Compatibility, Tangs in a Large Tank 5/27/08
Hello......I am just wondering is a powder blue and Achilles tang would be fine together in a 12x3x3 ft system 807 gallons.
<I don't think I would try to combine these two difficult Acanthurus, even in this large of a tank. One or the other in my opinion.>
Also will golden butterflyfish be fine in this.
<Most likely yes, although they are known to feed on corals if this is a concern.>
Can you suggest how many gbs I should add.
<Could go up to 3 I think, but do well alone too.>
Can 3 purple tangs and 2 yellows be fine together in this tank.
<Most likely would be fine.>
<Chris>

Acanthurus japonicus and the Hippo, 3/22/08
Hello All,
<Frank>
Your site is great, and you've always helped me out before. I was thinking of adding one more fish to complete my fish portion of stocking my tank. Currently my main tank is a 125G (6ft) with a 46G sump/refugium. I currently have a 4" DSB and 65lbs of live rock. I have a few small fish and wanted to add the White-Cheek Tang to this system. My only concerns is how he will react to my Blue Hippo Tang. I've had my Blue Hippo for over 5 months and he's a tad over 3". The White-Cheek at the LFS I'm interested in is about 4-4.5". What are the chances of conflict?
<Small... given the size/shape of your system and relative sizes of the tangs>
The LFS said I would be better off adding a Yellow or Purple Tang with my Blue Hippo to be safe. What would you recommend. Thank you
Frank
<The choice is up to you... but I would only add one of these. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Small hippo with larger yellow  3/9/08
Dear WWM crew, if Andrew is the one answering this than I know it is the right answer but I think that anyone could answer this. I have a blue hippo tang that is about one and a half to two inches long. I would like to add a larger yellow tang (about 3 to 5 inches) today. in a month I am upgrading to a 90 gallon but I could really use that tang now. I was just wondering if a yellow tang that is larger will harm my blue hippo tang. thanks
<Will very likely get along... as the size difference and being of different genera, body morphology works to advantage. Bob Fenner>

More Than One Tang
Damsels as "Dither Fishes"
Good morning,
<Hey there! Scott F. in today!>
I usually rely on your website for a source of information... but also have Bob's book by the TV to peruse during commercials.
<Good for you, bad for the advertisers!>
In Bob's book I noticed something that I haven't seen on the website... a comment about adding a school of damsels or Chromis to reduce aggression in a tank.
My current inhabitants of my 200g tank / 50g sump / 210lbs liverock:
1x Medium/Large Snowflake Moray Eel
1x 5" Magnificent Foxface
1x 5" Harlequin Tuskfish
My wish list in the order of introduction would be:
1x Tang
1x small Picasso Trigger
1x Angelfish (species to be determined but one that would not grow beyond 10" at adult stage).
<OK- a crowd that needs space...I would think about limiting my stocking list to those fishes...>
I like Tangs, and ideally would like to add two. I've read many of the FAQ's regarding Tang conflict... but then again read just as many stories of people with two or three Tang's that are compatible. I like the Regal Tang... but now that I've seen a Kole Tang in action... am thinking that a Kole Tang or Chevron would do wonders for my 200g tank algae issue. Would two Tangs fit in to my system without overstocking my tank?
<I think you could only do two of the smaller ones (like the Ctenochaetus species. Even then, I would be hesitant in a system stocked like yours.>
What are a few pairs you could recommend that would LIKELY fair well together and with my stock?
<Maybe the Yellow Tang or a Kole Tang>
Can you expand on this idea of introducing damsels/Chromis to distract and reduce tension among the larger fish? If I was to go with the aforementioned fish list with the second Tang, could my tank handle a small school of Damsels? Chromis? What would you suggest? 3?? 5??
<Odd numbers definitely work best, IMO. This will provide both sufficient damsels to diffuse aggression, as well as to discourage the damsels from picking each other apart!>
I'd stick to the smaller species and away from the Sergeant Majors, etc. What are some good schooling fish that are small, feisty, and alert. I did have two blue yellow-tailed damsels in with my Snowflake Moray for 3 months and he left them alone. I'm very much intrigued at this idea... please tell me more :)
Dave
<Well, Dave, the species that you selected are quite useful for this purpose. I would take into account the fact that they are beautiful and interesting fishes in their own right; I really like them for color and behavior. Their activities can draw out shy fishes, and help diffuse aggression in an established system. Remember, they can also become victims of aggressive fishes like the Tusk or the Trigger, so do show some compassion for them when working them into your stocking scheme! Best of luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Re: More Than One Tang
Damsels as "Dither Fishes" (cont'd.)  12/24/07
Thanks...
<Glad to be of service!>
So, add Tang, Trigger, Angel... and I'm done. Would 3x Yellow-tailed blue damsels work in with this and I leave the second Tang out of the picture?
<I'd think that this would be a sound strategy.>
I'm thinking that the 3x damsels would actually assist in keeping the tank clean by going after the food scraps/leftovers leaving less waste?
<I suppose you could make that case, but in the end, they are still active eaters, and consume lots of food, so I suppose the case could be made that they will eat much of the uneaten food in the system. However, they will, of course, metabolize the food and produce waste!> I imagine the Trigger is somewhat messy as the Snowflake most certainly is...
and the Tuskfish doesn't have the best of table manners either. Or bad idea for 3 damsels with the Trigger? My single Yellow-tailed damsel that's currently in my 90gallon reef tank was actually housed with the Tuskfish before and was left alone.
Thanks again!
<Again, I'd add any smaller, potentially "edible" fishes with caution. The Tuskfish or Trigger could suddenly develop a "taste" for his/her tankmates at any time. Just look out for potential signs, like chasing or "stalking" behaviors, and be prepared to remove the Damsels for their own safety. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

