fishfreak1242
Active Member
I really want a tang. Right now I have a 55 gal FOWLR and I was wondering if there was ANY way that I could keep a tang in my tank. Also wanted to know which tangs would do best in a 55. Thanks.
Tangs in a 55
- Thread starter fishfreak1242
- Start date
spanko
Active Member
1. Tangs are not good choices for newly set up aquaria. To thrive they need a stable environment with pristine water conditions. Anyone thinking their newly set up aquarium is stable is invited to read through the following thread:
Maturity Issues
2. Tangs are medium to large, active fish that need plenty of space. On the question of tank sizes, we defer to Scott W. Michael, who recommends the following minimum sizes in Marine Fishes, 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species, Microcosm Ltd., 1999:
1. Acanthurus achilles, Achilles Surgeonfish, 100 gal (380l).
2. Acanthurus coeruleus, Atlantic Blue Tang, 75 gal (285l).
3. Acanthurus japonicus, Powder Brown Tang, 75 gal (285l).
4. Acanthurus leucosternon, Powder Blue Tang, 100 gal (380l).
5. Acanthurus lineatus, Lined or Clown Surgeonfish, 180 gal (680l).
6. Acanthurus nigricans, Whitecheek Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
7. Acanthurus olivaceus, Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish, 135 gal (510l).
8. Acanthurus pyroferus, Mimic Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
9. Acanthurus sohal, Sohal Surgeonfish, 180 gal (680l).
10. Acanthurus tristegus, Convict Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
11. Acanthurus tristis, Indian Mimic Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
12. Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis, Chevron Tang, 100 gal (380l).
13. Ctenochaetus strigosus, Kole's Tang, 75 gal (285l).
14. Naso brevirostris, Spotted Unicornfish, 180 gal (685l).
15. Naso lituratus, Orangespine Unicornfish or Naso Tang, 135 gal (510l).
16. Naso unicornis, Bluespine Unicornfish, 200 gal (760l).
17. Paracanthurus hepatus, Pacific Blue Tang, 100 gal (380l).
18. Zebrasoma desjardinii, Indian Ocean or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, 135 gal (510l).
19. Zebrasoma flavescens, Yellow Tang, 75 gal (285l).
20. Zebrasoma scopas, Brown Tang, 75 gal (285l).
21. Zebrasoma veliferum, Sailfin Tang, 135 gal (510l).
22. Zebrasoma xanthurum, Purple Tang, 100 gal (380l).
You will note that none of these minimum sizes are less than 75 gallons. If you have a tang in a smaller tank, you should expect that some people will give you a hard time about it.
Maturity Issues
2. Tangs are medium to large, active fish that need plenty of space. On the question of tank sizes, we defer to Scott W. Michael, who recommends the following minimum sizes in Marine Fishes, 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species, Microcosm Ltd., 1999:
1. Acanthurus achilles, Achilles Surgeonfish, 100 gal (380l).
2. Acanthurus coeruleus, Atlantic Blue Tang, 75 gal (285l).
3. Acanthurus japonicus, Powder Brown Tang, 75 gal (285l).
4. Acanthurus leucosternon, Powder Blue Tang, 100 gal (380l).
5. Acanthurus lineatus, Lined or Clown Surgeonfish, 180 gal (680l).
6. Acanthurus nigricans, Whitecheek Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
7. Acanthurus olivaceus, Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish, 135 gal (510l).
8. Acanthurus pyroferus, Mimic Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
9. Acanthurus sohal, Sohal Surgeonfish, 180 gal (680l).
10. Acanthurus tristegus, Convict Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
11. Acanthurus tristis, Indian Mimic Surgeonfish, 75 gal (285l).
12. Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis, Chevron Tang, 100 gal (380l).
