Tang Police advice, please!

Maybaer · 02/14/2006, 04:56 PM

Okay,

I really want the Tang Police advice. I have a 100g, 150lbs LR, 20g sump. I and My wife like Tangs. Here are my favorites: Purple, Yellow, Kole, Blue and my favoritest (is that a word?) Sohal. My wife likes Naso. I have one fish in my tank, a blonde Naso. He is 3 1/2 -4" long. I've had him since last Thursday. He finally figured out the veggie clip and seems to be adjusting well.

Now, how many more is optimal? and... can I get away with a Sohal if it's the last one?

I hope that this doesn't open a can of worms...

Dubbin1 · 02/14/2006, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Maybaer
I hope that this doesn't open a can of worms...

Run and hide now while you still can

Gisho · 02/14/2006, 05:12 PM

Well, I'm not an official member of the Tang Police. That being said, I would NOT recommend putting a sohal in a 100 gallon tank.
This is a large, aggressive, territorial, and downright MEAN fish.
I imagine that cramped living quarters, especially with other tangs thrown into the mix, will only exacerbate this underlying aggressive tendency.

For reference, I had a juvenile sohal in my 270 mixed reef that went from about 4-5" to 11-12" of pure, holy terror. He/she stressed out and/or killed ALL of it's tankmates, regardless of type/species, and became more aggressive with time.

Like you, I always loved sohals and wanted one bad. Needless to say, I pulled it out and traded it into a LFS. PITA to catch him though.

Again, I would NOT recommend this fish. Personally, I wouldn't add any more tangs to your tank, considering that you already have a naso, which can grow fairly large, and IMO you are borderline with that fish in a 100. You could probably get away with either a purple, yellow, or kole though if you MUST get another tang. Also realize that with 150 lbs of live rock in a 100 gallon tank, you must not have much swimming space. I understand the fascination and desire to have tangs, as I myself have gone through this stage...but over time one realizes that there are so many other fish that are beautiful, smaller, more suitable for captivity, with tons of personality and color. I would pull that naso out of there and add one of the smaller species you mention, i.e. purple, yellow, kole, sailfin, chevron, if you MUST have a tang.

good luck.

mike89t · 02/14/2006, 05:13 PM

Get rid of the Naso. It will grow way to big for your tank.

The Purple, Yellow or Kole would be more appropriate.

Andrew · 02/14/2006, 05:22 PM

Well, what are the dimentions of your tank? The naso will outgrow your tank as well as others you listed. Chevrons, convicts, yellow, and kole would be a better choice for a 100 gallon tank. ( not all of them ) I would only stick with 1 if I was you.

Maybaer · 02/14/2006, 05:23 PM

Thanks for the help. The LFS has a Sohal in a 70g and the only other fish he seems to hassle is a Blue Tang. As far as the Blonde Naso... Happy wife = Happy life!

I just hope that he's healthy and does well until he's too big and has to be traded.

Maybaer · 02/14/2006, 05:25 PM

I'm not at home right now... but my tank is 5' long and I think 2' or 2 1/2 ' deep.

mr pink floyd · 02/14/2006, 05:30 PM

2 tangs will fight, yo need the min groups of 3 or 5

Gisho · 02/14/2006, 05:34 PM

Take your wife diving/snorkelling and show her a naso tang in it's natural environment. She'll soon understand the questionable moral ethics of putting a naso in a 100 gallon tank with 150 lbs. of live rock, regardless if it is juvenille or not. It's easy to say "when it gets bigger, I'll take it out." Many people use this rationale/excuse to buy fish that their hearts desire, but, as I've said before, a lot of people say/intend that, but in the meantime the fish suffers, other fish suffer, you get busy and don't find the time, etc etc.
Also, you do realize that to catch a tang in a 100 gallon tank will likely mean tearing your tank apart and likely stressing the tang (not to mention the other livestock) to the point of death? I made that mistake and have gone through it myself. Use your brain, not your heart when deciding the fate of a living creature.

IMO, happy (read, unknowing) wife = dead fish.

Sorry to be blunt, and I honestly don't mean any offence to you or your wife....I just think it's kinda sad.

I'll step off my soapbox now....

Gisho · 02/14/2006, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mr pink floyd
2 tangs will fight, yo need the min groups of 3 or 5

That's not a good solution/recommendation. This would only would make the situation worse. There is NO WAY I would put even three yellows in a 100 gallon tank. ONE of the smaller species he mentioned at the MOST. Two will fight just as much as three, four, five, six, a million...in a 100 gallon tank, REGARDLESS of dimension.

bean3178 · 02/14/2006, 06:03 PM

I'd say no on the Sohal.