2 tangs in a 75 gallon aquarium? 11/18/07
Hello crew,
<Hello Tony.>
I have a question regarding the addition of another fish to my reef aquarium. The aquarium is 75 gallons with a 75 gallon wet dry sump (30-40 gallons of which are partitioned into a refugium growing Chaeto and Gracilaria) and well over 100 lbs of live rock. The water parameters are as follows:
Spg: 1.024
Ph: 8.2
Nitrates: 0
Nitrites 0
Ammonia: 0
The only current inhabitants of the tank are a 2" yellow tang and some cleaner shrimp. I have waited one month since the acquisition of the yellow tang and am now ready to add another fish. I have read a lot about tangs on your site and can't seem to understand what the general consensus is as far as how many tangs one can have in a tank this size.
<It is about territoriality and the need Tangs have for swimming space. In some instances Tangs survive in smaller systems, it is just not what is best for the fish. The small quarters stress the fish and make them susceptible to all sorts of maladies.>
Some seem to think that a 75 gallon isn't even sufficient in the long run, while others have 4-5 tangs in 100-125 gallon systems.
I would like to add a Kole tang to my tank as my next fish but wanted to know your thoughts on this. I will be living in my current house for another 2 years or so and don't see myself upgrading to a bigger tank before then. The only other fish that I would definitely like to add are a mated pair of clowns and an anemone. Would a 75 gallon be sufficient for this? Thanks ahead of time for all your help and the wealth of knowledge that is available to aquarists because of your site.
Tony
<The Kole would be a better choice for your tank, but I would just wait until you can upgrade to the bigger tank. I understand there are many conflicting and confusing accounts on tank size for Tangs. It is much like keeping a Mandarin in a 30 gal tank that has survived for six months. Just because it works for a while doesn’t necessarily entail that everything going ok. Could you imagine five full grown Tangs in a 100 gallon tank? Yikes! Your tank would be big enough for appropriate anemones and clowns. I hope this helps you, thank you for all the kind words, Scott V.>

Family/Congener Compatibility: Rabbits, Wrasses & Surgeons 10/27/07
Hello Crew-person! A preliminary "thanks!" for giving this one some thought.
<Howdy, and just as timely welcome>
I am currently in the process of putting together a 180 gal. FOWLR w/DSB, refugium, and all the usual hardware. I've maintained marine systems for about 8 years now and have kept most of the following species at one time or another but want to further investigate their family/congener compatibility in a larger system:
<I see>
First, I have never mixed Rabbit species and have heard that doing so could promote mild warfare. I currently have a 6-inch One-spot Foxface Rabbit (Siganus Lo unimaculatus) that will be bumped up to the 180 and want to introduce a Magnificent Rabbitfish (Siganus magnificus) concurrently. Is this possible given the tank size? Should the S. magnificus be of different size? Thoughts?
<Mmm, let's see... a couple of general statements. I have seen mixed species of Siganids "passing" each other in the wild many times... Some of the schooling species occasionally blended together in good numbers... Have never come upon open aggression w/in the family on the reef either... I don't think you will have trouble here... but if you do, you will see this happening... fins erect, bodies at an angle... them obviously avoiding each other...>
Next, I'm a nut for the Labroides.
<Mmm, from below... not the genus of Cleaners, but the family of wrasses... Labrids>
Once again, given the somewhat larger confines, could I house 3 Wrasse species, each from a different genus? I have in mind an Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus), a male/female pair of the Cortez Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum), and a Cuban Hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus) - (they will probably spend the first few hours trying to figure out why they've never seen anything that looked like that before!!).
<These also should be fine together>
Finally, the next subject family is the Acanthurids, specifically the Powder-brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus) and the Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis). I would not anticipate any problems here.... suggestions?
<No worries>
Thanks again, my friends.
David A. Bell
<Hello David! Bob Fenner>

Order of addition, Tangs  9/5/07
Hello crew and thanks again for all the great information. I currently have a 125g FOWLR containing about 100 lbs live rock, a Flame Angel (3") and an Assasi Triggerfish (4"). I have in a QT a White Cheek Tang (4") and will pick up a Tomini Tang that will be placed in a separate QT later this week. At the end of the QT (6 weeks for the White Cheek and 4 weeks for the Tomini), I was planning to add both fish at the same time to the main tank. The question is should I add them at the same time or is there some level of aggression given the mix of fish that I should consider staggering their addition? Thanks again.
<Mmm, there is likely to be some posturing, tail-swiping here, but I'd likely place both these at the same time... if not the Ctenochaetus ahead of the Acanthurus. Bob Fenner>

Powder Blue Tang And Yellow Eyed Tang/Compatibility 9/3/07
I have a 100g Reef Tank that is 6 feet long with 150 lbs of live rock and a DSB. I have 2 False Percs, a Starry Blenny, and just added two 4-5" Tangs. Those being the Powder Blue Tang and the Yellow Eyed Tang. I read as much as I could before purchasing and picked these two since they are in two different families and two different colors. They are semi close in size the Powder Blue being slightly larger. I made sure both of them ate well at the LFS before purchasing. Then I went to add them at the same time as had read that it helps to alleviate territory issues.
<With the Powder Blue in question, it would have been much better to add the Yellow Eye Tang first, then a couple of weeks later add the Powder Blue. Even with that scenario, Powder Blue's tend to be very aggressive toward other tangs and will become dominant as you mention. If I were to have a Powder Blue, it would be the only tang in the tank.>
I know that no matter what Tang it is that personality is a major factor in the acclimation. I drip acclimated them for about 2 1/2-3 hours. Fed the residents before introducing. Turned off the lights and placed the
fish into the tank. Left the lights out for the rest of the day and night. In the morning the powder blue was wandering the tank with a look of a happy puppy. No issues with the two clowns. However tended to do light chases with the Starry blenny. Fortunately for the blenny he hasn't been super intimidated and was the first fish in the tank and knows every hole in the live rock. The Powder hasn't been super aggressive but simply does a light chase on the blenny.
Sorry to go on and I will try to get to my point of question. The Yellow Eyed tang was being very tentative and was hiding back behind the live rock. I thought this was in fear of the Powder Blue initially. I would see the Powder Blue in his travels go back into the area that the Yellow Eye was at and while the Powder wouldn't attack he would do a shake and shimmer next to him. I know this is a symbol of aggression or attempt to create dominance. The Yellow Eye would retreat.
<Sounds like typical behavior of a healthy Powder Blue, they will challenge other tangs. If it were me, I'd see if you can return one or the other to your LFS. I believe your Yellow Eye is going to have a difficult time feeding with the Powder Blue present.>
I had to go to work and as I left the room the Yellow Eye began to swim outward and investigate. My guess is he was intimidated by me. However the Powder did give him a very light chase. My question is this. I realize you cannot tell me exactly whether the situation will work itself out because the personality plays such an important role. I was wondering however if my description of the level of aggression implies just sorting out dominance or if this seems more a prelude to higher aggression.
<You are just looking at normal behavior of a Powder Blue.>
My personal thought is that the yellow eye might perk up a little bit after adjusting to the new tank and perhaps they can balance themselves out. Right now it seems that the Powder Blue adjusted to our presence and has been happy and sees the Yellow eye not being nearly as bold and is taking advantage of this to be the alpha of the tank. However since I have never introduced multiple tangs I didn't know if there was a typical sort out behavior or not. Any info on their initial behavior would be welcome. Thanks again and I love reading your responses and your site is very helpful.
<Steven, do read here and linked files above on the Powder Blue. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Sincerely,
Steven

