Stocking with Tangs

daven · #1 12/27/2007, 02:04 PM

Okay, I've been working my stocking list for a while. I have a 180 with a 30g refugium and a 25g sump. The tank has been up for a couple months, cycled, gone through the diatom bloom and am finishing the algae bloom. No corals yet (it will be a reef tank).

Current resident, other than CUC, include yellow watchman goby, four chromis, purple firefish. I have a bicolor blennie in quarantine for another three weeks.

Other fish I plan to add:

2 Ocellaris Clowns
Starry Blennie (maybe)
3 Pajama Cardinal
McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
Spotted Mandarin
Fridmani Pseudochromis

I plan on two Tangs. A Kole Tang and a Sailfin Tang. Both would be added at the same time (after four weeks QT). I have to QT tanks so I can do both at the same time.

I'd like to get comments on the Tangs and whether they are appropriate for tank and their tankmates.

Thanks

daven · #2 12/27/2007, 02:11 PM

The tangs are months from going in. I just like to plan and research until I drive myself (and my wife) crazy.

thor32766 · #3 12/27/2007, 02:29 PM

the two tangs won't have much a problem with one another. You should be good to go!!! Just wondering is it a red sea sailfin or indian ocean?

daven · #4 12/27/2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thor32766
the two tangs won't have much a problem with one another. You should be good to go!!! Just wondering is it a red sea sailfin or indian ocean?

I knew someone would ask that. Still dithering on that decision. probably a Red Sea.

thor32766 · #5 12/27/2007, 03:41 PM

some people will have differant experiences, but my Red Sea is a beast. She is very territorial> So if possible, add the kole first or also add her as one of the last fish.

yoboyjdizz · #6 12/27/2007, 04:51 PM

I Would also add the kole first or both at the same time note that the sailfin has the potential to even outgrow an 180. If you like you could get away with another tang in a 180 with your current stock list.

daven · #7 12/27/2007, 09:16 PM

I think I'll stick with two. Trying for variety of species and color :-)

Maybe in my next tank (300+ in my dreams). lol

Dave Cox · #8 12/28/2007, 06:27 AM

Congratulations on your sane and realistic stocking !

Must be honest, when I read the thread title I kinda assumed this would be another guy trying to cram 5 or 6 tangs into a 180...

The two you have chosen should, imho, be fine. The Sailfin can get pretty big and will probably be king of the tank... hence, as others have suggested, if possible add it last.

I think you are very wise to stick to just two, rather than chance your luck with three...

blas · #9 12/28/2007, 09:28 AM

Cool choices I have a sailfin that is going on 2 years old, was about 2" when I got him and is now around 6". He is in there with a Atlantic Blue, and a Orange Shoulder (180 tank) They are all doing fine but I too am thinking 300! One thing I found over the years with tangs is the dreaded ich. Although your choices don't tend to be as ichy as other ones. I run a UV on my tank and have not had any ill effects. I do have all softies BTW. Just my experience with tangs : )

daven · #10 12/28/2007, 02:06 PM

I had the advantage of having to wait a year before I even started the 180. Lots of reading here. I also hate losing fish so I read and take the conservative view on things. Got plenty of time.

I have a UV but haven't put it on yet.

I plan on introducing buth the kole and sailfin last. From what I have seen on sizes the sailfin will be smaller than the kole when added. Thought he will grow to be king of the tank.

I appreciate the feedback.

hybridgenius · #11 12/28/2007, 02:34 PM

Go for indian... red sea are very territorial. You should have fun. Enjoy it.

daven · #12 12/28/2007, 04:33 PM

Hadn't heard that about Red Sea. I'll have to do more research. I'm planning as peaceful a tank as possible.