Large Tangs in 3' Cube?

[SkullV]

This is not about my tank, but a gentlemen on another forum keeps multiple large tang species (Sailfin, Naso, an Acanthurus) along with a bluejaw trigger, Foxface, and various other small reef fish in a 3' cube (Marineland 150DD). His logic is as follows:

A 3' square cube is a much different aquarium than a 180 long or even a 300 gallon tank. Typically these long skinny tanks are maxed out at 8' long if constructed out of glass.

This means that a fish can swim for 8' before having to stop and turn 180 degrees and swim back the other way.

A cube however has enough room to allow the animal to swim essentially laps. Calculating from the bottom of the front corner, to the top of the opposite corner of a 3' tank is over 10 feet in circumference. Not to mention the fish never has to stop or slow down.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on this logic?

 

[Allmost]

it makes sense for sharks ... as they need to sleep while swiming ...

but my tank is 6 by two, and my tangs never STOP, turn, and swim again ... they simply do the same thing they would do in a cube tank, circle around the rock work and back ....

 

[xxtriggermanxx]

don't think it's a valid point. sure if a fish would swim in a circle it's would work ... but for example when something is chasing you , do you run in a circle or straight line run? I'm not saying his three foot cube is bad but i wouldn't call it better than a 8' tank . of course this is my point of view.

 

[sandwi54]

this is not a valid point. there's nothing that stops a fish from swimming in circle in a 8' x x 2' tank. the fish doesn't have to completely stop and turn 180 degrees. the point of a long tank is for the fish to swim a long distance before they need to stop and turn. a 3' cube tank only offers 3' of distance, not over 10'.

Now, if the tank were cylindrical, then I would argue that the fish doesn't really need to "turn" and can swim laps, but that's not the case with a square tank with 90-degree corners.

 

[geaux xman]

maybe a 48"x36" or even better a 60x36" footprint. 3ft tanks are pretty short. some tangs will cover 3ft in a blink.

 

[BrianD]

My thoughts are he is a fool trying to rationalize horrid husbandry. But those are just my thoughts.

 

[cubsFAN]

My thoughts are he is a fool trying to rationalize horrid husbandry. But those are just my thoughts.

nailed it.

 

[SFgore99]

Why is it horrid husbandry? Maybe not 100% ideal but in no way horrid... I think that's a little stupid to say

 

[Barfly]

Why is it horrid husbandry? Maybe not 100% ideal but in no way horrid... I think that's a little stupid to say

As the saying goes, "Ignorance is bliss"

And yes, it is horrid husbandry, imo

 

[BrianD]

Why is it horrid husbandry? Maybe not 100% ideal but in no way horrid... I think that's a little stupid to say

Calling someone's comment "stupid" is not conducive to long term membership here. I would rethink it and try again

 

[CHSUB]

Why is it horrid husbandry? Maybe not 100% ideal but in no way horrid... I think that's a little stupid to say

I AGREE WITH YOU....I KEPT 3 TANGS IN A 92 GALLON FOR 5+ YEARS, YELLOW, PURPLE, AND BLUE WITH NO PROBLEMS,,NOW I READ OVER AND OVER THAT THIS WAS "HORRID HUSBANDY"???? CURRENTLY I'M BUILDING A 60"X36"x30" TANK AND PLANNING ON MULTIPLE TANGS...NOT SURE I CAN USE THE "EXPERT" ADVICE ON RC ABOUT TANGS

 

[Froggy]

Calling someone's comment "stupid" is not conducive to long term membership here. I would rethink it and try again

Really? I agree the stupid comment should be rethought but so should your " He is a fool" comment. Not great to condemn someones comments when yours borders on the same.

As for the original post, I agree that a longer tank is better for the large tangs over the 3' X 3'.

Joe

 

[BrianD]

I am fairly certain you won't use any advice.

 

[BrianD]

Really? I agree the stupid comment should be rethought but so should your " He is a fool" comment. Not great to condemn someones comments when yours borders on the same.

As for the original post, I agree that a longer tank is better for the large tangs over the 3' X 3'.

Joe

There is a difference between referring to some anonymous aquarist cited by the OP and a direct response to a post here.

 

[BrianD]

Oh, and I believe anyone who keeps "multiple large tang species (Sailfin, Naso, an Acanthurus) along with a bluejaw trigger, Foxface, and various other small reef fish in a 3' cube" is a foolish aquarist.