Re: Powder Blue And Yellow Eyed Tang/Compatibility 9/5/07
Thank you for your reply.
<You're welcome.>
While I was at work yesterday I contemplated perhaps actually returning the Powder Blue, since the Yellow Eye would be an overall healthier and less aggressive tankmate.
<True, and would be a good decision.>
When I got home I saw the Yellow Eye and the Powder Blue eating coral off the same rock side by side.
<Eating coral??>
I then did something that I thought would be helpful but wound up being stupid. I then added dried seaweed to a feeder clip in the tank. Unfortunately the floating seaweed spooked the two tangs and the Powder gave a little chase to the Yellow Eye and they both hid. So I turned off the lights hoping that they would normalize to the floating seaweed. I am going to give this acclimation some more time unless I see either fish have higher stress. Since I see them both eating.
<OK>
Thank you,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Steven

Re: Powder Blue And Yellow Eyed Tang/Compatibility 9/6/07
James,
<Steven>
Sorry for a little confusion I haven't gotten much sleep due to our baby boy thinking sleep is an unnecessary evil. They were eating algae <algae> off the live rock not the coral. I took your good advice and removed the Powder Blue and I put some cheato <Chaeto> from my refugium and put it in a clip since it will appear more natural and less threatening than the seaweed. I truly do appreciate your advice.
<You're welcome, and a good move. James (Salty Dog)>
Steven

Hippo Tang In a 75g Tank With a Purple Tang?...Nope, Not Even On Its Own – 07/25/07
Hi,
<<Hello Jim>>
I have a 75-gallon tank with 90-lbs of live rock. It currently has a Purple Tang, a Flame Hawkfish, and an Ocellaris Clown. Would I be able to add a Hippo Tang to this mix in this aquarium and not have constant fighting?
<<Mmm, nope...not so much due to the possibility of “fighting” but rather due to the “size” of this system and the developmental retardation that would be imposed on this large and robust fish. The Hippo Tang needs a MUCH larger system for development/long-term health. In fact, I am hesitant to recommend “any” additional Tangs species be added to this tank as it is at the bottom-end of what I consider adequate for the “smaller” tang species >>
Thanks for your help,
Jim
<<I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I hope it proves helpful. EricR>>

Tang Compatibility...Wanting To Add One More! – 07/23/07
Hello and thanks for all the useful information!
<<Hiya Michele!...glad you find it “useful”>>
I love reading the dailies.
<<Me too! [grin]>>
I had a quick question on compatibility. We have a 220-gallon (6' x 2 1/2' x 2') mixed reef (predominately SPS with a few LPS and zoos), 200-pound live rock, 1-2 inch sand bed, 75-gallon sump and 50-gallon fuge.
<<Excellent>>
The fish include a Naso tang (7''), yellow tang (4''), two-barred rabbitfish (4''), and a pair of Clarkii clowns (1-2").
<<Very nice...I have a somewhat larger system though very similar (minus the zoanthids) and among others I too have a Naso Tang (Blonde color morph), a Yellow Tang, and a “pair” of two-barred (Siganus doliatus) Rabbitfish>>
All fish have lived peacefully together for over a year except the rabbitfish which was added about six months ago.
<<I see>>
The two tangs and the rabbitfish show no aggression toward each other and even appear to shoal together.
<<Ah yes, not so much “shoaling” as just making sure one doesn’t get something the others don’t [grin]. As for the aggression...providing a couple hundred gallons volume is very helpful...and the Naso and Zebrasoma species are also somewhat on the lower end of the Tang “aggression meter” in my opinion>>
Even at feeding times and when Nori sheets are present, there is no aggression.
<<Agreed...though they do become “excited”>>
So onto the question....we would like to add one more fish, but do not want to lose our peaceful reef or push the stocking limits.
<<Understood...and wise>>
Would we be pushing it with another tang from a different genus?
<<Depends>>
My husband would love a Sohal tang, but I am worried about the aggression factor as it ages.
<<Definitely an “alpha” personality among Tangs>>
Plus, even though it's a different genus, it looks a lot like the Naso tang to me. Do you even think we have room (psychologically and bioload) for another tang and if so, which one would you recommend?
<<Ahh...I’m glad you recognize the “psychological” issues here...so important to Tang health/longevity in my opinion. A smaller more peaceable (as Tangs go) species is doable I think... Acanthurus japonicus (NOT to be confused with A. nigricans) or maybe a Ctenochaetus species like C. tominiensis or C. strigosus>>
Then, with the infamous "just one more fish," would we have room for a Scott's Fairy Wrasse down the line (with QT on all new arrivals)?
<<If you can acquire a healthy/feeding specimen...though they are prone to jumping>>
We had also considered a shrimp goby and pistol shrimp combo, but did not think the 1 inch sand bed would suffice.
<<Not the best>>
Thanks!
<<Regards, EricR>>

Re: Tang Compatibility...Wanting To Add One More! – 07/24/07
EricR,
<<Hello Michele>>
Thanks for the reply!
<<Quite welcome>>
We suspected the Sohal would not be appropriate.
<<Indeed so...in my opinion>>
My vote had been for a Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) or a Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), but we will look at the Acanthurus japonicus that you suggested.
<<Hmm...though a bit larger than A. japonicus, you could probably get away with adding A. coeruleus>>
It's funny....my husband actually almost came home with one last week, but we were concerned we could not differentiate the white faced from the powder brown and we didn't trust the LFS.
<<I see... Do take a look at this article for comparison, both fishes are featured and the differences in appearance is readily apparent: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/GoldRimSs.htm >>
Just to take all temptation away and stop a crazy purchase, you better spell it out to me that the Atlantic Blue and the Regal are also not appropriate! =)
<<I would avoid A. hepatus... This is a big, beefy, and high strung fish requiring LOTS of space for long-term health. My first choice for your system would be the A. japonicus, but as stated, I do think you can get away with the A. coeruleus...though this last will likely mean “no more fishes” for this system>>
Thanks as always for the help!
Michele
<<A pleasure to assist. Eric Russell>>

