Largest fish for 55 Gal.

[ishmael]

If you don't take into account other livestock in the tank (just for discussion's sake), what does everyone think a 55 can handle in terms of room for the fish. It seems this messageboard thinks even tangs are eventually going to be uncomfortable. Are there other large fish to consider? Discuss...

 

[twoods71]

Some tangs will work ok in a 55 and others will not.
IMO the yellow tang would be a ok choice for a 55 because it will grow to a max of around 7"
But on the other hand a naso tang would not be a good choice because it will grow to a max of around 18".

 

[ishmael]

How about a powder blue, hippo or purple?

 

[saltwatersensae]

I don't think a powder blue would b e a good idea. They are very prone to infections and parasites. They also might stress out in a tank of that size causing them to be even more prone to infections and parasites.
I wouldn't go with a purple tang either as they can get very aggressive in a 55 gallon tank. Truste me I know from first hand experience. Plus purples can get fairly large fairly quikly. Your best bet would to go with a yellow tang.

 

[dhe420]

In my humble opinion, the Kole tang is the ideal tang for a 50-60 gallon tank. I have one in my 58 sps tank and he is AWESOME. He cleans the sand bed all day, constantly eating detritus. You should definetly look into one. A great reef tank addition.

 

[hb]

What do you guys think about porcupine puffers or a fox face in a 55?

 

[ishmael]

A kole tang is one that I never even considered but I will now....I'm off to start to research.

 

[twoods71]

fox face and pork puffers both grow to about 12 inches max. That is pushing it for a 55. If it were me I would stay away from those fish.