Third Tang

[JumboShrimp]

(If you've ever heard Ryan's 100's of videos/video-interviews, that exactly like he communicates.)

 

[Bucrob]

why would you care what other people say about ur tank 170 gallon is plenty enough for a few tangs just be sensible with it

Based off other messages you tend to get on people about having any tangs in anything less than a 6ft which just isn't realistic for most people, basically saying nobody is allowed tangs unless they sell a kidney

 

[MasterClassReefs]

I hope it works out for the upgrade. I would wait personally on the blue tang til the upgrade. The rest isnt bad. More than one pair of clowns can get testy so keep an eye on that. If looking for a fish that will work on algae a lawnmower blenny is underrated imo but do have an attitude to consider.

Not really looking for any other algae control. I primarily like wrasses, would I be able to add anymore wrasses to the system?

Maybe a fairy wrasse? Scape will play a role here too. Lots of gaps and caves/ breaks in line of sight help. Consider the space left in the tank once things grow. It will happen faster than expected when things are stable. Ultimately territory in a 2x4 scape becomes scarce when things grow.

 

[Mike1970]

Haha, you’ve summoned the tang police!

 

[Wbreef]

(If you've ever heard Ryan's 100's of videos/video-interviews, that exactly like he communicates.)

Ohh my gosh, I didn’t even realize who wrote that ! I had no idea he would be on this forum actually responding to threads

 

[MasterClassReefs]

why would you care what other people say about ur tank 170 gallon is plenty enough for a few tangs just be sensible with it

Based off other messages you tend to get on people about having any tangs in anything less than a 6ft which just isn't realistic for most people, basically saying nobody is allowed tangs unless they sell a kidney

Notice I didnt say no tangs? But blue, naso etc are too large, fast swimming and require more open space than smaller species. Just not a great fit for a 4ft tank. Ive seen too many tanks where they smash into coral and rocks trying to dart from aggression or are simply cramped since the smaller tank has like 40 gallons of actual space to swim in it once grown in with rockwork. To each their own.

 

[MasterClassReefs]

I was never asking if it was doable. I was simply asking for suggestions as to what tang would do best in the system. It is surely doable, there are plenty of documented examples of it being done for extended periods of time. I also plan on upgrading to a larger 6-8ft tank at some point but currently there is no need since all of the fish are still small. Also for a fox face, 75 gallons is required.

I also have a in sump UV sterilizer incase something does pop up however I am unconcerned for now since the blue tang is still only 2-3 inches or so.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone it’s just not what I was looking for being told that it was essentially undo able

I think there’s also room here to simply say, “Look guys, I understand this is hard, but I’m going to try it. Help me make it a success.” People attempt difficult things in reefing all the time and sometimes they pull it off.

The sad part is when it goes poorly, an animal(s) dies.

The challenge with the “I’ve done it” or “I saw someone else do it” argument is that it’s technically true. But many of those successes are either luck (1in 10), or the result of someone who spent time identifying the challenges and building a plan to manage them. The people who approach it that way can actually have pretty high success rates.

Adding a third tang right now is a low-percentage move my guess is something like a 75% chance that aggression eventually results in mortality, either between the tangs or redirected toward another fish. With tangs there’s also a real risk of an stress-induced ich outbreak during the process.

If I were going to attempt it, it would look something like this:

• A bristletooth tang is a good choice. They stay fairly small and their body shape and feeding behavior are different than most other tangs.

• Multiple weeks in an acclimation box would be mandatory. That single move probably increases the chances of success tenfold. Here’s a video showing how to make one, and a link where you can watch it for free.

• Commit to managing food aggression long term. Make food abundant and constantly available. Seaweed Extreme pellets on an auto feeder, nori sheets in multiple spots, AF Vege Clips, etc. Be ready to up your filtration or water change game to accommodate.

None of this guarantees success, but if you’re going to try a low-percentage move, stacking the odds in your favor is really the only way it works. I bet you switch from 75% failure to 75% success rates with those things alone.

One of the things about seeing what good looks like is you can now choose between doing it or saying "not worth it" and moving on to something else.

Nice to see you in here Ryan!

 

[Louis Z]

I have the issue of too small a tank for another inhabitant .

we have a. 6ft 125 and looks small for an 8inch emperor angel. He started out as a tiny baby the size of a half dollar. He is entering 9 years now . I was going to sell him when he got big and start anew . Figured large emperors always sell well. I was discussing that with a teacher in the hallway where the tank is displayed . It’s a busy hallway and one of the kids must have overheard our conversation. Little later that week I had a group of high schoolers come up to me when I was cleaning the tank . They confronted me in a nice way . Asked my intentions for him . I said it as a no big deal . They were upset that I was considering getting rid of him . They said they grew up with him throughout their years . . Yikes ! Never thought that would happen .

 

[MasterClassReefs]

I have the issue of too small a tank for another inhabitant .

we have a. 6ft 125 and looks small for an 8inch emperor angel. He started out as a tiny baby the size of a half dollar. He is entering 9 years now . I was going to sell him when he got big and start anew . Figured large emperors always sell well. I was discussing that with a teacher in the hallway where the tank is displayed . It’s a busy hallway and one of the kids must have overheard our conversation. Little later that week I had a group of high schoolers come up to me when I was cleaning the tank . They confronted me in a nice way . Asked my intentions for him . I said it as a no big deal . They were upset that I was considering getting rid of him . They said they grew up with him throughout their years . . Yikes ! Never thought that would happen .

