Purple Tang and his/her Tang potential companion

Chicagoreef2016 · 10/11/2018, 11:04 AM

So, I have a 127 gallon, 5 foot long tank. Right now I have the following fish:

1 purple tang
2 Oscellaris Clowns
1 Royal Gramma
4 Blue Reef Chromis (1 is on the downslope, getting picked on by other 3)

I know you are supposed to add tangs last, but want to add a 2-3 more fish:
1 wrasse, maybe Adorned
1 1 Spot Foxface
1 Tang: I like Powder Brown, or Yellow Eye Kole
- will either of these be ok with a purple, I have heard that Purples can be a bit mean. I have been told a Blue tang would be a good one to put with the purple.

Thoughts and experiences?

Cheers.

crawlerman · 10/11/2018, 11:25 AM

As long as the other tang is of a different genus, they are usually ok. But purple tangs are on the aggressive side, so who knows. Might be better if it were bigger than the purple.

Tripod1404 · 10/11/2018, 11:28 AM

It will most likely harass any other herbivore. including the foxface. It might be okay if you use an aclimation box, or if you luckly get a foxface that can fend for itself.

I would introduce a kole rather than PB, as kole do not exactly feed on the same type of food as purple tang but PB do. So it might be more tolerant towards the kole.

tjm9331 · 10/11/2018, 11:30 AM

The 3 fish you mentioned should be fine with a purple tang, I'd go with a yellow eye kole over the brown tang but that's personal preference more than anything else.

Once you're ready to add the new fish I'd just make sure that the tang is well fed and add the fish after lights out. This will help mitigate any aggression, there will probably still be some when lights come back on but should only to establish a "pecking" order.

As far as the blue tang goes, I'm far from the tang police but I think those are best in at least a 6 foot tank and 200+ gallons, a 5 foot tank just isn't big enough for those beauties.

That said I have seen blue tangs in as small as 75 and 90 gallon tanks but they are usually still on the small side, it's just not something I'd do.

Chicagoreef2016 · 10/11/2018, 11:54 AM

OK thanks. I do like the Yellow Eye Kole so maybe I will try that one at night time. May add a wrasse at the same time at night, to get a lot of new commotion there so not all focused on 1 newbie.

Anemone · 10/11/2018, 12:03 PM

I have a smaller (2") Purple Tang with a medium (4") Blue Tang (Hepatus) and medium (3") "Philippine" Yellow Tang (maybe Acanthurus pyroferus) in a 4 foot, 88 gallon tank, and I see no real aggression between the tangs.

I've had the Blue tang for 5+ years, and originally had it in a 28 gallon JBJ tank for 2 years, then moved it into a custom 2' cube for a couple of years, before moving it to the current tank in January; so I'm definitely not the tang police.

I also have the following as tankmates:

- 4 lyretail anthias (1 male, 3 females)
- 1 flameback angel
- 1 royal gramma
- 1 yellow-tailed blue damsel
- 2 maroon clowns (1 GSM, 1 WSM)
- 2 banggai cardinals
- 1 mottled filefish
- 1 yellow watchman goby (with tiger pistol shrimp)
- 2 skunk cleaner shrimp

So, yes, I have quite a bit of bioload, but the tank seems to handle it well, and I have little aggression between the fish.

Kevin

Member No. 1 · 10/11/2018, 01:29 PM

In my 120 (48'x24"x24") added in this order.

1st: Added from old Tank
Royal Gramma
(2) Banngi Cardinal - paired and spawning
Mimic Tang

2nd:
Purple Tang

3rd:
Magnificent Fox Face

4th:
(2) Lamarck Angles

Last:
Six Line

The Purple Tang harassed everything after it. After a day or two, it subsided.
Now he could care less.
There isn't any aggression amongst any of the fish.

Your mileage may vary.

ca1ore · 10/11/2018, 01:42 PM

Your tank is too small for a blue/hippo. Whether the purple will be OK with additional tangs is hard to say. The purple is among the most aggressive/least tolerant of tangs …. but fish are also individuals, so YMMV. I'd certainly not attempt another zebrasoma, but those of differing genus are possible.

Chicagoreef2016 · 10/11/2018, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Your tank is too small for a blue/hippo. Whether the purple will be OK with additional tangs is hard to say. The purple is among the most aggressive/least tolerant of tangs …. but fish are also individuals, so YMMV. I'd certainly not attempt another zebrasoma, but those of differing genus are possible.

Mr Purple seems fine with most of the existing fish right now, the clowns put him in his place when he gets too close to their hideout, but he certainly swims like he owns the place

Do enjoy having a purple.