I have a 105 gallon and had a purple and yellow tang. They got along fine for the first year and then the purple got so aggressive, the yellow would not come out. So, I had to take the purple tang back to the LFS. One would be optimal in a 100 gallon. May be able to put two in there if they don't get too large and they get along. You'd have a better chance if they had different body types. Just be prepared to have to take one back later on down the road if needed.

WorldNation · 02/14/2006, 06:04 PM

"Happy wife = Happy life!" hahha, how true how true.

i would also say to do 3 or 5. once they out grow your aquarium, switch them out for smaller specimens. or get a larger tank. having 3-5 spreads the aggression out. other factors are also very important in regards to aggression. what where and how you feed. fish addition order, lighting regiments, tank layout. ive seen an 80g thats about 3/4yrs old now with a clown, chevron, and a powder blue that have been living hapilly together for as long as the tanks been up.

WorldNation · 02/14/2006, 06:05 PM

oh yeh, sohals are especially aggressive, avoid.

integlikewhoa · 02/14/2006, 06:17 PM

NO sohals.

I have a yellow, blue and sailfin in my 125.

Alaskan Reefer · 02/14/2006, 06:22 PM

Ditch the Naso (saw a beautiful specimin at the LFS yesterday, a smooth 11" long) before you get too attached, go with a single smaller species. I have a single Powder Blue in a 125 with only about 50 pounds of live rock -- and I wish he had more swimming room. The joy in tangs for me is watching them swim. Having more than one in a tank that's too small for both will mean watching them fight and hide, which will suck.

My recommendation would be to tell the wife that you really need a 180 to keep the Naso happy, or to even consider adding one more.

TrojanScott · 02/14/2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mr pink floyd
2 tangs will fight, yo need the min groups of 3 or 5

??? Never heard that before. I have two tangs in my 180, a Naso and Blue, and they get along just great. I'll probably add one more, a PBT, and be done with Tangs.

I love my Naso, but even I feel a little bad about having him in my 180. They are such big, powerful fish, and need so much room. Blues, Yellows, etc, aren't in the same league as the Naso when it comes to this. But, 180 is still a fairly large tank, and I know he's got a good home. Better in my tank than an 80 gallon. Still, if I had to do it over, I'd probably not have put him in there. (I did because I kept hearing, "150 or bigger" and thought, "cool, 180, no problem!"
He's a happy fish, but I just don't have room for a 500 gallon tank!

As for a Sohal... sorry, I wouldn't even put that in my tank as the only fish. Too big, too agressive. Beautiful yes, but too much of a pain.

I'm not a Tang Policeman at all, not in the least... but I do think 100 gallons is too small for a Naso.

I'd go with a Yellow, Purple, even small Blue, Sailfin, or Kole.
Good luck.

skippysmind · 02/14/2006, 06:39 PM

I have 1 Kole, 2 Yellow, 1 Hippo, 1 Foxface, and 1 Blonde Naso. They all get along great and I don't really give a crap what the Tang police has to say!

WorldNation · 02/14/2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skippysmind
I have 1 Kole, 2 Yellow, 1 Hippo, 1 Foxface, and 1 Blonde Naso. They all get along great and I don't really give a crap what the Tang police has to say!

AHMEN!

Ti · 02/14/2006, 06:52 PM

They belong in the ocean.

wetWolger · 02/14/2006, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skippysmind
I have 1 Kole, 2 Yellow, 1 Hippo, 1 Foxface, and 1 Blonde Naso. They all get along great and I don't really give a crap what the Tang police has to say!

i have never seen such a sad photo.....way to torture animals for your pleasure....i only hope that one day we are invaded by aliens and they do the same to you

Dubbin1 · 02/14/2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jent46bow
i have never seen such a sad photo.....way to torture animals for your pleasure....i only hope that one day we are invaded by aliens and they do the same to you

I assure you that all of those fish are doing great in his tank and none of them are to big for it.

Maybaer · 02/14/2006, 07:10 PM

I just got back from a 7 mile run with my High School distance runners. Did I say "can of worms?" This thread is more painful than the run. However, I asked for it and am appreciative of the advice. It has been entertaining and informative. I will share all with my wife and fat chance of me ever getting her to scuba!

