Tangs for my 125g

jormungdr · May 31, 2020

Hey everyone,
I just got in the hobby a few months back and I’m about at the point to finally add a tang. I was hoping to have two of them, but I didnt’t know if that would be too many for a 125 gallon. I’m looking at purples, yellows, and powder browns. If anyone has any insight on how to decide how many I’d really appreciate it!

ScottB · May 31, 2020

I am a big fan of tangs, but they can be tough on each other. The tips I've used (picked up here) include:

- Introduce the two at the same time, release at lights out.
- Figure out a way to affix a mirror to your glass so that you can place it safely at any sign of aggression.
- Feed em a lot. Nori included.
- Start with healthy juveniles that you can watch eat.

If they live long enough, they might outgrow, but that will take quite a while.

jormungdr · May 31, 2020

ScottB said:
I am a big fan of tangs, but they can be tough on each other. The tips I've used (picked up here) include:

- Introduce the two at the same time, release at lights out.
- Figure out a way to affix a mirror to your glass so that you can place it safely at any sign of aggression.
- Feed em a lot. Nori included.
- Start with healthy juveniles that you can watch eat.

If they live long enough, they might outgrow, but that will take quite a while.

What’s the mirror for?

nereefpat · Jun 1, 2020

jormungdr said:
What’s the mirror for?

It is a distraction to keep an aggressive fish busy with its own reflection.

For a 125, a couple tangs is possible. Individually, all three are generally okay in a standard 125 (72x18x22" high). The powder will be the most active. Personally, I would pick one of the purple or yellow. Other good options are those in the Ctenochaetus genus. You might actually be better off with three tangs, so the two won't just focus on each other.

Ideally, you would add them at the same time, have lots of food and flow, and watch for aggression.

ScottB · Jun 1, 2020

nereefpat said:
It is a distraction to keep an aggressive fish busy with its own reflection.

For a 125, a couple tangs is possible. Individually, all three are generally okay in a standard 125 (72x18x22" high). The powder will be the most active. Personally, I would pick one of the purple or yellow. Other good options are those in the Ctenochaetus genus. You might actually be better off with three tangs, so the two won't just focus on each other.

Ideally, you would add them at the same time, have lots of food and flow, and watch for aggression.

Yeah I was going to suggest a Kole tang as a third also. Spotted Kole tangs are a personal favorite, although it was scary at first as he wouldn't eat any prepared foods. Only film algae. Good working fish.

Cwentz758 · Jun 1, 2020

I suggest if you’re going to add two tangs and since you’re newer to the hobby to stay away from the powder tangs as they are ich magnets. Also adding the two tangs either two yellows or one yellow one purple at the same time will help aggression as they both won’t be established to any part of the tank.

Again I would make sure your tank is 100% ready for these fish and is well established before adding them.