stumpovrtyme
Reef Junkie
Iv heard fish only get as big as the tank and get unhealthy and die? Any thoughts on this or any facts?
Is it true? Size of tank=Size of fish!
- Thread starter stumpovrtyme
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stumpovrtyme
Reef Junkie
I have a koran angel in a 55 is that to small for him? I also have a snowflake eel in there to what about her?
AuroraDrvr
New member
Saltwater fish, do not stunt their growth like freshwater fish.
stumpovrtyme
Reef Junkie
What size should I get? Hes still got his blue and white stripes.
melanotaenia
New member
Re: Is it true? Size of tank=Size of fish!
false.
false.
VacavilleFC3S
New member
WOW. No Fish FRESH or SALTWATER growth is stunted by aquarium size, they will eventually grow out of it, or die of stress from being confined.
Mentat
New member
No matter that we call it "stunting" or not; fish health and survival are compromised by a tank that does not provide their minimal requirements. These have to be met not only based on volume, but on swimming area (length x width).
There is no fixed rule or formula since particular fish activity level is a relevant factor. For example, as long as other parameters like water quality are good, a sedentary fish like a Lionfish, Scorpion, or Angler would be ok in a smaller tank. Now when we plan a tank for active fish like Angels, Tangs, pelagic Triggers, etc. you have to factor their swiiming needs.
If fish are kept in small "jails" you can expect aberrant behavior with constant pacing of glass, aggressiveness, and chronic stress. In extreme cases where fish can't exercise it's body correctly; muscle, bone and related tissue deterioration will also compromise health. Autopsies of affected fish have also shown internal organ enlargement in relation to fish size and decreased physiological functions.
All in all, it's not good for the fish at all.
There is no fixed rule or formula since particular fish activity level is a relevant factor. For example, as long as other parameters like water quality are good, a sedentary fish like a Lionfish, Scorpion, or Angler would be ok in a smaller tank. Now when we plan a tank for active fish like Angels, Tangs, pelagic Triggers, etc. you have to factor their swiiming needs.
If fish are kept in small "jails" you can expect aberrant behavior with constant pacing of glass, aggressiveness, and chronic stress. In extreme cases where fish can't exercise it's body correctly; muscle, bone and related tissue deterioration will also compromise health. Autopsies of affected fish have also shown internal organ enlargement in relation to fish size and decreased physiological functions.
All in all, it's not good for the fish at all.
RicksReefs
New member
Re: Is it true? Size of tank=Size of fish!
the way this is worded, is quite true.
they get as big as the tank parameters allow, exceed them, then die.
the way this is worded, is quite true.
they get as big as the tank parameters allow, exceed them, then die.
Kahuna Tuna
Active member
The Koran angel can exist as a small juvenile in a 55 for a time but these fish get large and aggressive and will need at least a 180 when it grows out. I had a friend start with a baby about the size of a quarter in a 10 gallon tank and he would progressively move it up to larger tanks as needed. These fish are fairly slow growing and long lived but are active fish and at around 3-4 inches the Koran will probably need a larger tank.
The eel will be fine in a 55 for quite a while.
The eel will be fine in a 55 for quite a while.
saltwatercityma
New member
Most retailers will except trades-You can usually also trade or sell within a club. You do no-one any favors (esp the fish) by keeping them in 2 small an enviroment. While the rate of growth may slow -they wil still outgrow the tank (think of all those oscars in 10 gallon tanks ) Some Centropyge Angel have a territory of 50 sq yds. In order to see how these animals live in the reef -we should try as best we can to duplicate the env. they come from.
stumpovrtyme
Reef Junkie
Great advise thnx alot. Iv already heard this just wondering if it was true.
MattL
New member
You have time to get the right setup on order, although I do suggest researching the maximum size in the future before making the purchase.
As noted above, you will need at least a 6ft 180gal tank.
