An honest disccusion for chosing Tangs

[bif24701]

I have a 180 gallon I want to add some tangs.

First here is my current set up.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2596333

My first choices in order:
Blonde Naso
Powder Blue
Regel Blue
Red Sea Sailfin

Also looking at a Magnificent Fox Face (not a tang, lol)

My current system contains one each:
Picasso Clown
Kole Eye Tang
Yellow Tang

[removed]. I am willing to be honest with you and say that I want to pack as many fish in here as I can. What can I add to this?

Primarily I will be keeping SPS corals and some LPS and a BTA.

Thank you for your input

[GimpyFin]

The powder blue would be my choice out of the 4 and would look pretty sweet. The other 3 can get quite large and 180 is still a little small for them, IMO. .

[BrianD]

Let's have a discussion without the "TP" comments. Is that so hard? Why ask for advice if you are immediately labeling others with a pejorative?

[bif24701]

Originally Posted by BrianD

Let's have a discussion without the "TP" comments. Is that so hard? Why ask for advice if you are immediately labeling others with a pejorative?

Just a joke.... I didn't realize anyone took it personal or seriously


Aaron

[bif24701]

Originally Posted by GimpyFin

The powder blue would be my choice out of the 4 and would look pretty sweet. The other 3 can get quite large and 180 is still a little small for them, IMO. .

In your opinion would that be the only tang addition that I could make without having issues


Aaron

[heathlindner25]

I would do naso, Sailfin, Regal, and I would put the powder in last

[bif24701]

Originally Posted by heathlindner25

I would do naso, Sailfin, Regal, and I would put the powder in last

I was thinking something like that. If I got a small PB the others would set him straight before becoming the bully


Aaron

[heathlindner25]

Originally Posted by bif24701

I was thinking something like that. If I got a small PB the others would set him straight before becoming the bully


Aaron

[xanthurum]

You will have to add whatever you chose at the same time. I had 7 Tangs in a 280 and never had any aggression issues. The trick was putting them all in at the same time.

If it were me I would skip the Naso. I would also order the others and QT them in the same tank. Then do some rearranging of your rock work to lessen the aggression of the 2 existing tangs the same day you add the new ones. Tangs are actually quite peaceful until the establish territory. All bets are off after that.

By the way I'm not an official Tang Police Officer but they are my favorite group of fish and I know most by their Latin names. Good luck.

[bif24701]

Originally Posted by xanthurum

You will have to add whatever you chose at the same time. I had 7 Tangs in a 280 and never had any aggression issues. The trick was putting them all in at the same time.

If it were me I would skip the Naso. I would also order the others and QT them in the same tank. Then do some rearranging of your rock work to lessen the aggression of the 2 existing tangs the same day you add the new ones. Tangs are actually quite peaceful until the establish territory. All bets are off after that.

By the way I'm not an official Tang Police Officer but they are my favorite group of fish and I know most by their Latin names. Good luck.

The reason for this post was because I plan to make my purchase next week, all at once. Put them in hypo/QT and add to the display all at the same time.

Why skip the Naso? What would be a good replacement?

The reason I want tangs is because that is what the family likes. Big, showy, swimmy, fishies. They don't care for the ones that hide (green manderins), or even clowns that host a single spot in the tank.

[xanthurum]

Naso simply get too big for your tank. I know places say 180 is the minimum but they aren't the most graceful swimmers. Unlike other genus tangs it seems like Naso varieties are stiff and not very agile. Plus they are the least aggressive of all the tangs I have had experience with. They are also quite timid and it takes them a long time to get settled and your other tangs may stress it out before it can fully acclimate.

If you like the look of a Naso you might consider an orange shoulder (Acanthurus olivaceus) you get all the same colors but in a different packag.

[davocean]

The sail fin will get really big and outgrow that tank fairly fast, and will probably become aggressive.
The naso is borderline at best, young small for a while, but eventually will get big, though generally they remain peaceful.
Powder blue no problem, and there are others that would be on my own personal list, tennenti being one, very much like a naso in personality meaning they are the two most peaceful tangs I know of and have kept.
I would also look at a mimic.
Just my opinion.

[bif24701]

Originally Posted by davocean

The sail fin will get really big and outgrow that tank fairly fast, and will probably become aggressive.
The naso is borderline at best, young small for a while, but eventually will get big, though generally they remain peaceful.
Powder blue no problem, and there are others that would be on my own personal list, tennenti being one, very much like a naso in personality meaning they are the two most peaceful tangs I know of and have kept.
I would also look at a mimic.
Just my opinion.

Ok, so my limiting factor on those two is adult size, getting to large. I am going to research your alternates.

Thank you

[davocean]

Noting that even a small sail fin may be aggressive, they like space usually.
Also we don't typically advise something "thinking" you will upgrade soon, get what fits the tank now and grown out would be my advice

[bif24701]

Also I had thought the Sailfin to be a very peaceful Tang, I guess what you are saying is that when it gets adult size that it will become aggressive then? I had not heard that, it was a reason for picking this one. Might have to rethink that

[Reel North]

If you look at the adult size of a sailfin - I believe 12-16", also remember that they are that TALL as well!! And wow do they get aggressive.

[davocean]

Yeah and some are aggro right outa the gate, even small.
One of my biggest regrets and pain the butt purchases was a sailfin for a 180g I had years ago, and it was a pain to catch.
This is all generally speaking of course, I'm sure someone will chime in they have a somewhat rare peaceful mix, I just personally avoid potential aggression and hassles.

[ReefPharmer]

Originally Posted by bif24701

Also I had thought the Sailfin to be a very peaceful Tang, I guess what you are saying is that when it gets adult size that it will become aggressive then? I had not heard that, it was a reason for picking this one. Might have to rethink that

I currently have a pow blue, achilles, yellow, purple (last added), blonde naso and chevron. Previous to the purple, i have a red sea sailfin (desjardini). That fish grew faster and became more aggressive than any of the other tangs. It became fairly evident and I was forced to rehome it before any real damage was done.

[bif24701]

Originally Posted by davocean

Yeah and some are aggro right outa the gate, even small.
One of my biggest regrets and pain the butt purchases was a sailfin for a 180g I had years ago, and it was a pain to catch.
This is all generally speaking of course, I'm sure someone will chime in they have a somewhat rare peaceful mix, I just personally avoid potential aggression and hassles.

Noted, I think I will stay away from the Sailfin. Thanks for the advice. This is really helping out.


Aaron