Tang for 46g tank?

mikeyfishy

mikeyfishy

Member
Are there any tangs suitable for a 46g tank? Most I see need a much larger tank. Just wondering if there are any that do OK in a smaller tank and/or if I could get one that needs a larger tank as long as it is small? For example, could I get a yellow tang as long as it's a small specimen and then just move it up to a bigger tank after a few years when it outgrows the small one? Often certain fish are referred to as requiring a large tank when no one ever seems to say if that fish is OK in a small tank when it is very young/small.
Thanks,
Mike
 
browniebuck

browniebuck

Active Member
In general, the rule for tangs is a minimum of 6ft long tank (not a 46g). As you are saying, if you were to get a smaller specimen, you would think it would be OK in a smaller tank. The problem with tangs is that they grow VERY fast and they are VERY active swimmers. That being said, if you were to get a tang for your 46g, you would need to be ready to upgrade much sooner than you think.
Basically, if you are planning on upgrading to a larger tank in the future, it would be in the best interest of the fishy if you waited until you actually did upgrade before purchasing any tang. They may seem happy for a while, but can get stressed rather quickly and then you are in a pickle.
I learned my lesson with my Naso in my 55, it died
after only a month.
 
D

dragonzim

Active Member
Originally Posted by browniebuck
In general, the rule for tangs is a minimum of 6ft long tank (not a 46g). As you are saying, if you were to get a smaller specimen, you would think it would be OK in a smaller tank. The problem with tangs is that they grow VERY fast and they are VERY active swimmers. That being said, if you were to get a tang for your 46g, you would need to be ready to upgrade much sooner than you think.
Basically, if you are planning on upgrading to a larger tank in the future, it would be in the best interest of the fishy if you waited until you actually did upgrade before purchasing any tang. They may seem happy for a while, but can get stressed rather quickly and then you are in a pickle.
I learned my lesson with my Naso in my 55, it died
after only a month.

 
freaky's reef

freaky's reef

New Member
I have a yellow tang that was in a 46Bow for alittle over a year. and its doing great no problems.now I have a 90gal that is only 48" and he is still doing great.
 
browniebuck

browniebuck

Active Member
Originally Posted by Freaky's Reef
I have a yellow tang that was in a 46Bow for alittle over a year. and its doing great no problems.now I have a 90gal that is only 48" and he is still doing great.

Not impossible, but uncommon. How big is he now? When you got him?
Like I said, I learned my lesson (but darn it if I don't still love tangs!!!)
 
anubisxero

anubisxero

Member
I had a juvi orange shoulder for over a year in my 37g. She did just fine. Although I wouldn't recommend anyone get one for anything under at least a 75/90. But it can happen and work. She also only had two clowns for tankmates for that year. So it wasn't a full crowded tank. I just took her to my guy at the LFS so she'll find a larger home soon I hope. :)
 
S

sexyshrimp101

Guest
I am still very much a newbie myself, but from what I have read and also been told, is that no matter how big or small the Tang is, they will still need to be put in a 6' long tank. Even the small ones need the swimming room. Is this true, or was I misinformed???
 
promisetbg

promisetbg

Active Member
Originally Posted by sexyshrimp101
I am still very much a newbie myself, but from what I have read and also been told, is that no matter how big or small the Tang is, they will still need to be put in a 6' long tank. Even the small ones need the swimming room. Is this true, or was I misinformed???
True, but people insist on having them & doing what they want. As you see.
 
S

sexyshrimp101

Guest
I would loooove to get a Blue Hippo Tang, but I won't be getting a large enough tank, so I will have to wait until many years down the road when I get a house (darn apartment) and a bigger tank.
 
30-xtra high

30-xtra high

Active Member
Originally Posted by Anubisxero
I had a juvi orange shoulder for over a year in my 37g. She did just fine. Although I wouldn't recommend anyone get one for anything under at least a 75/90. But it can happen and work. She also only had two clowns for tankmates for that year. So it wasn't a full crowded tank. I just took her to my guy at the LFS so she'll find a larger home soon I hope. :)
no offense.. but if you wouldn't recomend it.. you probably shouldn't tell them about your story.. you're just giving out ideas that are bad, and alot of people weigh their thread.. and what i mean by that is, "well.. 4 people said yes, and 5 people said no, i guess i could probably do it?"
and smallest tang- kole tang, needs a 75 minimum, and you can't just pick out a small specimen.. all baby fish grow, you can't tell how big they get..
 
mikeyfishy

mikeyfishy

Member
Thanks. My favorite is the yellow tang due to the color. Can someone recommend a substitute: I want a bright yellow fish that can go in my 46.
Thanks
Mike
 
nicetry

nicetry

Active Member
Originally Posted by mikeyfishy
Thanks. My favorite is the yellow tang due to the color. Can someone recommend a substitute: I want a bright yellow fish that can go in my 46.
Thanks
Mike
Agree with the lemonpeel angel. A yellow assessor would be pretty. Midas blennies are also nice but a deeper golden color. Either would be fine in your system, and kudos for not getting a tang. The most succesful hobbyists are those who shoot for the optimum environbment and not the minimum requirements.
 
kevin34

kevin34

Active Member
I wouldnt try a tang in a 46g. At a juvi stage maybe but it will quickly get bigger and outgrow that tank in no time.
 
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