13. Ctenochaetus strigosus, Kole's Tang, 75 gal (285l).
14. Naso brevirostris, Spotted Unicornfish, 180 gal (685l).
15. Naso lituratus, Orangespine Unicornfish or Naso Tang, 135 gal (510l).
16. Naso unicornis, Bluespine Unicornfish, 200 gal (760l).
17. Paracanthurus hepatus, Pacific Blue Tang, 100 gal (380l).
18. Zebrasoma desjardinii, Indian Ocean or Red Sea Sailfin Tang, 135 gal (510l).
19. Zebrasoma flavescens, Yellow Tang, 75 gal (285l).
20. Zebrasoma scopas, Brown Tang, 75 gal (285l).
21. Zebrasoma veliferum, Sailfin Tang, 135 gal (510l).
22. Zebrasoma xanthurum, Purple Tang, 100 gal (380l).
You will note that none of these minimum sizes are less than 75 gallons. If you have a tang in a smaller tank, you should expect that some people will give you a hard time about it.
danieljames
Member
Oh god here we go....
ci11337
Active Member
I don't understand why people with smaller tanks, (myself included) don't just stick to smaller fish that naturally don't need a ton of space. (fairy/flasher wrasses, clowns, cardinals, gobies, etc.) I know everyone wants a big colorful, active fish, but they simply do better in bigger tanks. I recently read a acrticle that said that a 10in long fish is biologically equivalent to 10,000 1in fish. (10 x as long,tall,and wide) and no one would put 10,000 1in fish in a 55. big fish, especially active ones, are best left to those with 125's or bigger.
justilorah
Member
the 75 i looked at is just a little taller then my 55.. and my dad has been into swf for years and had a yellow tang in his 55 for 2 years with no problems... he has since gone to a bigger tank 150
tarball
Member
Originally Posted by fishfreak1242
http:///forum/post/2516383
I really want a tang. Right now I have a 55 gal FOWLR and I was wondering if there was ANY way that I could keep a tang in my tank. Also wanted to know which tangs would do best in a 55. Thanks.
I have a sailfin in a 55g, I bought the fish very young. Sailfin seems very happy & it covers every inch of the tank while swimming around.
One thing to remember, sailfins & butterflies can not be kept together in a 55g tank. Its too small, the sailfin will not leave them alone.
http:///forum/post/2516383
I really want a tang. Right now I have a 55 gal FOWLR and I was wondering if there was ANY way that I could keep a tang in my tank. Also wanted to know which tangs would do best in a 55. Thanks.
I have a sailfin in a 55g, I bought the fish very young. Sailfin seems very happy & it covers every inch of the tank while swimming around.
One thing to remember, sailfins & butterflies can not be kept together in a 55g tank. Its too small, the sailfin will not leave them alone.
danieljames
Member
I have a yellow tang in a 40 gallon tank...granted it's no larger than 2 inches....but I also am fully aware that in no time at all...he will have to move to a bigger tank....In essence, my yellow tang will be the driving cause for me to drain my bank account and take the hobby to the next level with a 90 or 125!
I think this is a dumb argument. I know it's been statistically proven blah blah blah and I definately do not disagree after watching this guy that they belong in bigger tanks, but the thought that a fish can tell the difference between a foot of swimming room is obsurd...the argument that a yellow tang will be fine in a 6ft tank but not a 5ft tank honestly makes me wonder....
If this is the case....then wouldn't a 1-2 inch tang in a 55 gallon tank.....have equal swimming room as a 6-7 inch tang in a 90 or 125?
Think about how big snow drifts appeared as a little kid, or how long car rides seemed, how much bigger your room used to look....etc it's basic physics/logic....Obviously a 1-2 inch tang in a 125 would be ideal...but you get my drift...
I read statistics and research on the net that claimed tangs do not possess a hormone that stunts growth at any part of their life....this means that tangs continue to grow from the day their born till the day they die...(I blieve someone on here has posted about this)
So...if this theory is true....wouldn't that mean eventually....your healthy happy tang will eventually become stressed in your tank no matter what the size? And furthermore...wouldnt that make us ALL cruel to some degree?
The sad reality here....is that pulling a fish out of it's natural environment and putting them in ANY size tank is never going to make them "happy" but I will agree the more swimming room the better....Would I let this prohibit you from getting this fish? No...I would just keep it abundantly clear in the back of your mind that you WILL get attached to this fish...and you WILL want/have to upgrade your tank....I knew it the day I purchased him...
