Tang tankmate(s) for a PBT

[jgvergo]

Hi,

I've read a number of posts about keeping various tangs together. Many say thing like "with caution" etc. I'd like to add one or two additional tangs to my tank. Bad idea? If you think it's OK, what type(s) do you recommend?

My DT is 85 gallons.

TIA,
John

 

[eatbreakfast]

PBT are a tang with big personality and a lot of activity. Eventually it will outgrow the 85, and until it does in most cases will behave aggressively to other fish, especially other tangs. Quite frankly I would be reluctant to suggest adding other tangs to an established PBT in an 85g tank.

 

[jgvergo]

PBT are a tang with big personality and a lot of activity. Eventually it will outgrow the 85, and until it does in most cases will behave aggressively to other fish, especially other tangs. Quite frankly I would be reluctant to suggest adding other tangs to an established PBT in an 85g tank.

How long do you think it will take to outgrow the tank? Currently, it is probably 1.5 inches .

 

[MIKE NY]

I had mine in a 90 for over 10 years, it lived to 17, before placing it in my current 170. It only grew to about 6", but pretty quickly. Males tend to be smaller than females, but very difficult to tell. As mentioned I wouldn't risk adding another tang in with an established PBT. A trick I used to add fish, because mine was very aggressive to most newcomers, was to remove it for a few days or week and then place it back, but even with doing this I couldn't keep another tang with it.

 

[jgvergo]

Thanks. I won't add another tang. I'd be ecstatic if I could keep it for 10 years in my 85. I have a relatively "minimalist" rock scape, so there is a descent amount of room for it to swim. Time will tell...

 

[hybridazn]

Best of luck, mine has been in a 180 and is a terror to all other fish. He is currently in timeout in my frag tank until I finish stocking the tank with fish. After I add him back if he keeps up the aggression I might have to rehome him, or set up another tank lol

 

[jgvergo]

Best of luck, mine has been in a 180 and is a terror to all other fish. He is currently in timeout in my frag tank until I finish stocking the tank with fish. After I add him back if he keeps up the aggression I might have to rehome him, or set up another tank lol

Gulp!

 

[eatbreakfast]

I had a customer that had one in a 90g, starting at about 3". In between 18-24 months it had doubled in size. Swimming space was still adequate, but his aggression had outgrown the tank and it needed to be removed.