Adding Tangs

[ted78]

Hi, I'm pretty new to Saltwater fish. Right now I have an established 55 Gallon, with four clowns in there. I have about 45 lbs of live rock, and sand as well. I'd like to get a tang or two, but notice most say minimum tank size of 75 gallons, and some even higher. When I went to my local store, they said should be ok in a 55Gal. Anyone have some advice on these type of fish? Thanks.
Ted

 

[watson3]

Originally Posted by ted78
Right now I have an established 55 Gallon, with four clowns in there.
I'd like to get a tang or two Anyone have some advice
Ted
Lose two of the clowns and forget the tang idea..Save yourself the trouble..

 

[dskrezyna]

I say no way but there will be people who will say it's fine (cringes)...some LFS will say anything to get your money regardless of the well-being of your tank.
FYI: Clowns are generally best kept in pairs because two clowns will pair and most likely kill the others. Also, do not keep more than one species of clown in the same tank.

 

[1journeyman]

Welcome to the boards Ted.
The above info is correct. Tangs need large swimming and browsing areas. Even at 75 gallons an Adult Tang will be crowded. Most of the "experts" suggest aquariums with 6 feet of swimming room for a Tang.
Clowns will eventually pair up and kill the other ones.

 

[sharkboy13]

no tang in less than a 125

 

[watson3]

Originally Posted by Sharkboy13
no tang in less than a 125
You really cannot say this either while arguing the six foot "rule"

 

[b0bby1]

i think u get yellow tang in there, but try and find the smallest one you can get.

 

[dskrezyna]

Great minds think alike!

 

[watson3]

THis is going nowhere fast

 

[dskrezyna]

Originally Posted by watson3
This is going nowhere fast
Tell me about it. I find myself biting my tongue in about every Tang thread I read.

 

[ophiura]

There are actually some good debates on such threads, but unfortunately there are always those that will say "no" with no explanation of why and that doesn't really get anywhere.
I agree that first and foremost, the LFS will say a lot, to get your money. There are horror stories of what they will say is fine.
Simply put, there is no tang that is suitable for the tank long term. Really all of them SHOULD outgrow the tank, without a doubt. If they have not, then something is wrong. It is suprising that many people will post and say they've done this, but not wonder why the fish hasn't outgrown the tank (either it has, and they don't see it, or it hasn't because it is not "fine").
I would suggest another type of fish for this tank size. Perhaps, for example, a lemonpeel angel if you like yellow tangs. It is a decent trade.

 

[ted78]

Hey everyone! WOW, I didn't think I'd get this many replies so quickly! This site seams to have a lot of hobbyists on here! I took all your posts, and decided to hold off on the tangs for now. I agree, the LFS will tell me anything. I've learned this the hard way. I'm just learning saltwater, so started out with the 55 to start, eventually would like to go 90 to 125 gallon. As far as the clowns, I guess I'll have to let nature take it's course with them.

Thanks again!
Ted

 

[dskrezyna]

If youve noticed any of the clowns pairing up, or not, I'd take two back. Of the two you leave in the tank, I'd make sure one is bigger than the other that way one will show more dominance and they have a better chance of mating up.
Perhaps the LFS will give you store credit and you can get a blenny, goby, or chromies?

 

[katiev]

When I first started my 10g tank, my LFS sold me a 1 1/2" Tomini tang...beautiful fish, and I wish I had been more experienced and knowledgeable at the time. Poor guy. He got ich after about a week, and was gone a few days later. The LFS guy said he was a "mini" tang of sorts, and would stay small enough for the tank. Grr.
Anyway, there are a lot of options for the 55 -- do tons of research and you'll end up with fish that suit the tank's size and your own taste. Good luck.

 

[compjtc]

A small angel like a coral beauty or a flame angel would probably be alright for your tank. You might also look at a firefish goby and a lawnmower blenny. Very cool fish and 55g friendly.