Adding a purple tang?

[Ellie_A]

I have a 75 gallon tank with a lot of open swimming space and am considering adding a purple tang but I want to get some opinions before I do so.

I currently have a dwarf zebra lionfish (eating frozen), a small foxface (3"), 2 bangaii cardinals and a blue jaw triggerfish. In the future I will likely add a clownfish of some kind and a mandarin.

I have read that purples can be quite aggressive. Does anyone see potential issues with this plan? Also, I know that tangs in general are quite active although I think I have enough swimming space for him.

Thanks guys!
Ellie

[whatcaneyedo]

Mine has generally only been aggressive towards my snowflake eel and fish that have been introduced after it.

I'd recommend a larger tank.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-01/fish/index.php

[Slick Fork]

I have a purple in a 110 (48x24x22) with lots of open swimming room. I now feel that it is too small for him. I would not recommend any tang for shorter than a 60" tank. Swimming around a small rock island in a 3 or 4 foot tank just doesn't seem to be the same thing as getting to "stretch out" in a bigger tank.

There's a big difference between keeping something alive and keeping it happy!

[Slick Fork]

Also, mine is quite aggressive as well

[fishoholic]

Purple tangs are much to aggressive for such a small tank. They should be kept in six foot long tanks: 180g's to 230g and up.

[naesco]

I agree with all the comments. Your tank is too small for a purple tang.

[Ellie_A]

Thanks guys! I won't be getting one and will now have to think of a new centre piece fish!

Honestly, I appreciate the recommendations.

Ellie

[naesco]

Good decision and thanks for asking before you buy.

[Myka]

I have also been trying to decide on a centerpiece fish.

Originally Posted by naesco

Good decision and thanks for asking before you buy.

Agreed.

[Powertec]

I have a standard 90 gallon and i have had my purple tang for 2 years no problem.