Purple Tang Gang

[Pete Luna]

I was thinking of adding (3) three 2"-3" Purple Tangs to my 300 gal tank. Tank has been running over two years, my fish stoke is low, 2 clowns, 1 wrasse, 3 gobies, 1 goatfish largest fish is 3 inches, My SPS need more nitrates, so I need more fish.

My QT tank is 50 gal so, they will all be in there before the main tank, going to introduce all at once. I have 300lbs of rock in main tank so plenty of hiding places.

Thoughts?

 

[AZMSGT]

Go for it, I want to see pictures when you do it. I’m going to add 2 Purple Tangs into my tank as my second group after cycling has finished.

 

[Coralreefer1]

You might be ok with that sized tank. That combined with the fact they are small and will be added together should work out fine. If you plan on adding anymore Tangs to your tank after this, however, Zebrasoma species should not be part of the equation due to aggression within the same body type/species.
Good luck...

 

[BestMomEver]

I had lots of tangs (6) in my 500 then moved them to my 300 when we relocated and downsized. They were fine. I say go for it!

 

[roberthu526]

300G is big enough. Go for it.

 

[GooseCommander]

Purples can be highly aggressive so you might struggle with that, but adding all at the same time and while they are small will help. You have the space right now tho. So if you want purples, this is a good chance for a gang. You may struggle adding other tangs in the future, so weigh that as well in your priorities.

 

[Jettareefer223]

Yellows are a whole lot more communal generally speaking tend to do better in the pack or gang scenario in a home aquarium I have legitimate experience both professionally and personally. Purple’s even in larger tanks are aggressive toward one another once mature. It’s not the total number more so the tangs you mix, and not to start a riot I’ve had 6 in a 90 gallon back in the day for years. My 9 year old purple is one eyed is literally the biggest turd. Mean and grumpy doesn’t have a patience for any one else also nips at corals. He hate’s other tangs more so then even my past sohal, clown, and powder blue. He currently lives with a Kole and a yellow he’s chased around for 3 years. I wouldn’t discourage you from getting one purple at all they are beautiful, but all have similar dispositions. If you want a pack do yellows or I would prefer Yellow eyed Kole tangs as they actually clean everyday 365. Yellow’s/purple’s don’t do work other than look pretty. Long term it’s will be better for you and your inhabitants. He’s the reason the acans don’t open and I feed heavily two times a day with LRS reef frenzy and seaweed in the evening not starving by any means a stout healthy fish....just a menace. Name’s “Satin” btw

 

[PatW]

If you are thinking of any additional tangs, you might add them first. Purple tangs are reputed to be aggressive. it is an interesting idea.

I heard of a person who had a yellow tang gang.... about 5 and they bickered constantly. Then he added another tang that was far more dominant. The yellow tangs stopped fighting because now there was no question of who was the tank boss.

 

[MantisReef]

I have 4 in my 400, working so far for about 3 months, but I also have other tanks I can split them up into if necessary.