Is this ethical? calling all tang police!

[Razzagas]

I am setting up a 65 gallon tank (36x18x24), and I wanted a blue hippo tang. I know they have a large maximum size, but could i find it a new home when it gets larger? Is that ethical? How long would it take for it to outgrow my tank? Also are there any tangs that will not outgrow this tank? Thanks

 

[trippyl]

dont do it. I did the same for my 75 and regretted it. It's not ethical to obtain an animal without the ability to care for it through it's lifetime. Who are you going to find to take a 6 inch tang off of your hands? Giving it back to the LFS is a likely death sentence. Further, do you really need a fish that gets as big as a dinner plate dominating your small tank and overwhelming the bio filter?

 

[trippyl]

BTW, there are many here who will say, just go for it. They are absolutely wrong - you need to think of the entire life of the fish, not just when it's cute like Dory.

 

[twon8]

for that size tank i really would advise against any tangs. they love to swim. but a yellow, or convict tang might work the best.

 

[Razzagas]

Thanks! i guess i won't get a tang

 

[Sk8r]

and what happens when you get desperately fond of him and have to buy a 500 gallon tank to accommodate him? That's the other side of the growing-fish problem.

 

[trippyl]

I wouldnt put any tangs, the problem is that they like to swim. And they are extremely greedy eaters. Fun fish, but you really need a big tank for them. Yellows can and will grow big fast. My yellow went from 1 inch to 3 inches in like 6 months.

I was lucky and I was able to donate my large tangs to a public aquarium. They now live in a 20,000 gallon tank with a school of tangs. But it was really hard to find such a place, and emotionally, I was terribly sad to give them up after having them for so many years. But boy was my tank happy that they were gone. I went from feeding 4 cubes of frozen per meal to 1-2.

 

[Johnsteph10]

Buying an animal on the assumption that you'll have a better environment for it is simply wrong whether you are talking about a fish, a dog, etc.

Too many variables can happen in that time even with the best of intentions.

 

[ReeferAl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6998201#post6998201 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sk8r
and what happens when you get desperately fond of him and have to buy a 500 gallon tank to accommodate him? That's the other side of the growing-fish problem.

That is the up side of getting a fish that's too big.

Allen

 

[Pete1399]

Nice post Allen

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

Yes, then you'll have to upgrade -- which is a good thing. I would still be stuck with the 75 if I hadn't bought a PBT and thus felt the need for a 125.

Johnsteph10 is correct -- you should start the fish in its ultimate home.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I have a 6' 125g & feel it is too small. I even cleaned sevral large toadstools & a Large Devils hand to make more room. All took about 2 years to grow
I'm replacing the 125g with a 180g this summer, the 125g will make a nice fuge
A big tank for me is 2 years away

 

[wetWolger]

don't do it....you will only regret it in the long run. On the other hand if anyone has a large tang they need to find a new home feel free to pm me ;-)

 

[ReeferAl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7000314#post7000314 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jent46bow
don't do it....you will only regret it in the long run. On the other hand if anyone has a large tang they need to find a new home feel free to pm me ;-)

Would that be for the 46 bow front or the 120?

You know, I understand that in asia they are caught for food. Just what do you want those big tangs for?

Allen