A few Q's

[rara12]

Ok so at the LFS they have a quarter sized orange shoulder tang and a fat head anthia a little larger then a quarter. I currently have a ten gallon reef and a 55 cycling. I know tangs need larger tanks then a 55, and my father and i are constantly looking for a 150g + aquarium. But considering how small this tang and the anthia are, do you think one of them could work for about a month in my ten then for maybe 6-8 months in a 55? I dont really make a move with out this boards approval and the orange shoulder tang is on my father and i's list of fish we want for the big tank.
Thanks in advance

 

[farslayer]

Originally Posted by rara12
Ok so at the LFS they have a quarter sized orange shoulder tang and a fat head anthia a little larger then a quarter. I currently have a ten gallon reef and a 55 cycling. I know tangs need larger tanks then a 55, and my father and i are constantly looking for a 150g + aquarium. But considering how small this tang and the anthia are, do you think one of them could work for about a month in my ten then for maybe 6-8 months in a 55? I dont really make a move with out this boards approval and the orange shoulder tang is on my father and i's list of fish we want for the big tank.
Thanks in advance
Moving a fish is stressful enough; placing one in such a small environment is even worse. IMO, I would say don't do this. You'll always be able to buy these fish, even after you come across your big tank. Patience is key, I'd pass up on them, get the 150+ tank, then I'd load up on tangs

 

[srfisher17]

If you had a quarter for every user of this forum who had to learn about PATIENCE the hard way---you could buy the marine system of your dreams. And, hire someone to to the maintenance. (Although I actually enjoy it).

 

[rara12]

The only reason i wanted to start it in smaller tanks is its easier to find it. I would worry about putting a 1" fish in a 6' tank.

 

[farslayer]

That's a legitimate concern, but I honestly would not worry too much. In fact, you may opt to just wait and buy a larger specimen when you have a larger tank.

 

[rara12]

I honestly would prefer buying smaller ones as i can enjoy their juv. colors longer. That being said, is it doable?

 

[farslayer]

Smaller tangs generally have lower survival rates from my understanding. But as far as what you're wanting to do with the 10 gallon, I would say it is doable but not advisable.

 

[rara12]

ok, i will discuss with my padre and will work from there. Most likely will just get more coral

 

[farslayer]

More coral is always good

 

[rara12]

very true. Im looking into getting some LPS

 

[petjunkie]

Orangeshoulder tangs get huge, best in 180+ with lots of room to swim, keeping in that 10 would be very bad for it's health and small tangs sometimes fair poorly in captivity, you shouldn't be adding any tang to a 55 realy and even for grow out not a good plan unless the other tank is already set up as sometimes plans change. Also tangs need an established tank not a young one to do well.