Aggressive Yellow Tang 7/18/07
Hi,
<Hello>
I'm new to the whole salt water aquarium scene. My yellow tang for some reason has recently become very aggressive toward all of the fish in my tank. I normally feed them plenty and add seaweed for them to pick on, but he has been either chasing or nipping at the other fishes tails. <Could be territorial, how big is the tank?.> It's odd because I've had all of the same fish in the tank for about a month or so and this all started recently. <Takes them a while to get settled, then they will start asserting themselves.> Also, I have a blue spot Jawfish and he's also acting weird. He is not in a burrow... he is actually around with all of the other fish and his eyes look cloudy. What can I do?
<Check your water parameters, may be the cause of the cloudy eyes.>
Thank you,
Billy Negron
<Tangs can be quite aggressive and territorial, especially if the tank is too small for them. Be careful when putting your hands in the tank, you may be the victim of the aggression and those tail spines can do significant damage.>
<Chris>

Maroon Clown Question, Tank Full of Tangs 6/29/07
Good day everyone:
<Hello>
First I would like to thank you for a great site. <Welcome from all of us.>
I am fairly new to the hobby (since Feb07), your site has been very useful. My tank is a 90G, LR/LS, wet/dry, skimmer, UV, MH lighting. currently have Hippo <not appropriate for this sized tank>, Sailfin, 2 hawk, 5-chromis, various Shrimp/Crabs/Snail, 6 corals. I am picking up a yellow tang and a purple tang today. <You are heading towards WWIII I think, I would not have more than 1 tang in this sized tank, either the sailfin, yellow, or purple> additionally, which is my question, I put on hold a pair of yellow stripe maroon clowns (female about 3.5"), is it going to be a good idea to the clowns? or are they going to be too crowded in my tank? <Maybe after you sort out your tang situation and the tank gets a chance to mature the Maroons will be ok, but they are very aggressive and in a crowded tank will likely decimate their tankmates.>
Thank you in advance.
Ron, Miami
<Welcome>
<Chris>

Tangling With Tangs! – 06/28/07
Dear WWM Crew,
<Scott F. your Crew member today!>
I have a 160 g reef aquarium with plenty of LR, some corals and 3 anemones. I have one Yellow Tang, two Ocellaris Clownfish, 1 Foxface and 1 Firefish. In a separate QT I have 1 Blue Tang and 1 Flame Angel that will go to the MT in a few weeks. Is there going to be a problem between the Yellow tang that has been in the MT for the last 4 months and the new blue tang?
<In my experience with this combination, I have seen some initial "posturing" by the Tang in residence first, but things settled down quickly. They seem to occupy slightly different niches in captivity, with the Yellow Tang spending a lot of time picking at rocks, while the Blue Tang is more of an open water swimmer. You're pushing it with these fishes in regards to space, so no more fishes after these additions, and do think about a larger aquarium in the not-too-distant future. The Blue Tang gets very large and needs a LOT of space!>
Also I was thinking on buying a third tang (sailfin) but I don't know if this will represent an additional problem, specially if I quarantine this one with the Blue Tang and the Flame Angel before taking all of them to my MT.
<Please refrain from adding another Tang...Waaay too much in the Tang Department here! The Sailfin Tang, although one of my favorites, gets huge in the wild (like 12-15 inches- and I have seen them this large in the wild!) and will need a VERY large system (like 8" plus in length, and many hundreds of gallons) to live anything close to a normal lifespan in captivity. A wonderful fish, but cruel to keep in anything but the largest aquariums, IMO. Besides, having two Zebrasoma Tangs of different species in the same aquarium can be problematic, from an aggression standpoint. Aside from space issues, adding another fish to a quarantine tank that has fishes in the middle of their quarantine period is a bad practice, as you surmised, and simply resets the clock for the fishes already in there! In other words, if you add a new fish into the quarantine tank that has fishes that are 3 weeks into the 4 week quarantine period, you'll have to start all over again. Always finish out your quarantine period before adding new fishes.>
Your suggestions will be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much, Oscar
<Glad to be here for you, Oscar. Hope you enjoy much success! Regards, Scott F.>

Sohal Addition? – 5/4/07
Hi.
<Hello.>
Joe here.
<Adam on this end.>
Just wanted to say love your site.
<Me too! ...but thanks.>
Very informative and appreciate the time you guys spend answering questions. Thanks.
<No, thank you for the compliments.>
Ok on to my question.
<Of course.>
I'm thinking of adding a Sohal tang to my 220 gallon (72x24x30)with 75 sump(150 lbs of live rock). The current tank mate are a 14 inch Coral cat Shark, 8" lion (Volitans),12 inch snowflake eel and 3 tangs all about 6 inches (Naso ,yellow and hippo).
<Mmm...the existing surgeons fish have me worried...and the future aggression of the cat-shark as well, have seen them attack and consume fish twice their size.>
I would like to add a small Sohal around 4-6 inches do you see any problems with aggression towards the others?
<Yes, especially with the Naso and the other Acanthurus (Hippo) tang.>
If so any thing I should be on the look out for? Also in the future would like to add either an Emperor Angel or a Blue Face angel. Would you for see any problems?
<I would opt for one of these, not both.>
The tank is aquascaped so I  have lots of hiding caves as well as have maximum swimming room.
Thank you for your time and look forward to reading your response.
<Joe Sohal tangs are notoriously intolerant of other tangs even tanks of 100's to 1000's of gallons for that reason alone I can't recommend it, sorry..>
Joe
<Adam J.>

