FO Tank Question

[catman99]

I have been getting several varying opinions on the "qualifing" size tank to house fish. I am real new to the SW scene and need guidence. My LFS owner has bent over backwards (IMO) to help me get started.
I now have a 75 gallon reef with a Purple Tang, Maroon Clown, Yellow Watchman Goby, and a Starry Blennie. A very good cleaning crew and some coral.
I also now have a 125 gal (6') FO tank that houses a Yellow Tang, Blue Lined Toby Puffer, and a Juvenile Koran Angel.
Okay here is the question, I have two Blonde Naso Tangs coming in, one was suppose to be for each tank, I'm now thinking the 75 will be too small. Of course the LFS guys tells me he would do fine in there. Now these are replacement fish so it's not a sales thing.
I also would like to out a peaceful Trigger in the 125 (if there is such a thing)
Okay open for thoughts.
Thanks in advance for all input.

 

[sepulatian]

Welcome to the boards!!
The 75 is too small for the Naso tang, they grow 18 inches and need a 135 gallon tank. For a "peacefull" Trigger, the Niger is the most peacefull one. How long have you had the purple tang in the 75? He grows to 9.8 inches. How long have these systems been set up?

 

[nicetry]

A 75 is not suited to house a naso tang. IMO, neither is a 125 as the fish puts size on. Look at the blue jaw trigger for a nice community fish for your 125. They don't grow large and are decent citizens.

 

[sepulatian]

Look at the blue jaw trigger for a nice community fish for your 125. They don't grow large and are decent citizens.
Yep, they are very nice and they stay smaller 8 1/2 inches or so.

 

[catman99]

The Purple Tang has been in the tank for over one month. The tank is only two months old. The LFS guy said when he installed in he would have it cycled and ready to hold fish within two weeks. And, I suppose he did.
The Purple Tang is only about 4.5" inlcuding tail at this point. But he keeps telling me I can also house a Naso in there because they don't grow as large in captivity as in the wild (makes sense) but even if he gets 8-9" I don't think there would be adequate space.
The Niger Trigger could be a good choice.
So I am I to also understand that a Naso should not be housed in a 125 gal six foot long tank?

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Catman99
The Purple Tang has been in the tank for over one month. The tank is only two months old. The LFS guy said when he installed in he would have it cycled and ready to hold fish within two weeks. And, I suppose he did.
The Purple Tang is only about 4.5" inlcuding tail at this point. But he keeps telling me I can also house a Naso in there because they don't grow as large in captivity as in the wild (makes sense) but even if he gets 8-9" I don't think there would be adequate space.
The Niger Trigger could be a good choice.
So I am I to also understand that a Naso should not be housed in a 125 gal six foot long tank?
The Naso would be fine in a 125. They may not grow to the full 18", but they will certainly grow over 8-9" definately not suitible for the 75. IMO no tang should be introduced into ANY system that is under 8 months to a year old. New tanks have fluctuations, your rock won't have enough growth on it yet, it is just too new. I understand that you like your LFS guy, but you can not get a system "tang ready" in 2 weeks unless you are pulling everything out of a mature aquarium. Even then that is quick. Tangs need mature rock to graze on all day long. These systems are just too new.

 

[catman99]

The 125 was a store display that had been set up for 8-9 months or so. They are moving to a new location and put it up for sale. The tank has about 150Lbs of rock. Not sure how live it is anymore since it's being treated with coppersafe now for Ich. But I was told the LR could eventually make a come back once the treatment is over.
Any thoughts on that?

 

[reefboys]

As far as the Trigger issue goes, stick with the Niger. They don't get terribly big.

 

[nicetry]

Originally Posted by Reefboys
As far as the Trigger issue goes, stick with the Niger. They don't get terribly big.
I consider a 15 inch fish to be quite big.