Yellow Tang

[rutz15]

I have a 55 gallon tank and i really love yellow tangs and since its one of the smallest tangs i was wondering i i could put one of them in there my tank is 4 feet long......let me know what you think
Thanks
Rutz

 

[dexter]

yes/no - it is ultimately up to you, however, the tang species really needs 6 feet to be healthy and have adequate swimming room. If you are planning an up grade in the future then no problem. Good filtration will defiantely help and watch your bio load if you do put a YT in your 55 gallon.

there are several members that have kept/are keeping a YT in 55 gallons for years.

dxtr

 

[rutz15]

would there be any other tang that i would be able to keep in there if i didnt keep a YT in there?

 

[dexter]

the Yellow tang is probably the best candidate for a 55 gallon as it seems to be the hgsardiest of the tang species. Others on these boards should be able to assist, however, I am sure the Tang Police will be out

dxtr

 

[nereef]

a kole tang would be another option for a 55. they don't seem to be quite as active of swimmers. keep in mind that even though it can be done, th odds aren't in your favor.

 

[captneil]

We have a Kole Tang in a 55 gal. He is a VERY active swimmer and would thrash. So, we blacked out the sides of the tank, put in a grounding probe and purchased 2 cleaner shrimp which he visits frequently. There is no more thrashing or agitation. Cutest thing with some personality.

 

[grilai]

I just transferred my YT from a 55 to an 80 gallons tank; he was in the 55 for almost 4 years. I guess it depends in size; mine now is 4".

 

[alyssia]

I have heard many times that the kole is the only acceptable tang for a 55. I have one in my 75 and he is really cute, has more personality than anything in my tank.

 

[captneil]

That is good to hear. I have read on here so many people asking for suggestions for stocking and they say.....anything but a Kole!

 

[nm reef]

I've never heard "anything but a kole"...maybe I've missed that memo.
Personally I think a yellow or a kole could work in a 55 if the bio-load is small and the system is properly established.

 

[captneil]

I meant that it seems like many don't like the kole tang for whatever reason

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by CaptNeil
I meant that it seems like many don't like the kole tang for whatever reason

I love my kole. He is very docile, and VERY cute.

 

[captneil]

Yup! Same here!!!

 

[saltfan]

Originally Posted by alyssia
I love my kole. He is very docile, and VERY cute.
I've never been able to keep one alive for more than a week. And I have a Sailfin, YT, and a Scopus. Them Koles are hard to keep if you ask me. But anyways, anyone ever think that maybe a Convict Tang could be kept in a 55g? They don't get very big, just like the YT.