Anyone who has a Purple Tang (Zebrasoma Xanthurum)......

[cyork]

Can you tell me about it. I am seriously thinking of adding to my reef and would love to hear from those of you who have one. Also if you do have one what size is your tank. If you think this is not a good idea I'd like to hear as well. Trying to make a sound decision so lay it on me. Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

72 is just about the minmum size for this species. It's doable, but the waste he produces will be pretty taxing on your system. If you do get it make it the last fish in your system, as they can get aggressive to other fish.

 

[Anonymous]

If you do get it make it the last fish in your system, as they can get aggressive to other fish.

VERY aggressive...

Peace,

Chip

 

[Anonymous]

Very true. I've been stunned by how aggressive Zebrasoma tangs can be to other fish, even with dissimilar shapes and sizes. It can work though, if you add the other fish first. Stuff that is much smaller, like firefish, dottybacks, etc. will be ignored by tangs. Likewise, pygmy angels, clowns, and semiaggressive fish should be okay if added first.

As always, quarantine your tang for 6-8 weeks min.

 

[cyork]

Would a hippo (Blue Tang) or Yellow Tang be a better choice or would they all three be about the same :?:

 

[Anonymous]

I used to have one in my 60 gal, and that was pushing it. Now he is in a 110 gal, and I never have any more than 4 fishes at any one time. (max when I have a purple tang, a mandrain, and two cardinal fishes).

 

[Anonymous]

Would a hippo (Blue Tang) or Yellow Tang be a better choice or would they all three be about the same :?:

I have a Purple Tang and he is no problem to my other residents, but he was the last fish added. Yellow and Hippo Tangs are more peaceful, but the Purple Tang is a hardier species. I have 125 gallon FOWLR tank. You need a 4' tank minimum for any Tang species. (For them to be happy)

My other fish residents are a Hippo Tang, Foxface Rabbitfish, Flame Angel, Clarkii Clownfish, and Psychadelic Mandarinfish.

 

[JustReefIt14]

would a hippo,naso,yellow,and powder blue tang be pushing it for a 72x24x25 180? or should i go for a little extra gallonage?

 

[Anonymous]

would a hippo,naso,yellow,and powder blue tang be pushing it for a 72x24x25 180? or should i go for a little extra gallonage?

Extra gallons are always a good thing, but I don't see a problem with your load.

 

[Anonymous]

I do. The Naso gets big, and the PB gets super aggressive. I would get rid of one of those.

If you'd like to get a more peaceful and smallish species, Ctenochaetus spp. are all pretty much good choices. The ones I'm thinking of are the Chevron and Kole tang in particular.

 

[Johnsteph10]

Matt's right...naso=big, BP is aggressive and all ichy. Chevron's are beautiful and to me seem a little more exotic.

JMHO,

John

 

[reefnut1]

I got a purple tang, one in my 225 and 1 in my 180. Never had any problems.

 

[shr00m]

the purple tang is a GREAT addition i have one in my 75 had him for a few years, hes happy in the 75 very fat and healty... he will be moved to a 120 gallon some day... but for now hes happy. on the aggressiveness... if the tang is the last fish added you shouldnt have any trouble, i added a coral beauty after i added the tang, and the tang chased the coral beauty .... after keeping the lights off about a week, the coral beauty was out and the tang wasnt paying attenion, they are pretty territorial but if they are the last fish added i dont see why youd have any trouble... VERY cool fish.