Yellow tangs are amazing, their bold, active, and out for you to observe ALL THE TIME...and i will always own one no matter what size the tank....(well not ANY sized tank)
My advice would be to 1. Make arrangements prior to purchase for someone with a larger tank to adopt when it outgrows yours....2. Make sure you will have the money/desire to get a bigger tank down the line....3. Buy the Y.T. as small as possible....Just don't be cruel and/or stupid and think your gonna toss this one or trade it when it get's too big...
After my experience with a blue hippo.....I definately have to say I would advise against those....it's amazing how fast they grow and how fast they dart around the tank....For some reason I feel yellow tangs.....personality wise are better....and with the amount of them circulating in the LFS 10-20 gallon quarantine tanks for display...it's hard to resist the urge or providing them with at least a somewhat better home...
In a nutshell....get it if it makes you happy....but be responsible, don't be cruel....and plan for the future! Good luck!
I think this is a dumb argument. I know it's been statistically proven blah blah blah and I definately do not disagree after watching this guy that they belong in bigger tanks, but the thought that a fish can tell the difference between a foot of swimming room is obsurd...the argument that a yellow tang will be fine in a 6ft tank but not a 5ft tank honestly makes me wonder....
If this is the case....then wouldn't a 1-2 inch tang in a 55 gallon tank.....have equal swimming room as a 6-7 inch tang in a 90 or 125?
Think about how big snow drifts appeared as a little kid, or how long car rides seemed, how much bigger your room used to look....etc it's basic physics/logic....Obviously a 1-2 inch tang in a 125 would be ideal...but you get my drift...
I read statistics and research on the net that claimed tangs do not possess a hormone that stunts growth at any part of their life....this means that tangs continue to grow from the day their born till the day they die...(I blieve someone on here has posted about this)
So...if this theory is true....wouldn't that mean eventually....your healthy happy tang will eventually become stressed in your tank no matter what the size? And furthermore...wouldnt that make us ALL cruel to some degree?
The sad reality here....is that pulling a fish out of it's natural environment and putting them in ANY size tank is never going to make them "happy" but I will agree the more swimming room the better....Would I let this prohibit you from getting this fish? No...I would just keep it abundantly clear in the back of your mind that you WILL get attached to this fish...and you WILL want/have to upgrade your tank....I knew it the day I purchased him...
Yellow tangs are amazing, their bold, active, and out for you to observe ALL THE TIME...and i will always own one no matter what size the tank....(well not ANY sized tank)
My advice would be to 1. Make arrangements prior to purchase for someone with a larger tank to adopt when it outgrows yours....2. Make sure you will have the money/desire to get a bigger tank down the line....3. Buy the Y.T. as small as possible....Just don't be cruel and/or stupid and think your gonna toss this one or trade it when it get's too big...
After my experience with a blue hippo.....I definately have to say I would advise against those....it's amazing how fast they grow and how fast they dart around the tank....For some reason I feel yellow tangs.....personality wise are better....and with the amount of them circulating in the LFS 10-20 gallon quarantine tanks for display...it's hard to resist the urge or providing them with at least a somewhat better home...
In a nutshell....get it if it makes you happy....but be responsible, don't be cruel....and plan for the future! Good luck!
johnnyd
Member
Originally Posted by DanielJameS
http:///forum/post/2516491
I have a yellow tang in a 40 gallon tank...granted it's no larger than 2 inches....but I also am fully aware that in no time at all...he will have to move to a bigger tank....In essence, my yellow tang will be the driving cause for me to drain my bank account and take the hobby to the next level with a 90 or 125!
I think this is a dumb argument. I know it's been statistically proven blah blah blah and I definately do not disagree after watching this guy that they belong in bigger tanks, but the thought that a fish can tell the difference between a foot of swimming room is obsurd...the argument that a yellow tang will be fine in a 6ft tank but not a 5ft tank honestly makes me wonder....
