How Tangs can I keep?

[CMO]

Trying to plan out my larger fish. I currently have a Yellow Tang and Yellow Eyed Kole tang in my 165G (6ft) and wondering how many more tangs or fish of similar max size I can keep. I have a Tomni Bristletooth and powder blue tang on my list for upcoming additions. How many more tangs or fish of this size might I be able to add beyond this (if any)? Tank has a fair amount or rock work (and SPS dominant reef to come...hopefully) tank shown below for reference. I don't want to overstock now and not have enough space once the reef grows out.

I ask this in reference to available swimming space vs. nutrient control. Thanks

 

[Jesterrace]

How long have the Tangs you mentioned been in the tank? Yellow Tangs can be fairly assertive. The Tomini would probably be fine in there as long as they are not long established fish, but the Powder Blue I would hold off on as they are VERY prone to ich and more likely to be aggressive to other tangs.

 

[CMO]

The yellow tang was first in about 3-4 weeks ago now and the Kole tang went in last week. No aggression issues at all so far among the tangs so I'd like to get the rest now before they become too established and potentially aggressive. I have heard that about the powder blues and will take into consideration, but aside from fish specific issues how many tangs or fish of similar size will comfortably fit in this tank? Thanks

 

[Jesterrace]

The yellow tang was first in about 3-4 weeks ago now and the Kole tang went in last week. No aggression issues at all so far among the tangs so I'd like to get the rest now before they become too established and potentially aggressive. I have heard that about the powder blues and will take into consideration, but aside from fish specific issues how many tangs or fish of similar size will comfortably fit in this tank? Thanks

Honestly it depends on the species, size of the tang, general temperament of the fish you put in. Mixing Tangs isn't like mixing wrasses, it's more like mixing Dwarf Angels but on a larger scale and there is no exact science or predictability to it. My recommendation is to go with the Tangs that aren't as prone to ich or aggression. Hence I would avoid Purple and Powder Blues. You might look into a Convict Tang. Not as well colored as some of the others but it is arguably the most peaceful of the bunch and IMHO still has beauty to it:

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/737/convict-tang?pcatid=737&c=15+43+737

The Lemon Peel Mimic Tang would add more Yellow at first, but over time it develops a nice color that would be different and they are among the more Peaceful Species as well. If you don't want to Risk it with your Yellow Tang you can go with Eibli Mimic or Half Black Mimic Tang

https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/352/mimic-lemon-peel-tang?pcatid=352&c=15+43+352

Also, keep in mind that Tangs are big waste producers so even with a large tank they will produce a high bioload.

 

[Bdrake]

How long have the Tangs you mentioned been in the tank? Yellow Tangs can be fairly assertive. The Tomini would probably be fine in there as long as they are not long established fish, but the Powder Blue I would hold off on as they are VERY prone to ich and more likely to be aggressive to other tangs.

But with another bristletooth tang already established, the Tomini may be tough.

 

[Deezill]

How long have the Tangs you mentioned been in the tank? Yellow Tangs can be fairly assertive. The Tomini would probably be fine in there as long as they are not long established fish, but the Powder Blue I would hold off on as they are VERY prone to ich and more likely to be aggressive to other tangs.

I agree I was gonna do a PBT but I am going to stock my 150 first and let him be the last fish I add. He will more than likely stay in QT the longest because if you look at PBT to hard they catch something. I have also been told and from the research I have done they are one of the most aggressive tangs. Please keep us posted. I am interested in how this goes.

 

[Jesterrace]

But with another bristletooth tang already established, the Tomini may be tough.

According to the OP the Kole has only been in for a week or two.

 

[CMO]

Thank you all. This is helpful. @Jesterrace - what is your reference to caution with purple tangs - what specifically are they prone to - disease, aggression? Any opinions on throwing a power brown in the mix or would this be similar to a powder blue? Also, how do tangs and angels typically get along with what I'm looking at? Thinking about some of the reef safe angels - swallowtail, Lamarck's, etc. I do like the convict so may switch out the power blue for that if it'd make my life easier, especially since I'll say it, I just don't have it in me to run a QT right now. I'm making sure to get everything though divers den though which I hope will provides some level prevention. Sounds like a powder blue is a definite no go without QT of all fish prior to DT intro which I've already passed.

 

[Jesterrace]

Thank you all. This is helpful. @Jesterrace - what is your reference to caution with purple tangs - what specifically are they prone to - disease, aggression? Any opinions on throwing a power brown in the mix or would this be similar to a powder blue? Also, how do tangs and angels typically get along with what I'm looking at? Thinking about some of the reef safe angels - swallowtail, Lamarck's, etc. I do like the convict so may switch out the power blue for that if it'd make my life easier, especially since I'll say it, I just don't have it in me to run a QT right now. I'm making sure to get everything though divers den though which I hope will provides some level prevention. Sounds like a powder blue is a definite no go without QT of all fish prior to DT intro which I've already passed.

Purples are more of an issue with aggression than being super prone to ich (not to mention they are pricey). As for no QT? I would definitely not be purchasing them online. In orange county I am sure you have an LFS that can get them for you and can hold on to them long enough for you to at least see them healthy and swimming around before you buy them. As for the Powder Brown, it is better than the powder blue on both counts but I would still pick the tangs listed above if you want the best chance of success. For the Genicanthus Angels, if you can afford one I would go with a female bellus. Beautiful fish.

 

[CMO]

Got it and yeah, the Bellus angel is pretty nice! I've yet to find a good local fish store in my area. All the good ones went out of business during the recession and haven't really returned . So far all my divers den fish (5 total thus far) have been healthy and eat great.