so badly but everybody was against it in less than a 6 foot tank. Not having enough room will cause aggression and stress, something I think most people don't want. I decided that I don't want to put any tangs in my 90 since they like swimming too much, but you should be fine with any full sized Bristletooth. I think the Tomini's are a little smaller and peaceful if I remember correctly, some people have problems with Koles and other grazers.

 

[Michael Llabona]

If you want a tang stay in the Bristletooth family and only add one. Purple Tang will get big and are know to be aggressive in even larger tanks. I really like my Kole tang in my 90. He's a good grazer. He kinda bullies my diamond goby occasionally but it's not too bad as the goby immediately come right back out. Koles also have great colors when they are healthy. The yellow eyes pop in the blue lighting and they have some pretty cool blue edges on their fins.

 

[Struggler]

So take the Purple tang off the running? I don't mind spending the money as I will be doing the additions very slowly to save cash, but I had heard that they were very aggressive.

 

[Struggler]

Oh and Kole tangs are Bristletooth correct? And I saw that my lfs has a tiny one in stock please someone stop me from getting it before I get my other fish ;Nailbiting lol

 

[4FordFamily]

Purple tangs in 4 foot tanks are likely to be hellions.

I’ve kept yellow and scopas in 90 gal without issue, but a purple as the standalone tang or even if not — likely to be very aggressive

 

[4FordFamily]

Oh and Kole tangs are Bristletooth correct? And I saw that my lfs has a tiny one in stock please someone stop me from getting it before I get my other fish ;Nailbiting lol

Yes that’s correct they are a bristlooth

 

[Struggler]

Purple tangs in 4 foot tanks are likely to be hellions.

I’ve kept yellow and scopas in 90 gal without issue, but a purple as the standalone tang or even if not — likely to be very aggressive

Yeah that's what I thought I just needed someone else to tell me not to do it , my significant other is pushing me to the purple tang (and she doesn't listen to me...)

 

[Theo15]

Yeah that's what I thought I just needed someone else to tell me not to do it , my significant other is pushing me to the purple tang (and she doesn't listen to me...)

Purple tangs are going for $50 on nyaquatics last time I checked

 

[Struggler]

Purple tangs are going for $50 on nyaquatics last time I checked

Yeah I saw the same thing, but its going to be about 60$ to ship it to me so it ends up being for around the same price as my lfs, but I don't think I am going to get one from all the warnings Ive been given ;Sour

 

[biomek]

i'm on the kole tang bandwagon myself. Love ours. constantly picking at the rocks has tons of character

 

[Theo15]

Yeah I saw the same thing, but its going to be about 60$ to ship it to me so it ends up being for around the same price as my lfs, but I don't think I am going to get one from all the warnings Ive been given ;Sour

I have one in a 50 still a baby he doesn't give trouble

 

[Michael Llabona]

Unless you plan on putting a more aggressive fish add the kole tang last. So don't get it yet. Lol. Unless you absolutely can't resist. Btw kole tangs come from Hawaii I think. Hawaii just put restrictions/ban on fisheries and collecting I think. The price of the kole tang might go up. I bought mine 2 months ago for 25 at lfs for a small one. I think I saw the same ones for 40 now.

 

[Struggler]

Unless you plan on putting a more aggressive fish add the kole tang last. So don't get it yet. Lol. Unless you absolutely can't resist. Btw kole tangs come from Hawaii I think. Hawaii just put restrictions/ban on fisheries and collecting I think. The price of the kole tang might go up. I bought mine 2 months ago for 25 at lfs for a small one. I think I saw the same ones for 40 now.

Yeah the price was 4o for the small one I saw

 

[saltyhog]

I like the Tomini tang just because you don't see them as much. They really are pretty in person. Agree about the purple. I have one in a 6 foot tank and he killed my Gold Rim tang that was added at the same time.

 

[Potatohead]

Kole and Tomini are both bristletooth and would do well in that size tank.

 

[SlvrZ]

out of those three I'd say the kole tang. i love their colors and are perfect for that size tank.
if i was to recommend another tang though, i'd say look into the White Tail Bristletooth Tang. THAT would be my personal choice in your situation.
They are true beauties.

 

[Danny Venditti]

I have introduce tangs with others. They can be territorial, however I bought a large critter cage from the local pet store and bored multiple holes in all sides and attached it to the inside of the tank when introducing a new fish. I let them stay in there for a week or more.
I have found it lets others get used to it and less bullying occurs. Plus its CHEAP. Just food for thought when introducing a new fish.