How long does it take them to acclimate to a tank? In other words, for them to stop hiding amongst the rocks and show themselves? Thanks for any info...
usually just a few days, my new yellow tang took about a 3-4 days and he was eating and comming out. He just scared the rest of the fish for about a week.
Just be patient, and try not to make sudden movements or loud noises when you approach the tank. New fish are generally skittish for several weeks after introduction. My 3 YO yellow tang is timid at times but also brave enough to eat out of my hand occasionally. Your new fish also must become acclimated to your feeding cycle and once this occurs, you're apt to see them more regularly when you're near the tank. To a certain extent it'll probably also depend on what species of tang/surgeonfish you're talking about.
hth
I put a purple tang in my tank and within minutes he was eating macroalgae. He is without a doubt the king of the tank now and most of the other fish are afraid of him. I've never had a tang quite as dominating as the purple.
It's already been said, but I'll echo the sentiments of others. It really depends on the tang, your set up, and the other fish that are already there. My pacific blues/hippocampus tangs hid for a day, and then were out and eating (I got them about dime or nickel size) despite the presence of two larger yellow tangs.