Tang's A Lot! - 4-11-07
Hi WWM
<Hi Kris>
I have a question that relates to a problem I recently had. A friend of mine came down on orders for deployment. His wife was supposed to care for his fish while he was gone. Well, today she showed up at my house with, get this, a hippo blue tang <blue hippo tang>, yellow tang, and a Naso tang. <Yikes!> She said that they were not doing well. I have a 90 gallon reef which is 48 x 24 x 18. It has two 2.5 inch gold striped m. clowns, a 6 line, and some of my more prized corals. I tried my LFS, but they will not accept these fish back due to the fact that they were not from my tank. Now I have 3 additional fish in my tank eating fine and getting along, but I know that my tank is too small, mainly because of the Naso and the 6 foot rule. <Not too sure about the maroon clowns liking all that extra company either!> Most of my friends have large predatory tanks <with fish(?)> that would definitely eat these guys so that’s a no go, and the other <others> have smaller tanks than me. By the way, the Naso is 3.0”, the blue 3.5”, and the yellow 3.0”. Here’s the problem, I'm getting deployed now in a couple of weeks and my wife and brother are going to be caring for the fish. I just picked up a 210 cherry with stand and canopy with four 400 watt MH 20 and 14ks.  It’s going to be my next reef tank, <Nice!> which <I> would not mind having these wonderful and beautiful fish in. I am still waiting on the stand, supposed to be here in 5 days. If it comes down to it, will they be fine for 6 months when I come home on r and r? Worse case scenario 1 year from now, because I don't think there is any way I will have this new tank cycled in 5 weeks.  I'm pretty sure it won't happen. I have a lot to do and running out of time. I'm on <at my(?)> wit’s end. My 90 gal reef’s filtration is twice on everything. Sump is a 55 gallon tank with 30g refugium built in, and custom skimmer is rated at 250 gallons. What do you think I can do about this? I really have no idea. Any help would be awesome. <Kris, considering your situation, I would recommend that you go with the most expedient and least stressful solution for you, your family, and the fish. That is, to check out your local fish/aquarium clubs and see if anyone can give these fish a good home. As you already know, your tank isn’t large enough to house these fish happily.  They may get along for a day, a week, or even a month, but all bets are off for them remaining stress and disease free for an extended period of time.  If you found a good home (or homes) for these fish, not only would you be giving them a much better chance at survival, you’d also be saving your wife and brother from a potentially difficult, and very stressful, situation.>
Thanks in advance.
Kris <You’re very welcome and best wishes! –Lynn>

Adding additional tang to mix w/ others?   3/15/07
What is the best way to add a black tang to a tank that already has a  yellow tang and a hippo tang in it?  Its a 120g with 150-225lbs of  LR.
<In all honesty I would not add another surgeon to this mix, with a tank of this size.  If you MUST, the best way is to remove the existing fish, and reorganize the tank (break up existing territories) then to reintroduce all 3 fish simultaneously.  As with anything in this hobby, there are no guarantees. Adam J.>

Re (Late): Tang Addition   3/19/07
Sending again, because I think it got lost in "cyberspace" :
<No sorry, I'm just a 20-something year old guy and it's spring break. Explanation enough? I think so.>
Hi Adam
<Hello again.>
and thank you for your reply.
<Welcome, and sorry again that this one is late.>
You thought that my 80 gallon reef tank would be "pushing it" (in the long-term) for an adult Copperband Butterfly, Coral Beauty (current occupants) AND a Tang (possible future occupant).
<Correct.>
The only other current occupant (aside from snails and hermits) in the tank is a Fridmani (not mentioned in previous e-mail).  
My questions are:  
1. Would/could you suggest another fish that would be compatible (not damsels or Chromis), if a tang is too big for my tank/current occupants?
<Cardinals are great in groups (though if you go that route, you want tank raised). Smaller wrasses (flasher/fairy) are wonderful additions. A goby/pistol shrimp pair would be fun to watch....endless options.>
2. You had mentioned "long-term," would that be months or years?
<A specific time-frame is hard to pinpoint but when I say long-term  I am referring to at least a year and/or longer. And it depends on the type of tang you would get and what size it already is when you buy it.>
I may get a larger or second tank in the future (would love to get one now, but juggling horses and saltwater fish kind of drains my pocketbook).
<I understand.>
If long-term is far enough into the future, could I get a Tang for the short-term and move him later?
<Depends on what type of tang.>
Thank you for your help - my fish and I appreciate it!
Deb
<Adam J.> 

Mixing Surgeons and Butterflies   3/15/07
Hi Guys (and/or Girls)!
<Hi Deb.>
I love your site and you guys provide a real service to aquarium enthusiasts and hobbyists!
<Thank you.>
I am so thankful that I stumbled across your site and I use it to research information all of the time.
<Great, thanks again.>
I have read a lot about Tangs not getting a long with other Tangs, but I have a slightly different question.
<Okay.>
I have a Copperband Butterfly in my 80 gallon reef tank along with a Coral Beauty.  The Copperband doesn't much care for flake or frozen food, but it will eat mussels/clams and it will also eat Mr. Fenner's seafood recipe (from his book), but for some reason she prefers to be hand-fed and doesn't like to eat food already floating in the water.
<Well I for one am pleased to here it's eating period. As I'm sure you are well aware most have a dismal survival rate, captivity wise.>
Perhaps I have created a monster!  LOL!
Anyway, I would like to add a Tang to my tank, if possible.
<If the butterfly and angel are the only specimens I don't see any space issues short-term, the long-term is a slightly different issue, 80 gallons is pushing it for an adult copperband and some surgeons/tangs get significantly larger. Psychological crowding is another issue...I would avoid conspecifics (tangs that look alike/similar shaped) such as those in the Zebrasoma genus.  Ctenochaetus tangs may be a possibility (the Kole tang) though due the key with these is securing a healthy specimen.  Many are damaged in the mouth area during shipping.  Again compatibility wise other tangs could work, such as a few in the Naso genus and Acanthurus genus but there are space issue to address...some of these (Acanthurus Sohal & Naso lituratus) will reach over a foot...well over a foot in some cases.>
I am concerned about one getting along with my Copperband and the fact that they get ick (I have a 10 gallon quarantine tank).  Can you suggest a
docile Tang?  I really like the Atlantic Blue Tang (coloring) and even the Yellow-Eyed Kole Tang.
<See above regarding the tang, as for ich/crypt, yes tangs are more prone to this, quarantine 6-8 weeks.>
Thanks for you help!
<Of course.>
Debbie Terry
<Adam J.>