If this is the case....then wouldn't a 1-2 inch tang in a 55 gallon tank.....have equal swimming room as a 6-7 inch tang in a 90 or 125?
Think about how big snow drifts appeared as a little kid, or how long car rides seemed, how much bigger your room used to look....etc it's basic physics/logic....Obviously a 1-2 inch tang in a 125 would be ideal...but you get my drift...
I read statistics and research on the net that claimed tangs do not possess a hormone that stunts growth at any part of their life....this means that tangs continue to grow from the day their born till the day they die...(I blieve someone on here has posted about this)
So...if this theory is true....wouldn't that mean eventually....your healthy happy tang will eventually become stressed in your tank no matter what the size? And furthermore...wouldnt that make us ALL cruel to some degree?
The sad reality here....is that pulling a fish out of it's natural environment and putting them in ANY size tank is never going to make them "happy" but I will agree the more swimming room the better....Would I let this prohibit you from getting this fish? No...I would just keep it abundantly clear in the back of your mind that you WILL get attached to this fish...and you WILL want/have to upgrade your tank....I knew it the day I purchased him...
Yellow tangs are amazing, their bold, active, and out for you to observe ALL THE TIME...and i will always own one no matter what size the tank....(well not ANY sized tank)
My advice would be to 1. Make arrangements prior to purchase for someone with a larger tank to adopt when it outgrows yours....2. Make sure you will have the money/desire to get a bigger tank down the line....3. Buy the Y.T. as small as possible....Just don't be cruel and/or stupid and think your gonna toss this one or trade it when it get's too big...
After my experience with a blue hippo.....I definately have to say I would advise against those....it's amazing how fast they grow and how fast they dart around the tank....For some reason I feel yellow tangs.....personality wise are better....and with the amount of them circulating in the LFS 10-20 gallon quarantine tanks for display...it's hard to resist the urge or providing them with at least a somewhat better home...
In a nutshell....get it if it makes you happy....but be responsible, don't be cruel....and plan for the future! Good luck!
very true people put sharks, etc. in 100g tanks. i have seen yellow tanks in a 55g and live fine for a long time, people can argue this back in forth, but a bigger tank = bigger fish, end of story!
http:///forum/post/2516491
I have a yellow tang in a 40 gallon tank...granted it's no larger than 2 inches....but I also am fully aware that in no time at all...he will have to move to a bigger tank....In essence, my yellow tang will be the driving cause for me to drain my bank account and take the hobby to the next level with a 90 or 125!
I think this is a dumb argument. I know it's been statistically proven blah blah blah and I definately do not disagree after watching this guy that they belong in bigger tanks, but the thought that a fish can tell the difference between a foot of swimming room is obsurd...the argument that a yellow tang will be fine in a 6ft tank but not a 5ft tank honestly makes me wonder....
If this is the case....then wouldn't a 1-2 inch tang in a 55 gallon tank.....have equal swimming room as a 6-7 inch tang in a 90 or 125?
Think about how big snow drifts appeared as a little kid, or how long car rides seemed, how much bigger your room used to look....etc it's basic physics/logic....Obviously a 1-2 inch tang in a 125 would be ideal...but you get my drift...
I read statistics and research on the net that claimed tangs do not possess a hormone that stunts growth at any part of their life....this means that tangs continue to grow from the day their born till the day they die...(I blieve someone on here has posted about this)
So...if this theory is true....wouldn't that mean eventually....your healthy happy tang will eventually become stressed in your tank no matter what the size? And furthermore...wouldnt that make us ALL cruel to some degree?
The sad reality here....is that pulling a fish out of it's natural environment and putting them in ANY size tank is never going to make them "happy" but I will agree the more swimming room the better....Would I let this prohibit you from getting this fish? No...I would just keep it abundantly clear in the back of your mind that you WILL get attached to this fish...and you WILL want/have to upgrade your tank....I knew it the day I purchased him...
