sandwi54
New member
Great advice from Matt, although to be honest, the tank dimensions generated by the formula is a bit small than what I would like.
I would propose to modify the formula somewhat. Instead of this
- add length + width (72" + 24" = 96").
- divide this figure by a factor for sedentary(3.5 - 5), maneuverable (5-7), or cruiser (6-8).
- The resulting figure is the max. length of fish the tank can house
I would do this
- Divide tank length by a factor for sedentary(3.5 - 5), maneuverable (5-7), or cruiser (6-8).
- Ensure tank width is at least 2X the max length of the fish
For example, if a naso tang gets to 12" in captivity, the tank length required is 12" x 8 = 96", and tank width needs to be at least 24", or better yet 30" (since rock work will take away some room to turn around). I have a 7" naso tang in my 72" x 24", and it cruises around the tank all day long. I cannot imagine a 12" specimen in it.
This formula obviously works on large fish better than small fish. A full-grown 3.5" clownfish is definitely not going to work in a 12" long tank. Also, the tank dimensions obtained will obviously have to be increased if one were to keep multiple large fish, as they all need their own swimming space and territories.
I would propose to modify the formula somewhat. Instead of this
- add length + width (72" + 24" = 96").
- divide this figure by a factor for sedentary(3.5 - 5), maneuverable (5-7), or cruiser (6-8).
- The resulting figure is the max. length of fish the tank can house
I would do this
- Divide tank length by a factor for sedentary(3.5 - 5), maneuverable (5-7), or cruiser (6-8).
- Ensure tank width is at least 2X the max length of the fish
For example, if a naso tang gets to 12" in captivity, the tank length required is 12" x 8 = 96", and tank width needs to be at least 24", or better yet 30" (since rock work will take away some room to turn around). I have a 7" naso tang in my 72" x 24", and it cruises around the tank all day long. I cannot imagine a 12" specimen in it.
This formula obviously works on large fish better than small fish. A full-grown 3.5" clownfish is definitely not going to work in a 12" long tank. Also, the tank dimensions obtained will obviously have to be increased if one were to keep multiple large fish, as they all need their own swimming space and territories.
