Sohal tang question

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

I currently have a 5 foot by 3 foot tank....I understand these fish are very aggressive but I was curious if I just kept a Sohal tang only has my only big fish and my only tang....and only kept it with small fish like anthias, and wrasse around it, would the other fish be okay?? Or would it be a disaster? I would get it small and then obviously later in life it would it out grow my tank and need to go in a bigger tank....

tswanso3 · Nov 16, 2015

I've tried 2 and had to return both, but they only attacked other tangs. I know a lot of people are able to keep them with other tangs but I've never had any luck. If it's the only tang in your tank it should be ok. You will need to get a small one and either get a bigger tank eventually or trade it in once it gets too big. Good luck!

eatbreakfast · Nov 16, 2015

It may 'swim through' the smaller fish, but there should no real issues.

Sohals LOVE flow, the more, the better.

BigKid4788 · Nov 16, 2015

If you introduce the sohal last that would be your best chance

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

Okay thanks!!!! So next question is haha .....I have a hippo tang and yellow right now.....I'm willing to get rid of all for the Sohal if need be but would I need to do that? Or could I keep one of those or both? I'm guessing no

vic5hands · Nov 16, 2015

Don't do it. Had to get the Shoal out. Attack all my tangs.Had to buy a special trap.

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

Hahaha okay so either keep what I got now or get rid of yellow tang and hippo and just have the Sohal

Trex · Nov 16, 2015

While the amount of gallons is fairly large, the linear space isn't. I would pass.

WesF · Nov 16, 2015

I wouldn't worry too much about the fish outgrowing your tank. Some people stick to linear feet rules but there is more to think about.

What do you think would be better for a fish?

1) 6 x 2 tank with rock/coral wall in the back

2) 5 x 3 tank with rock structure in the middle.

If I were a fish, I would consider a jogging track (option 2) more ideal. You can just cruise around without having to stop to turn around.

Much better than constantly stopping to turn around, swimming back and forth along the front glass like a dog run (option 1).

Trex · Nov 16, 2015

WesF said:
It could work in your tank. Stick to linear feet rules but there is more to think about.

What do you think would be better for a fish?

1) 8 x 2 tank with rock/coral wall in the back

2) 5 x 3 tank with rock structure in the middle.

If I were a fish, I would consider a jogging track (option 2) more ideal. You can just cruise around without having to stop to turn around.

Much better than constantly stopping to turn around, swimming back and forth along the front glass like a dog run (option 1).

No, I thought about it. Should have had the same rock structure in both of your examples.

WesF · Nov 16, 2015

Not enough space with only 2 feet.

Circles are better than pacing in my opinion.

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

I see Points also but I tend to think my swimming surface area is better than just length....but maybe it doesn't make a difference but I like to think it does....and the way my rock work is, it can swim along front or back of rocks and have tons of hiding spots if needed

vic5hands · Nov 16, 2015

When you are ready you can borrow my trap...Lol

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

vic5hands said:
When you are ready you can borrow my trap...Lol

Hahaha well hopefully not!!! I'm gonna have only one tang so hopefully id be good! But I will keep you on speed dial [emoji3]

eatbreakfast · Nov 16, 2015

I think the swimming area will be fine.

camelcruiser · Nov 16, 2015

I've had a sohal in almost every tank I've ever owned. It will probably chase your hippo around a lot but doubt it will mess with your yellow last large tank I had up my sohal was in with 8 other tangs and the only problem I ever had was him chasing my pair of hippos around. I've never had one hurt another fish just showing everyone who's boss. Actually had a bristle tooth in one tank with a sohal and the bristle tooth terrorized everyone even the sohal. Just make sure everyone's well fed and you should be ok.

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

camelcruiser said:
I've had a sohal in almost every tank I've ever owned. It will probably chase your hippo around a lot but doubt it will mess with your yellow last large tank I had up my sohal was in with 8 other tangs and the only problem I ever had was him chasing my pair of hippos around. I've never had one hurt another fish just showing everyone who's boss. Actually had a bristle tooth in one tank with a sohal and the bristle tooth terrorized everyone even the sohal. Just make sure everyone's well fed and you should be ok.

Awesome thanks for advice!!!

NYAquatic · Nov 16, 2015

I've had quite a lot of experience with Sohals
Stunning fish.

1) don't even think about keeping the other tangs. In a relatively small tank, sohal will chase and fight mercilessly with the other 2. Best case he kills them quickly. Worst case, he stresses the you know what out of them and you have a tank full of ich.
2) If you get rid of the other tangs, likely be fine for quite a while. I'd imagine by the time it's 7-8" you'd need to rehome. They're big swimmers. 5' just not enought lenght for a 12" sohal.

Best of luck.
Michael

Gwitness · Nov 16, 2015

NYAquatic said:
I've had quite a lot of experience with Sohals
Stunning fish.

1) don't even think about keeping the other tangs. In a relatively small tank, sohal will chase and fight mercilessly with the other 2. Best case he kills them quickly. Worst case, he stresses the you know what out of them and you have a tank full of ich.
2) If you get rid of the other tangs, likely be fine for quite a while. I'd imagine by the time it's 7-8" you'd need to rehome. They're big swimmers. 5' just not enought lenght for a 12" sohal.

Best of luck.
Michael

Thanks for the advice!!! Definitely agree on all of the stuff you said

camelcruiser · Nov 16, 2015

Tried to post this earlier but wouldn't let me for some reason. Just so you know it can be done. Good luck! Sorry for the terrible quality pic to just had it on my phone.