Tang for a 125 gallon

[Ryan15236]

I love tangs and would love to have 1 or 2. I really want to try a regal and a yellow tang. I am not sure how a regal would do in a 6' 125 gallon though. In the past I have had a PBT, yellow, and kole. PBT was so mean and I don't want to go that route again really. I am open to any other suggestions but would really like a regal tang.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

If you really want a Regal Tang get a bigger tank. MIN 180 gal

 

[Ryan15236]

Don't really see how a 180 would really be any different than my 125. Both are six feet long. I feel tangs should not be recommended by gallons of the tank more so the horizontal length of the tank. Would you say they need 8' of length then?

 

[ViktorVaughn]

This is a handy list to reference, looks like the regal has a 8' 240 gallon size to be comfortable.


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946079

 

[Cosmojo]

That is like saying a 6' 90 gallon tank should be enough if it was 72x12. The extra front to back space helps immensely, and you're saying you want to ignore an extra almost 50% water volume.

 

[CHSUB]

I love tangs and would love to have 1 or 2. I really want to try a regal and a yellow tang. I am not sure how a regal would do in a 6' 125 gallon though. In the past I have had a PBT, yellow, and kole. PBT was so mean and I don't want to go that route again really. I am open to any other suggestions but would really like a regal tang.

some will say people will ask until they get the answer they want????....i say a hippo will be fine in a 125 and Scott Michael agrees.

 

[Dmorty217]

It's all about providing a low stress enviroment for your fish to thrive for the entirety of thier lives. Honestly a 125g may seem biggish now but is small in the scope of things, especially when it comes to tangs and large angels

 

[Ryan15236]

That is like saying a 6' 90 gallon tank should be enough if it was 72x12. The extra front to back space helps immensely, and you're saying you want to ignore an extra almost 50% water volume.

Not what I am saying. I am saying it is hard to tell someone you won't have success with a tank that is 72x18 but will with a tank 72x24. Obviously an extra 55 gallons of water volume would be nice but that is about all it is. I don't see many tangs utilizing depth of the tank except for turning around. All the tangs I have ever had swam side to side.

 

[Ryan15236]

It's all about providing a low stress enviroment for your fish to thrive for the entirety of thier lives. Honestly a 125g may seem biggish now but is small in the scope of things, especially when it comes to tangs and large angels

Yeah I realize my tank is not very big. I am not a total beginner. I have been keeping saltwater fish for about 3 years now but have never kept a regal tang before and was wondering what people thought about one in a 125 but looks like the verdict is a no. I kept a yellow and kole together in the past and they did great but I was kinda trying to get away from those. And I tried a PBT but his aggression had my tank in a constant state of stress, or atleast to me it did. He had to go. So if a Regal won't work are there any other options beside a yellow, kole, or PBT?

 

[Dmorty217]

If you got a tiny Regal, I'm not saying that a 125g won't work since it will probably only grow to 6-8" tops. Any bristletooth tang would fit the bill, also most all Zebrasomas.

 

[snorvich]

Tank length is the most critical dimension. If tank length is insufficient, there is a tendency for the fish to "pace". Drives most people crazy (especially me). If a fish makes your tank look small, it is probably not a good match for that tank. P. hepatus tangs can get very ornery in what they perceive to be a tank that is too small.

 

[Ryan15236]

If you got a tiny Regal, I'm not saying that a 125g won't work since it will probably only grow to 6-8" tops. Any bristletooth tang would fit the bill, also most all Zebrasomas.

Not sure if I really like the sounds of that. I'm not determined to get a regal or anything. I just liked them and haven't kept one but if it comes down to sacrificing the fish's health and the health and mood of my tank then I am against it.

 

[Ryan15236]

Also I want to keep a few butterflyfish. Will tangs show aggression to them even if the butterflyfish are added first?

 

[snorvich]

Also I want to keep a few butterflyfish. Will tangs show aggression to them even if the butterflyfish are added first?

I depends to some degree, on which tang. But adding butterfly fish after tangs are established usually is problematic.

 

[Cosmojo]

I would love to hear your entire planned out tank.

 

[Ryan15236]

I would love to hear your entire planned out tank.

Not sure if you are trying to be a smart@** or what but I am going to assume you aren't being that way because no need for that. Here is what I have
125 gallon DT
55 gallon sump
20 gallon refugium
Mag 18 return pump
Aquamaxx EM200 skimmer
Tunze osmolator 3155
2 koralia 1150
Current USA LED light
100lbs Marcorocks (still need to order)
20 gallon long QT
As far as fish stocking I am thinking a community of 4-5 butterflyfish and either 1-2 tangs depending on the species. I don't see this as being unreasonable you can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Dmorty217]

Not sure if you are trying to be a smart@** or what but I am going to assume you aren't being that way because no need for that. Here is what I have
125 gallon DT
55 gallon sump
20 gallon refugium
Mag 18 return pump
Aquamaxx EM200 skimmer
Tunze osmolator 3155
2 koralia 1150
Current USA LED light
100lbs Marcorocks (still need to order)
20 gallon long QT
As far as fish stocking I am thinking a community of 4-5 butterflyfish and either 1-2 tangs depending on the species. I don't see this as being unreasonable you can correct me if I am wrong.

This isn't unreasonable but just make sure your husbandry is sound. I saw the other thread about the butterflies, you should tell us what ones you were thinking? Tangs need to be a tomini or similar bristletooth and a purple tang would be my suggestion. Butterflies are another can of worms. I would suggest a Mitratus, Declivis or Tinkeri to start with.

 

[Sapelo]

Not to change the subject totally, since it sounds like you know what you want and would like it to be ok'd, but I have a Bristletooth that is completely awesome, wonderfully cool fish and I think would work fine in a tank your size.
I know, smaller fish blah but I think it depends on the fish and personality wise, mine is a keeper in my 90 gallon.
Good luck!

 

[Ryan15236]

Yeah I did love my kole tang, very odd little fish. So a bristle tooth and a zebrasoma? Obviously not a sailfin, more like purple or yellow.

Butterflies
Auriga or raccoon
Long nose
Yellow pyramid
Kleins not sure about this one
Then I would like to try a little more difficult specimen too like maybe a saddleback or maybe CBB?
I love those deeper water butterflies but I don't like that price tag and the fact they are never available around here. All the others are.

 

[snorvich]

Yeah I did love my kole tang, very odd little fish. So a bristle tooth and a zebrasoma? Obviously not a sailfin, more like purple or yellow.

Butterflies
Auriga or raccoon
Long nose
Yellow pyramid
Kleins not sure about this one
Then I would like to try a little more difficult specimen too like maybe a saddleback or maybe CBB?
I love those deeper water butterflies but I don't like that price tag and the fact they are never available around here. All the others are.

Reasonable. For tangs and butterfly fish, be sure to develop a rigorous quarantine protocol.