Keeping 3 Purple Tangs

RoseQuatics · Apr 15, 2022

Hello Everyone,

I recently viewed BRS’s video regarding keeping the two purple tangs in their 160 and what things to take into consideration. I wanted to ask if anyone has had success with keeping 3 purple tangs? I have a 120 gallon tank that I am restarting and wanted to introduce 3 juvenile purple tangs once it is up and running. Is this possible? Appreciate any feedback!

JumboShrimp · Apr 15, 2022

In a 120… I would have to give it a “low probability for long term success.” Let’s see what others think.

RoseQuatics · Apr 15, 2022

JumboShrimp said:
In a 120… I would have to give it a “low probability for long term success.” Let’s see what others think.

Do you think 3 tangs of different genuses have a higher probability of long term success? Say…. Purple, Powder Blue, and Kole?

JumboShrimp · Apr 15, 2022

I have a Purple Tang and a Blue Eyed Kole Tang (a/k/a Two Spot) together in a 150, without any problems. The main difference would be that your 120 is probably 18 inches wide rather than 24”. Also— full disclosure— my full grown Purple has always been a ‘Sissy’, since I got him at 2”. (Not the usual aggressive Purple most people talk about.)

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Apr 15, 2022

No. 1 in a 120g. Lol.
D

Anemone_Fanatic · Apr 15, 2022

In the long term, three different species could work, but that's a pretty big "could". Stick with two specimens of different species to be on the safe side.

RoseQuatics · Apr 15, 2022

JumboShrimp said:
I have a Purple Tang and a Blue Eyed Kole Tang (a/k/a Two Spot) together in a 150, without any problems. The main difference would be that your 120 is probably 18 inches wide rather than 24”. Also— full disclosure— my full grown Purple has always been a ‘Sissy’, since I got him at 2”. (Not the usual aggressive Purple most people talk about.)

My tank is 48x24x24

RoseQuatics · Apr 15, 2022

monkeyCmonkeyDo said:
No. 1 in a 120g. Lol.
D

Hahah, I’ve kept two tangs in there before with no issues.

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Apr 15, 2022

It is the 4x2x2 ya I've had one too and kept tangs in it.
I'm just saying your only gonna want the 1. Lol. Its your $. Your animals.
Have a good one.

JumboShrimp · Apr 15, 2022

Oh, only 48” long? I would skip the Purple; stick with 1 Kole Tang or something similar. You have to think of your rock work, too; it with play a role in how your fish interact, given those tank dimensions.