Yellow tangs are amazing, their bold, active, and out for you to observe ALL THE TIME...and i will always own one no matter what size the tank....(well not ANY sized tank)
My advice would be to 1. Make arrangements prior to purchase for someone with a larger tank to adopt when it outgrows yours....2. Make sure you will have the money/desire to get a bigger tank down the line....3. Buy the Y.T. as small as possible....Just don't be cruel and/or stupid and think your gonna toss this one or trade it when it get's too big...
After my experience with a blue hippo.....I definately have to say I would advise against those....it's amazing how fast they grow and how fast they dart around the tank....For some reason I feel yellow tangs.....personality wise are better....and with the amount of them circulating in the LFS 10-20 gallon quarantine tanks for display...it's hard to resist the urge or providing them with at least a somewhat better home...
In a nutshell....get it if it makes you happy....but be responsible, don't be cruel....and plan for the future! Good luck!
brandon7491
Member
heres the deal. You can put any fish in any sized tank if u really wanted too and if it dies in 1,2,3mths fine you can just get another one. Us reefers are also conservationists (i am not a liberal,enviornmental freak or anything) and we strive to keep the fish and coral we get to live long term for years and years not just a few months. Most people stress on not getting a tang unless you have a 6ft tank because odds are its gonna get ich and die in a year or 2. If we reefers strive for long term success than maybe the collecting from the reefs will go down and we can get nicer stuff and not have to worry about damaging the reefs. So yes ofcorse you can get a tang and put it in a 55. But odds are its gonna die,get ich,stress ect.. Though there are exceptions to this, some people have had tangs in 55 for years and years and they are fine,fat and happy. But those reefers are either really experienced or lucky. Personally i have a purple tang in a 75gallon and am planning on keeping him there until my next upgrade which is going to be a tank of 180gallons or more. Do what ever pleases you but just be cautious
crimzy
Active Member
Originally Posted by brandon7491
http:///forum/post/2516516
Us reefers are also conservationists (i am not a liberal,enviornmental freak or anything)
This may be a slight tangent but I wouldn't consider anybody with a saltwater tank a conservationist. We are not conserving the reefs or marine life through this hobby, we are helping to deplete it. As humans, we believe that the rest of the planet is here to be exhausted for our personal uses. We keep aquariums for selfish reasons, not conservationist ones. Let's accept responsibility for what we are doing and move on.
http:///forum/post/2516516
Us reefers are also conservationists (i am not a liberal,enviornmental freak or anything)
This may be a slight tangent but I wouldn't consider anybody with a saltwater tank a conservationist. We are not conserving the reefs or marine life through this hobby, we are helping to deplete it. As humans, we believe that the rest of the planet is here to be exhausted for our personal uses. We keep aquariums for selfish reasons, not conservationist ones. Let's accept responsibility for what we are doing and move on.
fishfreak1242
Active Member
Could I get a small yellow tang about 3/4-1" big when my tank get more mature then give it back to my LFS when it gets too big?
krazykarel
Member
Originally Posted by DanielJameS
http:///forum/post/2516491
I have a yellow tang in a 40 gallon tank...granted it's no larger than 2 inches....but I also am fully aware that in no time at all...he will have to move to a bigger tank....In essence, my yellow tang will be the driving cause for me to drain my bank account and take the hobby to the next level with a 90 or 125!
I think this is a dumb argument. I know it's been statistically proven blah blah blah and I definately do not disagree after watching this guy that they belong in bigger tanks, but the thought that a fish can tell the difference between a foot of swimming room is obsurd...the argument that a yellow tang will be fine in a 6ft tank but not a 5ft tank honestly makes me wonder....
If this is the case....then wouldn't a 1-2 inch tang in a 55 gallon tank.....have equal swimming room as a 6-7 inch tang in a 90 or 125?
Think about how big snow drifts appeared as a little kid, or how long car rides seemed, how much bigger your room used to look....etc it's basic physics/logic....Obviously a 1-2 inch tang in a 125 would be ideal...but you get my drift...