Also, as stated above, it is FALSE that marine fish grow based on their aquarium size. There is some evidence that some marine fish may not grow as much based on tank size, but this is only speculated at this time, and in a big fish like a Koran, the difference isn't all that great.
He's still going to become a big fish; too big for a 55.
Matt
As noted above, you will need at least a 6ft 180gal tank.
Also, as stated above, it is FALSE that marine fish grow based on their aquarium size. There is some evidence that some marine fish may not grow as much based on tank size, but this is only speculated at this time, and in a big fish like a Koran, the difference isn't all that great.
He's still going to become a big fish; too big for a 55.
Matt
stumpovrtyme
Reef Junkie
Thats what I was hopeing. Im thinking about getting a 265g. think thats to small for idol? Of course this is hopefully around this time next year.
francis1123
New member
from personal experience, a confined fish will not grow as fast a fish in a large tank. a pair of clowns i had over doubled in size in a month when moved from a 24g to my 240g. a hippo tang that was under 3" in a 34g is now nearly 5" in a month on my 360g. both of the fish hitting growth spurts simotaneoulsy, i doubt it. an other factor that could be the cause, better water quality comes to mind.
rachenbrazil
Member
You can cramp a fish in a small tank , IF you have a major filtration for a tank that fish should be raised and if water changes are made frequently... Chiller to lower the temp ...so water quality would be from a Bigger size tank...just don't have swiming room... it would work for most species... may not looks balance ...but can be done...
Not the best way, but can be done as they did in Japan ... (waiting for John Japan report)
Not the best way, but can be done as they did in Japan ... (waiting for John Japan report)
LobsterOfJustice
Recovering Detritophobe
IME, yes, fish will be stunted in smaller tanks. I had a rabbitfish, majestic angel, and lemonpeel tang in a 75 for 3 or 4 years. All were about 4", none grew at all while in that tank. Naturally, 4" is a rather small size for these fish and they should have continued growing. I'm positive these fish do not stay at 4" for 3 to 4 years in the wild.
Same deal with the sailfin tang I've had for a year. Same size, hasnt grown in the year ive had it. obviously not natural... I'm removing him this summer for a larger home where he can continue growing.
Same deal with the sailfin tang I've had for a year. Same size, hasnt grown in the year ive had it. obviously not natural... I'm removing him this summer for a larger home where he can continue growing.
MattL
New member
Yes, if you provide improper nutrition and poor conditions as noted above, fish will not always grow as fast. You can stunt a human's growth too and keep them alive.
But there are a couple of things to note:
1. You are taking a big gamble: a) either the fish won't grow (your luck, it will grow just the same) and/or b) that it won't die
2. Any resulting lack of growth is indirectly related to tank size. It is the tank size that creates stress and poor water quality, and the stress and poor water quality that lead to poor health, and the poor health that leads to stunting.
3. I have observed stunted pufferfish, and these fish have health problems for the rest of their life.
4. Deliberately stunting a fish's growth is inhumane and antithetical to the mission of RC, and as such, I can be confident that no such practice would be tolerated here.
5. Just geta bigger tank. It's that easy. In the small tank sizes (< 125gal), you can upgrade a tank size for the cost of the fish you are going to probably kill.
Matt
But there are a couple of things to note:
1. You are taking a big gamble: a) either the fish won't grow (your luck, it will grow just the same) and/or b) that it won't die
2. Any resulting lack of growth is indirectly related to tank size. It is the tank size that creates stress and poor water quality, and the stress and poor water quality that lead to poor health, and the poor health that leads to stunting.
3. I have observed stunted pufferfish, and these fish have health problems for the rest of their life.
4. Deliberately stunting a fish's growth is inhumane and antithetical to the mission of RC, and as such, I can be confident that no such practice would be tolerated here.
5. Just geta bigger tank. It's that easy. In the small tank sizes (< 125gal), you can upgrade a tank size for the cost of the fish you are going to probably kill.
Matt
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