One Spot Foxface tank requirements

[Mashtun]

Hi all,

I just found out on another thread (check your intended fish purchases here first) that a One Spot Foxface won't be able to go in a 63 gallon shallow reef (48x20x16).

I'm hoping I could get some help understanding what the problem is with putting one in this tank. Live Aquaria says they need 70 Gallons. I obviously have 7 gallons less than this, but I have the footprint of a 75 or 90 gallon tank. With a sump I'd have more than the water volume than required too and I was under the impression that swim space was equally/more important than tank volume. Maybe this is only true for certain fish like tangs though.

So, I'm trying to figure out what the fish would be missing in this tank. Does it really need the extra few vertical inches? Or maybe there not be enough rock to graze on.

If anyone could help me understand this or point me to some reading/explanation I would appreciate it. I was most looking forward to the foxface and am disappointed to see that it looks like it might be out of the question with my tank dimensions as I wouldn't want to endanger it.

Thanks for any help.

 

[NTP66]

I think the 4' of horizontal space is more important than height, IMO. My one spot likes to race from side to side every now and then, and they can really move fast when they see fit. While my Foxface does use every inch of the tank, he does spend a lot of time just resting in various spots near the sand. That being said, I personally don't see too much of an issue for a one spot; a Lo, Mag, or other type of Foxface would certainly be another story.

If you've got plenty of open swimming spade, my personal opinion is that you'd be fine. Others may see it differently. Keep in mind that they grow CRAZY fast. Mine went from 3" to 6" in a matter of months.