I'll have to go and take a video for her!

Alaskan Reefer · 02/14/2006, 07:11 PM

They all belong in the ocean, but tough break for them they're our pets. Buy what you want, do what you want with it. Some say cram it full, some are sorry they aren't providing more. Doesn't really matter at the end of the day.

But the advice stays the same, Naso happier (and more beautiful, for that matter) in a 180, in a 100 get a single smaller species.

wetWolger · 02/14/2006, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dubbin1
I assure you that all of those fish are doing great in his tank and none of them are to big for it.

Just because they are physicly healthy does not mean they are doing great. You physicly could live in a 4x4ft box. But that does not make it humane. Plus no 1 fish may be too big for the tank, but together they can not fit. Seeing in the photo I can tell they are all large enough (except I don't rember seeing the kole) that they should be in there by themselfs. Honestly I can only hope that he goes into the poor house and has to sell his tank to end such torture.

Alaskan Reefer · 02/14/2006, 07:12 PM

Should be interesting watching the Naso negotiate that space when he's 12" long, though. Maybe they actually can be aggressive.

02/14/2006, 04:56 PM	#1
Maybaer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bakersfield, Ca. Posts: 91	Tang Police advice, please! Okay, I really want the Tang Police advice. I have a 100g, 150lbs LR, 20g sump. I and My wife like Tangs. Here are my favorites: Purple, Yellow, Kole, Blue and my favoritest (is that a word?) Sohal. My wife likes Naso. I have one fish in my tank, a blonde Naso. He is 3 1/2 -4" long. I've had him since last Thursday. He finally figured out the veggie clip and seems to be adjusting well. Now, how many more is optimal? and... can I get away with a Sohal if it's the last one? I hope that this doesn't open a can of worms...

02/14/2006, 05:13 PM	#4
mike89t Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chandler, Az Posts: 1,889	Get rid of the Naso. It will grow way to big for your tank. The Purple, Yellow or Kole would be more appropriate. __________________ Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks. Current Tank Info: Sold my 150G reef tank. :^(

02/14/2006, 06:17 PM	#14
integlikewhoa Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 1,381	NO sohals. I have a yellow, blue and sailfin in my 125. __________________ I think of one later. Current Tank Info: 28G JBJ Nano for sale

02/14/2006, 06:22 PM	#15
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Ditch the Naso (saw a beautiful specimin at the LFS yesterday, a smooth 11" long) before you get too attached, go with a single smaller species. I have a single Powder Blue in a 125 with only about 50 pounds of live rock -- and I wish he had more swimming room. The joy in tangs for me is watching them swim. Having more than one in a tank that's too small for both will mean watching them fight and hide, which will suck. My recommendation would be to tell the wife that you really need a 180 to keep the Naso happy, or to even consider adding one more. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

02/14/2006, 06:39 PM	#17
skippysmind Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 1,003	I have 1 Kole, 2 Yellow, 1 Hippo, 1 Foxface, and 1 Blonde Naso. They all get along great and I don't really give a crap what the Tang police has to say! __________________ Jeff The best way to keep fish? Is in a frying pan, lightly breaded and seasoned with a little salt! Current Tank Info: No Tank!

02/14/2006, 05:12 PM	#3
Gisho Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 1,087	Well, I'm not an official member of the Tang Police. That being said, I would NOT recommend putting a sohal in a 100 gallon tank. This is a large, aggressive, territorial, and downright MEAN fish. I imagine that cramped living quarters, especially with other tangs thrown into the mix, will only exacerbate this underlying aggressive tendency. For reference, I had a juvenile sohal in my 270 mixed reef that went from about 4-5" to 11-12" of pure, holy terror. He/she stressed out and/or killed ALL of it's tankmates, regardless of type/species, and became more aggressive with time. Like you, I always loved sohals and wanted one bad. Needless to say, I pulled it out and traded it into a LFS. PITA to catch him though. Again, I would NOT recommend this fish. Personally, I wouldn't add any more tangs to your tank, considering that you already have a naso, which can grow fairly large, and IMO you are borderline with that fish in a 100. You could probably get away with either a purple, yellow, or kole though if you MUST get another tang. Also realize that with 150 lbs of live rock in a 100 gallon tank, you must not have much swimming space. I understand the fascination and desire to have tangs, as I myself have gone through this stage...but over time one realizes that there are so many other fish that are beautiful, smaller, more suitable for captivity, with tons of personality and color. I would pull that naso out of there and add one of the smaller species you mention, i.e. purple, yellow, kole, sailfin, chevron, if you MUST have a tang. good luck.

