Yellow Tang

[naushon]

I have a yellow tang in a 10 gallon aquarium. I have the tank light on all evening and turn it out when i got to bed. when i get home from work and turn on the light, the tank is almost lying sideways at the bottom of the tank against the live rock. is this typical? as long as the light is on, the tang swims all the time. however, when i turn out the light for an extended period of time, the tang almost looks like its about to kick the bucket, but doesn't. its a continuous pattern. tang experts please advise.

 

[tnr]

I WOULD GUESS YOU NEED A LARGER TANK.A 10 GAL IS TO SMALL FOR A TANG.

 

[peasly1]

you need a bigger tank, pref.. a 75 or larger..try to get a timer or be more consistant about when lights go on and off

 

[naushon]

thanks for the reply by jwtrojan44. i was not aware that a tang needed a larger tank. the pet store owner did not instruct me that a tang needed so much space. infact, i have not read anything about a tang that it needed so much room. can you refer me to a web site where i can obtain more detailed info on care for tangs.

 

[bentrue]

this is a copy from the Burgess Atlas:
Yellow Tang:
Like most tangs and surgeons I am easy to recognize because of my oval body shape and bold markings. I am yellow, very Yellow. I am generally described as a browser, I enjoy eating algae that I find and any vegetarian treats you may give me. Some of my favorite snacks include; spirulina, zucchini, broccoli, leaf lettuce, and dried seaweed. My new home will also need to have plenty of room to swim around. A 75-gallon tank or larger should be adequate. You should be aware that I have the ability to be a very angry fish. I don't enjoy living with other Zebrasoma species or tangs in general. It would be best if I were the only tang in the tank unless appropriate room is provided for a second. If you want to try to breed my species, I am all for it, but you may have some problems. First, it is quite hard to visibly tell the difference between male and female tangs. It is also very difficult to rear the fry because they remain in the planktonic stage for months. The planktonic youth are in constant danger from the filters unless you are prepared.
Hope that helps, sorry for the length