Powder Blue / Powder Brown Compatibility   3/8/07
Hello,
<Hi there>
            I have an interesting situation on my hands.  I ordered a Acanthurus japonicus and a Zebrasoma desjardinii for my 90 gallon aquarium.  For the most part, my tank is an LPS specialty tank with an assortment of LPS corals and inverts… shrimp, crabs, feather dusters, etc.  The only other fish are a pair of Premnas biaculeatus.
<Hopefully small... can be/come quite territorial>
I didn’t plan on stocking any more fish other than these two tangs.  My problem is this… I received a Zebrasoma desjardinii (3 inch) and a HYPERLINK "http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm"Acanthurus leucosternon (4 inch).  I sent the company an email with pictures of the mistake and asked for a resolution.  I would not have ordinarily ordered a HYPERLINK "http://www.wetwebmedia.com/powdbluetg.htm "Acanthurus leucosternon, due to their poor survivability in captivity.
<I agree with you... Need much larger systems to do well... and are VERY prone to "coral reef disease">
I received an email back that I can keep the fish and that they would send me a Acanthurus japonicus and that it was in the mail already.  My problem:  there are no local LFS’s that will buy my Acanthurus leucosternon.  My local shop would be happy to take it, but not pay for it.
<Mmm, Craig's list? A local marine/reef club?>
Since I have this beautiful fish, I was wondering if there was any hope of survival in my aquarium.
<Some... but not enough to interest me... Hopefully you have not placed this fish in your main/display tank>
I consider a 90 a bit on the small size for 3 tangs, and never planned for it in the first place.  I also am aware that I will now have two fish of the Acanthurus genus together and figured that could be a problem.  Currently I have acclimated them all, freshwater dipped them, and they are split up in two separate quarantine tanks.
<Thank goodness>
If there was a good chance of survival, I would at least like to give it a try.  I am also concerned that if the fish goes to my local LFS, it may not make it out alive.  They have never kept any tangs other than the yellow tangs and usually have a few dead fish every time that I am there.  This would be the reason why I mail order everything.  Please advise, Brian
<Well... I would be investigating (seriously) where you might move the PBT to... in case things don't "work out"... The much more important, real issue here is parasitic disease... and the concomitant stress that will VERY likely bring it on. Be ready to remove, treat all fishes. Bob Fenner>

Sohal Addition to Multi-Surgeon Tank   3/1/07
Hello Crew,
<Hola.>
hope all is well.
<With you as well...>   
  I had a question for you guys.
<No problem.>
I have a 600 gallon aquarium that is 10FT long with multiple tangs which all seem to be getting along (the only real aggression is when the scopas chases the yellows which isn't very often)
<Normal between cohabiting Zebrasomas...as long as no physical injuries arise, no problem.>
and for my last tang I've been considering a Sohal
<A gorgeous but aggressive animal.>
(actually my wife is pressuring me more then anything ;) ).
<I see.>
I know that they can be quite aggressive but wanted to see real life experience in large tanks how would he do if being the last fish introduced, would he kill my other tangs or would he rough them up a little,
<Likely the latter, but the former is also a possibility...as I'm sure you have heard there are no guarantees in marine aquaria. Your chances are increased however by the size of the aquarium and the fact that the other animals are already established. In particular I am fearful though for the "congeners" the other Acanthurus animals. If you do add a Sohal I would ass a relatively smaller animal of 3-4".>
claim himself the king of the tank and leave them alone after that?
<Will definitely be the "alpha" eventually.>   
  Fish Currently in the tank are:
6" Palani Tang (Acanthurus Dussumieri)
7" Vlamingi Tang
4" Orange Shoulder Tang
5" Powder Blue Tang
7" Desjardini Sailfin Tang
Two 3" Yellow Tangs
3" Scopas Tang
Mated pair of Maroon Clowns
<Though a large tank, this is alot of livestock, would you be willing to part either the larger vlamingii or another Acanthurus or two?>  
The Sohal in question is 5".
<A little larger than I would like to see.>
  Thanks.
<Of course, Adam J.>

Mixing a Regal Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) and Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) in an Aquarium of Unknown Size.   2/12/07
<Greetings!>
Can I keep a regal tang with a yellow tang and a bi-color angel and a few damsels?  
<If your tank is as big as the ocean.  You would need a large tank to happily house these two fish.  By large I mean at least 135 gallons in which both fish are introduced at the same time if you want to avoid problems and even then you are at risk.  I would not recommend it.  
Hope that helps.  -Mich>  

Stocking Tangs   1/14/07
Hello Bob and Crew,
<Hello Bret, Mich here.>
The fish gods (and more importantly my wife) have smiled upon me and I am about to be the recipient of a 210G RR aquarium.  
<Lucky you!>
It will be several months before the system can be ready for fish, but I'm excited to start researching.  
<Most excellent!>
The current inhabitants of my 135 will be going in, along with
some larger fish that I have never really been able to consider keeping for the last 20 or so years I've been in the hobby.  I won't buy fish that will outgrow my aquarium because it is not likely I'll upgrade anytime soon, if ever.  
<Wonderful to hear this forethought.>
So with that in mind, here's what I am thinking.
My 135 is home to a pair of ocellaris clowns (the first salt-water fish I ever bought, about 6 years ago), a couple of small wrasses and a yellow tang.  
<Very nice that your first fish are still with you!>
I am considering adding to these fish a Purple Tang, a Powder Blue, and a Navarchus Angel.  My question is how to stock the tank.  I know the two Zebrasomas can be tricky, so I figured they should go in at the same time, or possibly the purple a few days earlier, since the yellow is only being moved about 40 feet.  
<No, Zebrasoma xanthurum is the most belligerent member of the species and should be the last fish introduced.>
I have heard different ideas on when a powder blue should go in, some say last as they are aggressive, some say first due to their fragile and disease prone nature.  
<You are planning on QT these fish correct?>   
Lastly, the navarchus is obviously a delicate specimen as well, and I'd like to add him first, but I'd like to have the tank running for at least a few months prior to introducing him.  
<Wise.>
Can this combination work?  I know nothing is certain in our hobby, but it seems like it should be achievable with proper planning.  Let me know what you think, I certainly hope I can find a way to keep more than one tang happy in my new aquarium.
<I think it can in your large system, but it's always good to have a backup plan.>
Thanks,
<Welcome!  -Mich>
Bret