02/14/2006, 05:22 PM	#5
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	Well, what are the dimentions of your tank? The naso will outgrow your tank as well as others you listed. Chevrons, convicts, yellow, and kole would be a better choice for a 100 gallon tank. ( not all of them ) I would only stick with 1 if I was you.

02/14/2006, 05:23 PM	#6
Maybaer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bakersfield, Ca. Posts: 91	Thanks for the help. The LFS has a Sohal in a 70g and the only other fish he seems to hassle is a Blue Tang. As far as the Blonde Naso... Happy wife = Happy life! I just hope that he's healthy and does well until he's too big and has to be traded.

02/14/2006, 05:25 PM	#7
Maybaer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bakersfield, Ca. Posts: 91	I'm not at home right now... but my tank is 5' long and I think 2' or 2 1/2 ' deep.

02/14/2006, 05:30 PM	#8
mr pink floyd Moved On Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: west hartford, CT Posts: 3,480	2 tangs will fight, yo need the min groups of 3 or 5

02/14/2006, 05:34 PM	#9
Gisho Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 1,087	Take your wife diving/snorkelling and show her a naso tang in it's natural environment. She'll soon understand the questionable moral ethics of putting a naso in a 100 gallon tank with 150 lbs. of live rock, regardless if it is juvenille or not. It's easy to say "when it gets bigger, I'll take it out." Many people use this rationale/excuse to buy fish that their hearts desire, but, as I've said before, a lot of people say/intend that, but in the meantime the fish suffers, other fish suffer, you get busy and don't find the time, etc etc. Also, you do realize that to catch a tang in a 100 gallon tank will likely mean tearing your tank apart and likely stressing the tang (not to mention the other livestock) to the point of death? I made that mistake and have gone through it myself. Use your brain, not your heart when deciding the fate of a living creature. IMO, happy (read, unknowing) wife = dead fish. Sorry to be blunt, and I honestly don't mean any offence to you or your wife....I just think it's kinda sad. I'll step off my soapbox now....

02/14/2006, 06:03 PM	#11
bean3178 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 564	I'd say no on the Sohal. I have a 105 gallon and had a purple and yellow tang. They got along fine for the first year and then the purple got so aggressive, the yellow would not come out. So, I had to take the purple tang back to the LFS. One would be optimal in a 100 gallon. May be able to put two in there if they don't get too large and they get along. You'd have a better chance if they had different body types. Just be prepared to have to take one back later on down the road if needed.

02/14/2006, 06:04 PM	#12
WorldNation Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 463	"Happy wife = Happy life!" hahha, how true how true. i would also say to do 3 or 5. once they out grow your aquarium, switch them out for smaller specimens. or get a larger tank. having 3-5 spreads the aggression out. other factors are also very important in regards to aggression. what where and how you feed. fish addition order, lighting regiments, tank layout. ive seen an 80g thats about 3/4yrs old now with a clown, chevron, and a powder blue that have been living hapilly together for as long as the tanks been up.

02/14/2006, 06:05 PM	#13
WorldNation Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 463	oh yeh, sohals are especially aggressive, avoid.

02/14/2006, 06:52 PM	#19
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	They belong in the ocean. __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

02/14/2006, 07:10 PM	#22
Maybaer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bakersfield, Ca. Posts: 91	I just got back from a 7 mile run with my High School distance runners. Did I say "can of worms?" This thread is more painful than the run. However, I asked for it and am appreciative of the advice. It has been entertaining and informative. I will share all with my wife and fat chance of me ever getting her to scuba! I'll have to go and take a video for her!

02/14/2006, 07:11 PM	#23
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	They all belong in the ocean, but tough break for them they're our pets. Buy what you want, do what you want with it. Some say cram it full, some are sorry they aren't providing more. Doesn't really matter at the end of the day. But the advice stays the same, Naso happier (and more beautiful, for that matter) in a 180, in a 100 get a single smaller species. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress

02/14/2006, 07:12 PM	#25
Alaskan Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 2,360	Should be interesting watching the Naso negotiate that space when he's 12" long, though. Maybe they actually can be aggressive. __________________ Unattended children will be given double shot espresso and a free puppy. Current Tank Info: 125g FOWLR -- Conversion Back To SPS In Progress