Joe0813 · 10/11/2018, 03:16 PM

my purple harassed my powder brown for about a week... I just feed more nori on separate clips and they were fine after that

Jason9488 · 10/11/2018, 04:43 PM

Ouch! 3 tangs in a 88?

Anemone · 10/11/2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason9488

Ouch! 3 tangs in a 88?

Yep, and it still looks quite roomy in there!

Kevin

Jason9488 · 10/11/2018, 05:34 PM

Sad tbh.

ca1ore · 10/11/2018, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicagoreef2016

Mr Purple seems fine with most of the existing fish right now, the clowns put him in his place when he gets too close to their hideout, but he certainly swims like he owns the place

Do enjoy having a purple.

Purple tang is a very handsome fish. Mine was on its way to killing my gem tang - I wasn't going to let that happen, so it spent a month in time out.

Chicagoreef2016 · 10/12/2018, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Purple tang is a very handsome fish. Mine was on its way to killing my gem tang - I wasn't going to let that happen, so it spent a month in time out.

Did you sump it or QT tank?

ca1ore · 10/12/2018, 08:23 AM

Frag tank actually. Now back in the display and there's an uneasy truce between the two of them.

Chicagoreef2016 · 10/12/2018, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Frag tank actually. Now back in the display and there's an uneasy truce between the two of them.

Cool, I have a 20 gallon sump, may have to use that if necessary when I go to add my fish. I like the White Tail Bristletooth Tang, will try that and a wrasse at the same time.

Member No. 1 · 10/12/2018, 08:47 AM

These two make a nice pair. Get along fine.

hkgar · 10/14/2018, 01:07 PM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1946079

Chicagoreef2016 · 10/16/2018, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkgar

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1946079

Thanks for this! Of course my guy seems like he has a lot of personality, so not sure how he will take to a new tang if I am being honest; I will see if I can catch him and sump him for a few days while the new guy (whenever I decide to get it) comes along. Now the question is, how do I catch him.....open to best practices.

on the spot · 10/20/2018, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicagoreef2016

I will see if I can catch him and sump him for a few days while the new guy (whenever I decide to get it) comes along. Now the question is, how do I catch him.....open to best practices.

my preference is a specimen container. Some cheap/thin acrylic. I've had decent results using a stepped bit from Harbor Freight drilling holes for circulation. PVC parts for hiding. I also like to scuff the bottom for a more opaque look - personal preference on that. The new additions camp out here for a few weeks. Everyone "gets accustomed" without the thrashings.

Icewing726 · 10/22/2018, 08:47 AM

For what its worth, I added my purple tang last and he still went after my fox face. I was concerned at first but it actually was beneficial and amusing.

Beneficial because the fox face was a skittish fish before the attacks and now swims freely in the open.

Amusing because the fox face didn't get phased by the tail slaps, he'd just turn his body and throw up the spines like "come at me bro". The two would just swim along together like nothing happened 30 seconds after each tiff.

10/11/2018, 11:04 AM	#1
Chicagoreef2016 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 315	Purple Tang and his/her Tang potential companion So, I have a 127 gallon, 5 foot long tank. Right now I have the following fish: 1 purple tang 2 Oscellaris Clowns 1 Royal Gramma 4 Blue Reef Chromis (1 is on the downslope, getting picked on by other 3) I know you are supposed to add tangs last, but want to add a 2-3 more fish: 1 wrasse, maybe Adorned 1 1 Spot Foxface 1 Tang: I like Powder Brown, or Yellow Eye Kole - will either of these be ok with a purple, I have heard that Purples can be a bit mean. I have been told a Blue tang would be a good one to put with the purple. Thoughts and experiences? Cheers. __________________ 127ish gallon SC tank and associated equipment

10/11/2018, 11:54 AM	#5
Chicagoreef2016 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 315	OK thanks. I do like the Yellow Eye Kole so maybe I will try that one at night time. May add a wrasse at the same time at night, to get a lot of new commotion there so not all focused on 1 newbie. __________________ 127ish gallon SC tank and associated equipment

