Tang introduced and tail slapping?

[jonelder68]

How long would you let the present yellow tang follow and attempt tail slapping the new white tail bristletooth? The white tail has been in acclimation box for 5 days with no aggression from the tank mates. Decide to open the door about 10 minutes ago. The yellow tang keeps trying to slowly get close and tail slap. Maybe try a mirror? Or should I attempt to catch one of the tangs and put back in acclimation box? Also lights are on currently? Should I turn lights off? I feel like that’s just delaying the current situation? New to tangs so what’s the best way to settle them in and coexist?

 

[Catawba_Valley_Reef]

I generally turn the lights off when introducing new tangs. The mirror trick can work as a distraction.

I would shut off the lights and see how they are behaving tomorrow. If it’s constant chasing and harassment/elevated breathing and any physical damage, I would probably separate them for a while. May be best to pull the aggressor.

 

[jonelder68]

Trying a divider. Each gets their own half of the tank . Note I cut this out in about 3 minutes so top quality

 

[Catawba_Valley_Reef]

Trying a divider. Each gets their own half of the tank . Note I cut this out in about 3 minutes so top quality

That may work. I tried that in my system once and removed it after a month. The tang that was getting picked on (Koi Tang) became the aggressor. I ended up getting another tank to house the Koi Tang and a couple of others.

You could try rearranging the rocks and also make some of your rock a little taller to break up sight lines.

 

[jonelder68]

That may work. I tried that in my system once and removed it after a month. The tang that was getting picked on (Koi Tang) became the aggressor. I ended up getting another tank to house the Koi Tang and a couple of others.

You could try rearranging the rocks and also make some of your rock a little taller to break up sight lines.

It’s all glued together macro rocks. So can’t really rearrange. Could make taller but someday if I ever rid myself of Dino’s I plan on stocking a bunch of acro’s so need the height for them to grow.

 

[Catawba_Valley_Reef]

It’s all glued together macro rocks. So can’t really rearrange. Could make taller but someday if I ever rid myself of Dino’s I plan on stocking a bunch of acro’s so need the height for them to grow.

Understood. Other tricks are feeding heavy/making sure there is nori…maybe on both ends of the tank. Can also increase flow.

 

[KrisReef]

Trying a divider. Each gets their own half of the tank . Note I cut this out in about 3 minutes so top quality

YOu totally should make these for the community!

I hope your tangs learn to get along soon.

 

[coweyes298]

mirror tick. Bigger mirror, not several inches one.

 

[jonelder68]

mirror tick. Bigger mirror, not several inches one.

Should I put the mirror on the yellows half? Get him interested in his reflection then try introducing again after he’s chasing himself?

 

[jonelder68]

Understood. Other tricks are feeding heavy/making sure there is nori…maybe on both ends of the tank. Can also increase flow.

Will add nori to both sides. I feed super heavy, 7-8 times a day.

Flow I can’t increase much more. Sand will take flight (even more so) and the clowns will be pinned on the side glass. It’s about as high as I can go. Upped a while ago to maybe try and help with the Dino’s.

It’s interesting, in acclimation box the yellow didn’t care about him. Once the white tail was out instantly said Nope!

 

[Biff0rz]

When I do this I put 4 mirrors up - two on the front, one on each side. I leave them up for a week, maybe two. You want to 'exhaust' the current and new tang so much with the sight of themselves that they don't even care about the other one. Then remove the mirrors and observe - if the fighting continues, its likely one needs to be removed to 'reset' the hierarchy. Then try to re-intro again.

 

[jonelder68]

Update- they are currently coexisting. The yellow has his fins raised constantly but no chasing in the 30 minutes I’ve been watching on camera from work. Coworkers think I’m crazy . Lights have been on for an hour so we’ll see if anything changes when the lights are ramped up.

I did install the only mirror my wife had a 3”x3” in the back left corner. The yellow is spending a lot of time there. The whitetail is out grazing on the rocks and glass vs yesterday’s hiding under a rock ledge.

Tank divider is still in but believe a conch moved it enough that there’s an opening and fish can get through so not doing anything anymore.