Let’s Talk Tangs

[MVsea1]

A combination of powders isn’t generally a winning combo but like the zebrasoma tangs they don’t get gigantic and can be had small. In a larger system it would be fine. But, all of that is contingent on initial size. If you start with 2-3” specimens that would likely work long term.

Whatever tang(s) you roll with just take your time, there’s so many to choose from and some are only seasonally available. On a center piece fish no harm in
waiting and blowing the bank if you have one that really speaks to you.

This is my general thought on stocking aesthetics but with a 140gal you can choose your center piece fish- tang, reef safe Angel/butterfly. The surround them with dither fish - colony of grammas, squad of flasher wrasses or a mixed group of dart fish, and that brings you closer to that natural reef look.

Here’s my trio tangs currently in a 125. I’ll be upgrading to a 350+ in the future at which point an 8” maculiceps I have in another system will join them. Given the spotty availability of these guys I’m happy to have them all peacefully cohabitating now.

Wow that trio is gorgeous! Looking for something along these lines for my showpiece fish. What are they btw? Here's what I currently have in the tank:

- Group of reef chromis (6)
- Pair of chalk bass
- Pair of bengai cardinals

On order:
- Pair of clowns
- Firefish

Maybes:
- Royal Gramma
- Engineer goby
- and maybe a colorful fairy wrasse

Also don't want to go too crazy overstocking the tank. Wait...did you say reef safe Angel/butterfly? These exist? lol From what I understand some are reef safe with caution but always a risk they will develop a coral appetite.

 

[secret_reefer337]

Trio of zebrasoma will be great but never a trio of acanthurus. If I can do only have three, I will do white tail, yellow and purple. Yes purple are a bit jerk but mine knows where is his place.

 

[MVsea1]

Trio of zebrasoma will be great but never a trio of acanthurus. If I can do only have three, I will do white tail, yellow and purple. Yes purple are a bit jerk but mine knows where is his place.

That would certainly be a nice trio, would just be nervous about the purple. Just wondering if the tank would be too crowded with 3 tangs. What do you think? Based on my stocking list?

 

[littlefoxx]

So I upgraded to a 140gl (approx. 5ft long) to get those larger showpiece fish that we all love…tangs being on that list. A yellow tang is pretty much a non- negotiable for me (well, my wife’s prerequisite for getting the tank ), so no wiggle room there. No complaints though, beautiful fish and have always wanted one, especially for their algae eating habits. Would love to add another tang to the mix but I’m hesitant. I’ve read almost every thread and article there is out there about mixing tangs…all the strategies about getting different genus and adding them at the same time, etc. Seems to me like it’s a crapshoot / luck of the draw. Is this really the case or am I overthinking?? Would love to hear what everyone’s experience is with keeping multiple tangs long-term? Specifically a good tank mate for a yellow tang.

Ive got a powder blue, yellow, purple and a lavender in my six foot tank. PBT is becoming a butthole so maybe stay away from that tang. Im attached to her though so Im building my stock around her and what can stand up to her. Purples are a very nice choice with yellows I think! A blue (dory) tang would be a nice edition as well! Get your yellow from biota, so cute! My guy has doubled in size and is a super bright yellow now!!

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I have a yellow scopas, white tail bristletooth and a convict. I tried adding a Desjardini when the yellow was the only tang in the tank. It didn’t go well. I did previously had success in keeping purple and yellow tangs together in my 120 but it was a tough first week.

 

[secret_reefer337]

That would certainly be a nice trio, would just be nervous about the purple. Just wondering if the tank would be too crowded with 3 tangs. What do you think? Based on my stocking list?

If you start with small ones it will be fine, even when they grow they are not the biggest. Long term for me personally, that will be good for your tank.

 

[MVsea1]

Ive got a powder blue, yellow, purple and a lavender in my six foot tank. PBT is becoming a butthole so maybe stay away from that tang. Im attached to her though so Im building my stock around her and what can stand up to her. Purples are a very nice choice with yellows I think! A blue (dory) tang would be a nice edition as well! Get your yellow from biota, so cute! My guy has doubled in size and is a super bright yellow now!!

For sure would get my yellow from biota.. I feel like that’s the only option these days. And that’s not a bad thing (it does feel good to get an aquacultured fish) ..as long as their prices don’t skyrocket!

 

[littlefoxx]

For sure would get my yellow from biota.. I feel like that’s the only option these days. And that’s not a bad thing (it does feel good to get an aquacultured fish) ..as long as their prices don’t skyrocket!

They are trying to keep the price at 165, thats what I got mine for! Love the little guy

 

[secret_reefer337]

For sure would get my yellow from biota.. I feel like that’s the only option these days. And that’s not a bad thing (it does feel good to get an aquacultured fish) ..as long as their prices don’t skyrocket!

You will not regret it, they grow and color up fast. I have three Biota yellows bought and added to the tank separate times.