... Tang sys?  12/15/06
Hello again Mich,
<Hi there Tom!>
Sorry to bug you again so soon.
<No apologies!  The pleasure is mine!>
I just had a thought that had to do with one of my previous questions, the one about what size tank I would need to happily house a Hippo Tang.
<OK>
You said that it would be good in a 100G tank because the need space to swim correct?
<Yes>
My question is, if I eventually got a 100G tank would I be able to house more than 1 tang in it?
<Possibly.  There is always the potential for problems when housing more than one species of surgeonfish.  Tangs can be particularly aggressive towards each other.  I'm not saying it can't or hasn't been done, but there is always a risk involved.>  
My thought is that they would both have space to swim, and there <their> own territory. Do I have the right idea?
<Mmmm, not really.  In general, tangs need room to swim and they get big, some can get really big.  The issue would more likely be the aggressive behavior typified by this fish towards other members of it's own family.>  
Thanks.
<You are most welcome! -Mich>
Tom
P.S. I did the humorous reading that you recommended to me about vodka in the aquarium. That was too cool. I wonder how someone would think that up.
<I thought you might be amused!  I'm thinking heinous party foul!  In actually, there is some quasi-scientific thinking involved.>
Tang compatibility   12/15/06
We have been reading about tang compatibility on your web site (wonderful site), but we are unsure if we have a problem in the making.  Our current tank is a 95 gallon with 100 pounds of live rock.  Inhabitants include 1- 3 inch yellow tang, 1- 5 inch Naso tang,
<Mmm, needs more room... at least a six foot "run", length system... now... and possibly much larger later>
2 sebae clowns, numerous invertebrates, and several corals (hammer, frogspawn, mushroom, bubble, assorted zoos, and a torch).  The yellow tang and the clowns were the first fish in the tank about four months ago.  The Naso tang was added about 2 months ago.  We watched with baited breath and a net in hand when the Naso was introduced, but all went well.  The yellow tang showed aggression with body language for several hours, but made no actual strikes or stabs.  Now, the two appear to be the "best of friends."  They always swim together and show no aggression to our inexperienced eyes.  They are both quite friendly and social and even eat out of our hands on occasion.
<Very nice>
   My first question is how likely is this to last?
<Highly likely... now, adding another Acanthurid might well be trouble...>
Are they likely to start showing aggression toward each other as they get older?
<Mmm, no>
  My second question is what size tank do you propose for these fish assuming all continue to live and thrive?  We know the 90 is too small for 2 tangs so we have started planning the upgrade.
<Ahh!>
  The only other fish we plan to add after the upgrade is a mandarin (with appropriate refugium for pods) and a small school of blue green Chromis.  Also, do you have an estimate of how soon an upgrade would be needed?
<Yes... really needs, would appreciate that six foot length to swim about... Perhaps a stock "180"... even an eight footer... a stock 240... of either 24 or 30 inch height... perhaps a custom job... Time to start measuring the living space... perhaps making cardboard cut-outs of the proposed sizes (one of my fave approaches)>
i.e.:  how fast might our Naso grow!?  Thank you for your time and assistance!  Michele
<Can grow quite quickly (an inch every few months) when fed well, given room... Bob Fenner>

Adding Tangs   9/5/06
Hello Crew,
    I have spent hours reading/enjoying your site. However, since everyone's tank is different, I still felt I needed a specific answer. I have a 125 G FOWLR, with  plans to slowly turn to reef. My current inhabitants are: 3 med. Bannerfish, 1 royal Gramma, 2 small true perculas, 1 purple lobster,
<Keep your eye on this predator>
and 6 small hermits. I would like to add 2 yellow tangs and 1 hippo tang. Is this realistic for my tank size and compatibility with the others?
Thank You
Karl
<Mmm, maybe one Yellow Tang (first) and then the Hippo... All would be happier/healthier with more room. Bob Fenner>

Mimic eibli tang   Acanthurus tristis   8/29/06
I am interested in purchasing a mimic eibli tang.
<And I just saw one of these at Jenkinson's Aquarium here in NJ>
  As they get older do they change their coloration to more of brownish, yellowish color or do they keep their juvenile coloration which is that of the eibli angel?
<Mostly the latter>
If so, is it better to get a smaller one since it will probably take years to lose their juvenile coloration?
<Have only seen ones of 3-4 inches ever offered in the trade.>
  Would they get along with other tangs of different shape and species?
<Mmm, should if not "too crowded">
Thanks,
Alan
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

-Adding Tangs?  8/28/06
Hello, all.
<Evening>
I have kinda a long story. I used to have two saltwater tanks, each with it's own tang-a sailfin and a yellow. They were both about the same size. I upgraded the two into one larger one-150 gallons. I added the tangs at the same time, and watched them to see if one would need to be removed. To my surprise, they got along great. They swam together like old buddies all over the tank. Sometimes I would see them waving their tails at each other, but it seemed to me like very minor tiffs or just play fighting. (I've seen the yellow actually attack and kill another fish, so I know what that looks like.)
<Tis a tad small for them long term, but glad to hear they were doing well>
However, I just moved, and through my own stupidity, I lost several fish (I was lucky not to lose all of them) including the sailfin tang. The tank has now been set up for a week, and the yellow tang is really sketchy-very shy, always hiding in the rocks and not coming out much. It seems to me like he misses his friend. (and he's probably weirded out about the rocks all in different places.) Anyways, I was wondering if I should get him a new friend. I know tangs usually like to fight with each other, but if I get one right now, and of the same size and general shape, do you think they would be okay together? Or was my pairing a one in a million chance? I was thinking of either another sailfin, a purple tang, a blue tang or a powder blur tang. (Although I know the last two have disease issues.)
Thanks for the input!!
<I would follow what has worked in the past.  If a sailfin worked well before, it has less of a chance of fighting with the yellow due to the yellow's attitude.  That being said, your new tang might bully the old, so do watch out.  Your correct in your assumptions for the hiding probably, you did not mention how recent the move was, so I would check all the parameters closely.>
<Justin>

Tang Compatibility   8/4/06
Dear WWM Crew,
<KB>
I have been reading your site for some time now, been through a lot of FAQ's, Forums, and posts to be a little confused about tang compatibility. It seems
sometimes you cannot keep more than one tang, such as the yellow tang, to a tank.
<Yes, more so than not.>
Other times I have read you should keep an odd number, example keeping 3 together with one dominant, or even three together of the same size so
there is not a dominant tang.
<Not true, there will always be a dominant tang in the group.  Been down that road, believe me.>
I'm not sure if I have misinterpreted anything. Does this really relate to the size of the tank? If so how much space doe each tang need?
<Space does help the compatibility issue.  Larger tanks, 180 and up generally allow one to keep a couple of tangs of a different genus.  The genus Paracanthurus
(Regal Tang, example), and zebrasoma (Sailfin, Yellow, Purple Tang) generally get along in large systems if acclimated at the same time.>
My second question is can I keep one yellow, one purple, and one brown tang together being all from the Zebrasoma family in the same tank, or more than
one together, say 3 of each?  Again does this come down to the size of the tank ?
<Would not recommend this, has been done, but more failures than accomplishments. Large systems, 220 and up, may reduce aggressive behavior in this regard.
If you have not, do read FAQ's (three parts) on tang compatibility.  Learn what others have experienced.  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tangcompfaqs.htm>
Your site is awesome !!!! I love reading it!
<Please do a spelling/grammar/cap check in future queries, and thank you for the kind words.  James (Salty Dog)>
Awaiting your reply
KB (from the land down under)
<Adelaide perhaps?>