I read statistics and research on the net that claimed tangs do not possess a hormone that stunts growth at any part of their life....this means that tangs continue to grow from the day their born till the day they die...(I blieve someone on here has posted about this)
So...if this theory is true....wouldn't that mean eventually....your healthy happy tang will eventually become stressed in your tank no matter what the size? And furthermore...wouldnt that make us ALL cruel to some degree?
The sad reality here....is that pulling a fish out of it's natural environment and putting them in ANY size tank is never going to make them "happy" but I will agree the more swimming room the better....Would I let this prohibit you from getting this fish? No...I would just keep it abundantly clear in the back of your mind that you WILL get attached to this fish...and you WILL want/have to upgrade your tank....I knew it the day I purchased him...
Yellow tangs are amazing, their bold, active, and out for you to observe ALL THE TIME...and i will always own one no matter what size the tank....(well not ANY sized tank)
My advice would be to 1. Make arrangements prior to purchase for someone with a larger tank to adopt when it outgrows yours....2. Make sure you will have the money/desire to get a bigger tank down the line....3. Buy the Y.T. as small as possible....Just don't be cruel and/or stupid and think your gonna toss this one or trade it when it get's too big...
After my experience with a blue hippo.....I definately have to say I would advise against those....it's amazing how fast they grow and how fast they dart around the tank....For some reason I feel yellow tangs.....personality wise are better....and with the amount of them circulating in the LFS 10-20 gallon quarantine tanks for display...it's hard to resist the urge or providing them with at least a somewhat better home...
In a nutshell....get it if it makes you happy....but be responsible, don't be cruel....and plan for the future! Good luck!
I think he captured it well here. It's our hobby for our enjoyment. Take care of your fish well and give it a bigger home when it needs it.
http:///forum/post/2516491
I have a yellow tang in a 40 gallon tank...granted it's no larger than 2 inches....but I also am fully aware that in no time at all...he will have to move to a bigger tank....In essence, my yellow tang will be the driving cause for me to drain my bank account and take the hobby to the next level with a 90 or 125!
I think this is a dumb argument. I know it's been statistically proven blah blah blah and I definately do not disagree after watching this guy that they belong in bigger tanks, but the thought that a fish can tell the difference between a foot of swimming room is obsurd...the argument that a yellow tang will be fine in a 6ft tank but not a 5ft tank honestly makes me wonder....
If this is the case....then wouldn't a 1-2 inch tang in a 55 gallon tank.....have equal swimming room as a 6-7 inch tang in a 90 or 125?
Think about how big snow drifts appeared as a little kid, or how long car rides seemed, how much bigger your room used to look....etc it's basic physics/logic....Obviously a 1-2 inch tang in a 125 would be ideal...but you get my drift...
I read statistics and research on the net that claimed tangs do not possess a hormone that stunts growth at any part of their life....this means that tangs continue to grow from the day their born till the day they die...(I blieve someone on here has posted about this)
So...if this theory is true....wouldn't that mean eventually....your healthy happy tang will eventually become stressed in your tank no matter what the size? And furthermore...wouldnt that make us ALL cruel to some degree?
The sad reality here....is that pulling a fish out of it's natural environment and putting them in ANY size tank is never going to make them "happy" but I will agree the more swimming room the better....Would I let this prohibit you from getting this fish? No...I would just keep it abundantly clear in the back of your mind that you WILL get attached to this fish...and you WILL want/have to upgrade your tank....I knew it the day I purchased him...
Yellow tangs are amazing, their bold, active, and out for you to observe ALL THE TIME...and i will always own one no matter what size the tank....(well not ANY sized tank)
My advice would be to 1. Make arrangements prior to purchase for someone with a larger tank to adopt when it outgrows yours....2. Make sure you will have the money/desire to get a bigger tank down the line....3. Buy the Y.T. as small as possible....Just don't be cruel and/or stupid and think your gonna toss this one or trade it when it get's too big...
After my experience with a blue hippo.....I definately have to say I would advise against those....it's amazing how fast they grow and how fast they dart around the tank....For some reason I feel yellow tangs.....personality wise are better....and with the amount of them circulating in the LFS 10-20 gallon quarantine tanks for display...it's hard to resist the urge or providing them with at least a somewhat better home...
