Adding hippo tang to established tank mates?

mrpontiac80

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I was going to put a PVC section in the box as a hiding place (I’m going to use a fish trap that’s 6”x6”x8” as acclimation box). Notice neither of you have any hiding places. I’ve never used this method before (acclimation box), is it a “bad” idea to give the hiding place and instead force the new kid to stand up at the front of the class?
I don’t think it bad, and I’ve thought about it before. But this does force the new fish to be visible to all. The hippo was 98% hiding while in quarantine. Very shy. At least now it does not lay down when I approach the tank anymore.
 

mrpontiac80

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Well I released the hippo this evening from the acclimation box. The purple tang went right after it, but that little guy held his own like he didn’t care. They have already chilled out a lot. I can definitely see why some people say the hippo runs their tank! No fear.
IMG_1221.jpeg
 
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PedroYoung

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Well I released the hippo this evening from the acclimation box. The purple tang went right after it, but that little guy held his own like he didn’t care. They have already chilled out a lot. I can definitely see why some people say the hippo runs their tank! No fear.
IMG_1221.jpeg
Yay!!
 
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They ran him off to the top corner of the tank as lights went out so he slept there. Figure that may last for several days. We will see as they all get used to each other.
I had the same issue when I added the pyramid butterfly trio with male Bimac. Ended up trapping him and selling him after a couple days (too stressful for me haha). Now one of the females has transitioned to male so I'm wondering if I'll have the same issue. I ordered another acclimation box from Octo aquatics so I'll have some options.....
 

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Wow! This thread was much needed. I'm trying to add a hippo tang to my tank. I've added one 3 times and all have died within a few days. Are they usually aggressive or shy? Does it depend on the fish?
 

mrpontiac80

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Wow! This thread was much needed. I'm trying to add a hippo tang to my tank. I've added one 3 times and all have died within a few days. Are they usually aggressive or shy? Does it depend on the fish?
I hear most people say they end up as boss of the tank. I wouldn’t call mine shy to the fish… but definitely to people at first. What fish are already in the tank your trying to add a hippo to? My purple tang is definitely boss right now and let’s all newcomers know it.
 

vetteguy53081

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Having one and selling many, these guys generally acclimate and adapt well. Main complaint is their aggression during feeding trying to steal all the food
 

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