Non-Calcareous Tang "Safe" Seaweed - 07/29/06
Hi gang,
<<Hello Chuck...EricR here>>
I wrote back some months ago describing a problem in my  'display' macro tank. . . Which Dr. Bob correctly diagnosed as 'blue green algae' (despite its reddish/hairy appearance).
<<Mmm, yes...comes in a myriad of colors>>
His prognosis was accurate -- albeit somewhat discouraging -- that I was unlikely to be able to eliminate this troublesome nuisance, since it tends to bend systems to its own design.
<<Pretty smart fella, that Bobster>>
After several years of way-too-much maintenance, I finally/reluctantly reduced the tank to a large field of red seaweed (Gracilaria morph? Not sure. Looks like 'fire' -- but in opaque strands which form clumpy 'bunches' rather than the
translucent 'Halymenia' I used to have) along one side. . . separated by a large, open field of white aragonite from an enormous cream-colored double Rasta (slightly larger than a football, and host to a pair of true percs) on the other side.  The happy end result?  The simple fire-and-ice look of the overall tank (a 60 gallon) now gets compliments. . . whereas my previous
efforts at maintaining a seaweed 'zoo' looked pretty darn bad.  The second bit of good news was some Sargassum (hystrix?) <<one possibility>> which I'd cultivated in the system that got overrun was transferred to my main reef. . . where my glutonous yellow tang and purple tang were good about 'scrubbing’ off the troublesome blue green algae (something they seem happy to consume in small amounts). . . and after a few test-nibbles of leaves and stalks, are leaving the new crop of butterscotch-colored leaves to grow without disturbing them.  I realize this isn't a plant that is commonly available (I got mine from a hobbyist for a few bucks on E-bay), but for a guy who thinks the idea of seaweed in a reef tank is cool, and still loves tangs, this is a real plus.
<<Yes, so it seems>>
I keep mine anchored to several bits of live rock and down on the
substrate, to minimize interference with my corals. It's a long way from the lights (about 25 inches down from my just-PC's lighting) but is growing just fine.  Sorry for the uncertainty with respect to names. . . but most of the LFS labels run along the lines of 'red kelp. . . or 'green macro'.
<<Indeed>>
Chuck
<<Thank you for sharing.  EricR>>

Tangs Tangs Tangs - How many per tank?   7/12/06
Hi there WWM again,
<Hello Angela
Okay after I last spoke to you my puffer is now doing great (after inflating himself daily for a week he got ich, has now gotten rid of it so this was obviously the problem as he is fine now) the Maroon Clown and Neon Velvet Damsel (previously they had nipped fins) are doing great also - no white spot.
<Good to hear.> <<Is still there... just sub-clinical in expression... Like Arnie Schwarzneneggar, it'll be baaaaaaack. RMF>>
On to my real question, I have been cycling a 180 US gal tank for about 2 weeks now, Deltec skimmer & Aquamedic pump in the sump, Tunze power head have been assured that I am purchasing the best equipment for my tank, 3 MH & 2 blue T5's, basically what I want to know is if the fish I want to purchase can all live in this tank, how many tangs can I have and which order to add them in.  I looked in all the FAQ's and found loads on Regal Tangs but not much on other tangs in relation to how many? what order?  I am proposing to move the Porcupine Puffer, Maroon Clown and Damsel over next week (Ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate - 0, PH 8.2, loads of live rock and corals) I then want to add (in this order) 2 Yellow Tangs,
<Better to only one of each type to minimize aggression.>
2 inches each (they come together from LFS), Yellow Tailed Purple Tang 5 inches, Cleaner Wrasse, Queen Angel or other potentially large Angelfish
<In looking at your lighting set-up, I'm thinking you are going to be keeping corals.  If so, the Queen Angel and/or similar are not reef compatible.>
and a Powder Blue Tang (med size).
<This fish is very prone to ich.  If your experience level is low, I'd stay away from the Power Blue.>
Okay the answer I am expecting from you is OMG, are you nuts as there is no way I am going to have selected my favourite fish and its going to be as easy as 'yes, no problem Angela, they will all live in harmony with one another' I wish lol.
<When adding tangs, do add all at the same time.>
Other question, if the above number of tangs is totally unacceptable,
<Your selection sounds OK>
my partner likes a Nigger Trigger in the LFS (personally I think he's gross) anyway, he has already killed 4 fish that the Fishman has told us about and I think he is a liability and a huge risk on the fish I already have and I am very attached to.  Do you think if this fish was last in it would be ok?
<With the fish you are choosing, I'd stay away from any triggerfish, just don't fit in.>
or the next fish we should get?  
<Your fish choice will be your choosing.  Do research before buying as to compatibility, needs, etc.>
If the Queen Angel is a definite 'no' can you suggest some other stunning Angels available in UK?
<Angela, I have no idea what is available in the UK.  Pygmy Angels are generally well behaved in a community system.>
Am I maxed out at 9 fish in this size of tank or is even 9 too many?
<All depends on the size they will attain, another research item.  I would safely say 36 inches of total fish length would be fine in your tank.>
I have snails, hermits and a Boxer Shrimp as the clean up crew.  I also considered a clam, gentleman at Fish store has advised 'do so at own risk' as far as Puffer goes, what do you think?
<Forget the clam.>   I  was also keen on a Sea Hare, I know that they ink for defense but are they too a no no with the Puffer?
<Require a very good chemical filter in the event the dye is released, before it can lead to problems.  They also graze on Caulerpa and other algae types.
If you cannot provide this, I'd stay away from the Sea Hare.
I think that's quite enough questions for now, please try to answer as many as possible - many thanks for all your help and keep up the good advice.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Angela, Scotland UK.