Adding a second Tang

[hsp]

I have an established (2 years) Red Sea Reefer Max G2+ 300 (80 gallons). A year ago, I got a Bristletooth Tang. He is supposed to clean the rocks, but rather waits for feeding time. I would like to add a second one — also a small one, given the size of my tank, which is currently understocked.

Any recommendations? I was looking at various Ctenochaetus, but you might have other suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@i cant think

 

[twentyleagues]

I have an established (2 years) Red Sea Reefer Max G2+ 300 (80 gallons). A year ago, I got a Bristletooth Tang. He is supposed to clean the rocks, but rather waits for feeding time. I would like to add a second one — also a small one, given the size of my tank, which is currently understocked.

Any recommendations? I was looking at various Ctenochaetus, but you might have other suggestions. Thanks!

Adding the same type of tang will be riskier than adding a different tang family member, both your current tang and the ones you are looking at are the same family. Either way once a tang of any family has been in the tank long enough to feel comfortable adding any other fish could be difficult. Individuals act differently obviously but you will probably want to introduce any new tank mate slowly maybe using an acclimation box. At 80g you are on the small side for tangs in general.

 

[exnisstech]

Probably won't get many suggestions on a second tang for a tank that size. That said I keep a wild yellow and a two spot bristletooth in a reefer 300. The only other fish are an electric blue damsel and a sixline. I had the yellow in for about a year before adding the bristle tooth. They have been together almost two years now. It is a very peaceful tank and I see zero aggression between the tangs even when feeding. I do have quite a bit of rock with a lot of swim throughs and hiding places which I think is crucial to success with multiple tangs. I have serious doubts I'll be able to add more fish. I tried a coral beauty once and the bristle tooth immediately attacked the fish pinning it in a corner and I had to remove the coral beauty.
This is the tank and how the fish act all day. Not really a recommendation because I also have a 330g that I can move fish into if things don't work out. I don't think I would try two tangs in a reefer 300 if I didn't have the 330g as a back up plan. I would never try two of the same species.

 

[hsp]

Probably won't get many suggestions on a second tang for a tank that size. That said I keep a wild yellow and a two spot bristletooth in a reefer 300. The only other fish are an electric blue damsel and a sixline. I had the yellow in for about a year before adding the bristle tooth. They have been together almost two years now. It is a very peaceful tank and I see zero aggression between the tangs even when feeding. I do have quite a bit of rock with a lot of swim throughs and hiding places which I think is crucial to success with multiple tangs. I have serious doubts I'll be able to add more fish. I tried a coral beauty once and the bristle tooth immediately attacked the fish pinning it in a corner and I had to remove the coral beauty.
This is the tank and how the fish act all day. Not really a recommendation because I also have a 330g that I can move fish into if things don't work out. I don't think I would try two tangs in a reefer 300 if I didn't have the 330g as a back up plan. I would never try two of the same species.

Thanks a ton! Very nice tank. I also have GSP on my back wall. I wish mine would pick at the rockwork like yours. Not having a second one from the same family is good advice. Thanks!!!

 

[W31Olds]

I have an established (2 years) Red Sea Reefer Max G2+ 300 (80 gallons). A year ago, I got a Bristletooth Tang. He is supposed to clean the rocks, but rather waits for feeding time. I would like to add a second one — also a small one, given the size of my tank, which is currently understocked.

Any recommendations? I was looking at various Ctenochaetus, but you might have other suggestions. Thanks!

Very unusual. You must have GHA because mine won't touch that. He is however, a Turf Eating Machine.

 

[hsp]

Very unusual. You must have GHA because mine won't touch that. He is however, a Turf Eating Machine.

Yes, mostly GHA. See here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/best-algae-removal-methods.1153804/

 

[Tangdora]

How often do you feed a day. Bristol are rock dwellers and can get very defensive to the rock work when adding a new tang. If you going to choose something I choose something and it truly going to be your only both tang Id go with either a yellow , purple or powder blue.

 

[hsp]

How often do you feed a day. Bristol are rock dwellers and can get very defensive to the rock work when adding a new tang. If you going to choose something I choose something and it truly going to be your only both tang Id go with either a yellow , purple or powder blue.

Feeding about 5 times a day, but you are right, mine spends a lot of time in the rocks instead of on the rocks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have an established (2 years) Red Sea Reefer Max G2+ 300 (80 gallons). A year ago, I got a Bristletooth Tang. He is supposed to clean the rocks, but rather waits for feeding time. I would like to add a second one — also a small one, given the size of my tank, which is currently understocked.

Any recommendations? I was looking at various Ctenochaetus, but you might have other suggestions. Thanks!

Having many, I add any new ones at lights out and an unwelcoming 48 hrs not abnormal but with many hiding areas , the new arrival will quickly fit in with existing ones
I have many of the same genus and despite occasional squabbles, they do well together. Most of mine are in the 5"-12" range

 

[hsp]

Having many, I add any new ones at lights out and an unwelcoming 48 hrs not abnormal but with many hiding areas , the new arrival will quickly fit in with existing ones
I have many of the same genus and despite occasional squabbles, they do well together. Most of mine are in the 5"-12" range

Good idea with the lights out!