In a nutshell....get it if it makes you happy....but be responsible, don't be cruel....and plan for the future! Good luck!
I think he captured it well here. It's our hobby for our enjoyment. Take care of your fish well and give it a bigger home when it needs it.
krazykarel
Member
Originally Posted by fishfreak1242
http:///forum/post/2516538
Could I get a small yellow tang about 3/4-1" big when my tank get more mature then give it back to my LFS when it gets too big?
Again this is your prerogative as the hobbiest, but remember as it was mentioned before, you will probably become attached to your fish the longer you have it.
http:///forum/post/2516538
Could I get a small yellow tang about 3/4-1" big when my tank get more mature then give it back to my LFS when it gets too big?
Again this is your prerogative as the hobbiest, but remember as it was mentioned before, you will probably become attached to your fish the longer you have it.
wangotango
Active Member
There is nothing wrong with keeping a juvenile tang in a 55gal, but IMO (and that's all it is) they are not suited for that size tank as adults, any tang from any family. Reason; tangs are very active and larger so they need a lot of space. They also graze CONSTANTLY. An adult tang will easily clean all of the rock in a smaller tank. With all that food comes a lot of waste. If you're going to load up the tank with big-poopers you better hope your tank can sustain them.
Also keep in mind that smaller tangs (1" or so) usually have poor survival rates compared to slightly larger fish (2-3").
Personally I'm sick of the "they'd be better in the ocean" spiel. Of course they would, but there is a difference between just buying a pretty fish and actually taking care of it. I know it's a hobby, but if you restore old cars as a hobby, you wouldn't trash them right?
FYI: 55= 48x13x20, 75=48x18x20
-Justin
Also keep in mind that smaller tangs (1" or so) usually have poor survival rates compared to slightly larger fish (2-3").
Personally I'm sick of the "they'd be better in the ocean" spiel. Of course they would, but there is a difference between just buying a pretty fish and actually taking care of it. I know it's a hobby, but if you restore old cars as a hobby, you wouldn't trash them right?
FYI: 55= 48x13x20, 75=48x18x20
-Justin
spanko
Active Member
I threw my post up there because it is something I have saved over the year I have been reefing right from the start when I to wanted a tang in my 29 biocube. That being said I will tell you I have had a 1-1.5 in Scopas in there for 2 months and a Yellow same size in there for about 2 months. (not at the same tie of course) I did it because I thought that they would help to eat some of the dreaded Caulerpa in my tank. They did not and both went back to the LFS. I am now looking for a 1-1.5 inch foxface for the same reason. I will try this and if it does not work it will go back to the LFS. If it does work he will still go back to the LFS. I personally thing that you need to decide for yourself what you are going to put into your system and if you are educated in it's needs do the right thing before it becomes a problem. What I am saying is if you want a tang in your 55 get a small one and have an end time for it to be traded, given away, or moved to your upgraded tank if that is what you are going to do. I say do it, but do it with some knowledge and forethought.
justilorah
Member
i have a 3in yellow tang in my 55g for now, but i am having a 150 custom made and it will be done in 2 months plus the month or so to cycle the tank so he will only be in there 3 -4 months tops..
spanko
Active Member
Oh yeah I will throw this in too just from the experience of having them. The Scopas did not look happy in this tank. When I say that the observation that I base this on is that it would start at one end of the tank and go like a bat out of you know where to the other side and come to a screeching halt. It wanted to swim and could not. The yellow did not do that, it would swim around the tank calmly in and out of the rock work. I could tell that they both wanted the room to swim in though and the 29 did not give them enough.
danieljames
Member
Ditto on the above...theres some really good points being made here.....ALL fish tanks are for human enjoyment and also to learn more about the animals....in essence, no matter the size they are an experiment for humans to learn from and understand....I'm tired of the cruelty arguments.....If you are conservative....or care about depleting the world's natural coral reefs....don't buy a fish tank....PERIOD