Yes that is a small tank for an imperator angel long term. Especially due to the depth (front to back). When filled with scape its much smaller still. Its easy to get psyched for larger species and much harder to provide for than many home aquarists can, especially early on. Vlamingii tangs end up on this list too often as well.

 

[littlefoxx]

The LFS owner is a family friend. We've known them for over 15 years and she has repeatedly said no to me on multiple occasions. I originally had 4 tangs on my stocking list and she flat out told me no. I bought the tank used and the previous owner had 3 tangs a large angel and a foxface in it for over 5 years until he had to take it down due to financial reasons.

Just to clear up any misunderstandings, my original point of making this post was to seek suggestions on which tang species might be best suited for this tank, rather than debating whether it is possible to keep a third tang or not.
While I know some of you are against keeping a third tang, I appreciate your concern, but I was really looking for some suggestions on which species might be best suited to coexist with my blue hippo tang and yellow tang in my 4×2×2 tank rather than being flat out told it couldn't be done.
If any of you have any experience with any of these tang species, such as a convict tang, chocolate tang, or any other species that are known to be less aggressive, it would be greatly appreciated!

Convits and chocolates are nasty tempered… especially when cramped up.

 

[littlefoxx]

I have the issue of too small a tank for another inhabitant .

we have a. 6ft 125 and looks small for an 8inch emperor angel. He started out as a tiny baby the size of a half dollar. He is entering 9 years now . I was going to sell him when he got big and start anew . Figured large emperors always sell well. I was discussing that with a teacher in the hallway where the tank is displayed . It’s a busy hallway and one of the kids must have overheard our conversation. Little later that week I had a group of high schoolers come up to me when I was cleaning the tank . They confronted me in a nice way . Asked my intentions for him . I said it as a no big deal . They were upset that I was considering getting rid of him . They said they grew up with him throughout their years . . Yikes ! Never thought that would happen .

My emp rivals my tangs for how active it is in a 300 gallon 8 foot long

 

[littlefoxx]

Notice I didnt say no tangs? But blue, naso etc are too large, fast swimming and require more open space than smaller species. Just not a great fit for a 4ft tank. Ive seen too many tanks where they smash into coral and rocks trying to dart from aggression or are simply cramped since the smaller tank has like 40 gallons of actual space to swim in it once grown in with rockwork. To each their own.

This is how I ended up with a stunted sailfin. She was kept in an 80 gallon or something and did not grow to full size. Shes actually growing again in my tank but shes the size of a dinnerplate

 

[littlefoxx]

Based off other messages you tend to get on people about having any tangs in anything less than a 6ft which just isn't realistic for most people, basically saying nobody is allowed tangs unless they sell a kidney

You realize tangs swim miles a day in the ocean right? Thats why this is a common recommendation on tank size.

 

[MasterClassReefs]

Notice I didnt say no tangs? But blue, naso etc are too large, fast swimming and require more open space than smaller species. Just not a great fit for a 4ft tank. Ive seen too many tanks where they smash into coral and rocks trying to dart from aggression or are simply cramped since the smaller tank has like 40 gallons of actual space to swim in it once grown in with rockwork. To each their own.

This is how I ended up with a stunted sailfin. She was kept in an 80 gallon or something and did not grow to full size. Shes actually growing again in my tank but shes the size of a dinnerplate

Sailfins need nice tall tanks too, awesome yours grew out and isnt cramped anymore.

 

[The Ugly Phase]

You realize tangs swim miles a day in the ocean right? Thats why this is a common recommendation on tank size.

no 1 is saying they don't but going by that logic should you really have them in a 8 footer as . . . it's not miles its 8 ft

 

[Bucrob]

You realize tangs swim miles a day in the ocean right? Thats why this is a common recommendation on tank size.

So logistically nobody should keep tangs?

 

[Louis Z]

I am looking at the Rubbermaid 300gal water trough to put in my garage for its new home

Especially due to the depth (front to back).

Yes the depth is where I see the he problem . Looking at the trough it is wider and would allow a significant area to Aquascape than a long rectangular tank .

 

[littlefoxx]

no 1 is saying they don't but going by that logic should you really have them in a 8 footer as . . . it's not miles its 8 ft

I was more pointing out why a 4 foot tank wasnt recommended for multiple tangs. My tank is actually 8 feet.

 

[littlefoxx]

So logistically nobody should keep tangs?

Not what I said, you just seem to want to argue with people who are giving you solid advice about your current tank. Im pointing out that multiple tangs in a small tank (a 4 foot tank) is crowded for a fish that swims that much. You already know you will have to get rid of the hippo tang or upgrade for it. If what you have now is working why crowd them with another tang? Tangs are notorious for fighting each other when it comes to space and food. Recipe for disaster if you ask me. Wait until you upgrade. Trust me, learned that the hard way.

 

[littlefoxx]

Sailfins need nice tall tanks too, awesome yours grew out and isnt cramped anymore.

Yeah mine is a little over 3 feet tall. She loves to spread her fins out! She is tank boss for sure.