Stocking 180g tangs, Arothron Puffers?

Naso110 · Jan 11, 2022

So I'm about to finally fill my 180 in the next few days. It's gonna be a handful of large fish instead of a typical large tank with tons of smaller fish. So I really want to try a school of tangs. I'm thinking sailfins since yellows,purples,gems are out of my price range in quantity. So has anyone tried a school of any type of tangs? If so how many and any issues? Also want a male and female Arothron Puffer pair. I also have a pink tail trigger that is outgrown my 110 so he's definitely going to be transferred. Any thoughts about the tangs and especially the puffers would be really appreciated. Even if you think this combo is nuts, please just give me feedback. Thanks

MnFish1 · Jan 12, 2022

Naso110 said:
So I'm about to finally fill my 180 in the next few days. It's gonna be a handful of large fish instead of a typical large tank with tons of smaller fish. So I really want to try a school of tangs. I'm thinking sailfins since yellows,purples,gems are out of my price range in quantity. So has anyone tried a school of any type of tangs? If so how many and any issues? Also want a male and female Arothron Puffer pair. I also have a pink tail trigger that is outgrown my 110 so he's definitely going to be transferred. Any thoughts about the tangs and especially the puffers would be really appreciated. Even if you think this combo is nuts, please just give me feedback. Thanks

Part of how 'nuts' it is to me depends on the tank dimensions. Sailfin tangs can get quite large - and I would imagine that most people would say a 180 is not enough 'for a school'. Especially with the puffers and the trigger.

One issue with a school of anything - is that unless you have enough (numbers wise) it can turn into a situation where 1 fish is the 'weakling' - is picked on, and dies. Followed by the next weakest, etc - until there are 1 or 2 left.

My guess is that you would need a bigger tank to accomplish what you're trying to do - and at least 5 tangs.

But - its an interesting idea - hope everything works out - I'm sure you'll get numerous opinions