10/11/2018, 12:03 PM	#6
Anemone Cloning Around Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 25,267	I have a smaller (2") Purple Tang with a medium (4") Blue Tang (Hepatus) and medium (3") "Philippine" Yellow Tang (maybe Acanthurus pyroferus) in a 4 foot, 88 gallon tank, and I see no real aggression between the tangs. I've had the Blue tang for 5+ years, and originally had it in a 28 gallon JBJ tank for 2 years, then moved it into a custom 2' cube for a couple of years, before moving it to the current tank in January; so I'm definitely not the tang police. I also have the following as tankmates: - 4 lyretail anthias (1 male, 3 females) - 1 flameback angel - 1 royal gramma - 1 yellow-tailed blue damsel - 2 maroon clowns (1 GSM, 1 WSM) - 2 banggai cardinals - 1 mottled filefish - 1 yellow watchman goby (with tiger pistol shrimp) - 2 skunk cleaner shrimp So, yes, I have quite a bit of bioload, but the tank seems to handle it well, and I have little aggression between the fish. Kevin __________________ Back in the pool, swimming with the sharks... Current Tank Info: Red Sea 425XL w/Kessil AP700, Vertex 180i Skimmer, 2 x Vortech MP40s

10/11/2018, 01:29 PM	#7
Member No. 1 Ver. 2.1 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rehoboth, MA Posts: 1,803	In my 120 (48'x24"x24") added in this order. 1st: Added from old Tank Royal Gramma (2) Banngi Cardinal - paired and spawning Mimic Tang 2nd: Purple Tang 3rd: Magnificent Fox Face 4th: (2) Lamarck Angles Last: Six Line The Purple Tang harassed everything after it. After a day or two, it subsided. Now he could care less. There isn't any aggression amongst any of the fish. Your mileage may vary. __________________ Pete "I never make mistakes... I thought I did once, but I was wrong" Current Tank Info: In the process - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661614

10/11/2018, 01:42 PM	#8
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Your tank is too small for a blue/hippo. Whether the purple will be OK with additional tangs is hard to say. The purple is among the most aggressive/least tolerant of tangs …. but fish are also individuals, so YMMV. I'd certainly not attempt another zebrasoma, but those of differing genus are possible. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

10/11/2018, 11:25 AM	#2
crawlerman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 503	As long as the other tang is of a different genus, they are usually ok. But purple tangs are on the aggressive side, so who knows. Might be better if it were bigger than the purple.

10/11/2018, 11:28 AM	#3
Tripod1404 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 1,821	It will most likely harass any other herbivore. including the foxface. It might be okay if you use an aclimation box, or if you luckly get a foxface that can fend for itself. I would introduce a kole rather than PB, as kole do not exactly feed on the same type of food as purple tang but PB do. So it might be more tolerant towards the kole.

10/11/2018, 11:30 AM	#4
tjm9331 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 340	The 3 fish you mentioned should be fine with a purple tang, I'd go with a yellow eye kole over the brown tang but that's personal preference more than anything else. Once you're ready to add the new fish I'd just make sure that the tang is well fed and add the fish after lights out. This will help mitigate any aggression, there will probably still be some when lights come back on but should only to establish a "pecking" order. As far as the blue tang goes, I'm far from the tang police but I think those are best in at least a 6 foot tank and 200+ gallons, a 5 foot tank just isn't big enough for those beauties. That said I have seen blue tangs in as small as 75 and 90 gallon tanks but they are usually still on the small side, it's just not something I'd do.

10/11/2018, 03:16 PM	#10
Joe0813 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston strong Posts: 2,766	my purple harassed my powder brown for about a week... I just feed more nori on separate clips and they were fine after that __________________ Joe and Jenny Current Tank Info: 180 reef

10/11/2018, 04:43 PM	#11
Jason9488 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 152	Ouch! 3 tangs in a 88?

10/11/2018, 05:34 PM	#13
Jason9488 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 152	Sad tbh.

10/12/2018, 08:23 AM	#16
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Frag tank actually. Now back in the display and there's an uneasy truce between the two of them. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

10/12/2018, 08:47 AM	#18
Member No. 1 Ver. 2.1 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rehoboth, MA Posts: 1,803	These two make a nice pair. Get along fine. __________________ Pete "I never make mistakes... I thought I did once, but I was wrong" Current Tank Info: In the process - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2661614

10/14/2018, 01:07 PM	#19
hkgar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dewitt MI Posts: 5,051	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1946079 __________________ Gary 180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels

10/22/2018, 08:47 AM	#22
Icewing726 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 248	For what its worth, I added my purple tang last and he still went after my fox face. I was concerned at first but it actually was beneficial and amusing. Beneficial because the fox face was a skittish fish before the attacks and now swims freely in the open. Amusing because the fox face didn't get phased by the tail slaps, he'd just turn his body and throw up the spines like "come at me bro". The two would just swim along together like nothing happened 30 seconds after each tiff.