125g vs 135g - The Difference?

[Tightrope]

I read the "What Tang Can I Keep in My 30g" thread, which I found amazingly helpful. In it, it states that the minimum tank size for the Naso tang is 135g. I looked up the dimensions for a 135g tank, and found that it is 4" taller than a standard 125 gallon tank.

Now, I accept that I cannot keep a Naso tang in my 125g tank. He will not be happy without more swimming space and water stability. (This is really too bad, because oddly, I loathe all tangs but for the Naso, the Sohal, and the Sailfin, so it might have been nice.) But in order to educate myself, I'd like to know what the important difference between the two is.

Do those extra four inches matter greatly? Do those ten gallons really add to the water stability? I'll be the first to admit that I don' know nothin' 'bout nothin'. I like to know all I can, though.

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[ncny21802]

No the 10 gallons makes absolutly no difference. Naso Tangs can grow to 18 inches. 135 gallons isn't correct. I've studied all tangs for years and know that Naso tangs will not do well long term in a tank under 200 gallons. I know a guy who has a 7 foot long 225 and won't put a Naso in it even though I think that tank is big enough. I read through that thread and a lot of the info is misleading. A lot of people don't understand the long term needs of the cute little fish they buy at the fish store and end up with a dead fish or one that won't be happy and live a full life.

 

[Kiel'thalin]

It more depends on the aquascape. If you stack the liverock the same height in the 135 as you did in a 125, it will not make a major difference, since tangs usually will not venture too far above the rockwork. If you stack the rockwork up in the additional 4 inches, he probably will like it better. Does that make sense? It is more of swimming room thing.

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

I wouldn't put A Naso in my 8', 240

 

[Tightrope]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8283266#post8283266 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kiel'thalin
It more depends on the aquascape. If you stack the liverock the same height in the 135 as you did in a 125, it will not make a major difference, since tangs usually will not venture too far above the rockwork. If you stack the rockwork up in the additional 4 inches, he probably will like it better. Does that make sense? It is more of swimming room thing.

That makes perfect sense. And it was exactly what I was looking for, understanding-wise. I'm in a brave new saltwater world, and I want to learn everything!

Sounds like I wouldn't even be comfortable putting a Naso tang in my living room, if I filled it with water!

Thank you again!