Tank size for tangs...

SwampyBill

SwampyBill

New member
Hi all--

I've been in the hobby for years but never had a tang because my tanks were too small (largest was a 90gal). Now with my recent upgrade to a 120 gal, I'm thinking about adding a tang as the last addition. My dilemma is that the 120 is 4x2x2 & although the gallon ratio is good, I'm not sure that's enough room lengthwise for a tang to swim comfortably. I'd always heard they needed longer tanks (5ft or more) to swim comfortably. I know there's all sorts of opinions on this subject but I want to do it right & continue practicing good, healthy reefing to keep all inhabitants happy/healthy. Any thoughts & knowledge on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
 
I think you may have success with a Tomini or bristletooth. Lower end of aggression spectrum and don't get nearly as large as some of the other tangs IME.
 
i keep a purple in my 120 and it has been no issue whatsoever. i did however take a couple of measures to better my chances of it living happily.
i keep and open concept with my aquascaping as they are an active species that needs room to dart around. the other consideration is to keep your stock level down so the fish isn't bumping into other fish every time it changes direction.
 
Ctenochaetus, Zebrasoma (I wouldn't keep either of the sailfins in a 120g longterm though), and any of the smaller, less "athletic" Acanthurus, think mimic, convict, lavender etc. Personally, zebrasoma is probably my favorite genus for hardiness, ability to adapt to captivity, body shape, algae eating abilities etc. The purple is my personal favorite, despite it's reputation for being the nastiest of it's genus, and that'd definitely be the species I'd keep as the sole tang in a 4' 120g. Good luck in whatever you choose :rollface:
 
RC guidelines are well thought through. Tank size is not just a function of potential fish size, but also aggression. Thus the large tank for Sohal. ' Just because you can, does not mean you should' is also good advice.
 
I have a 450 gallon display with 10 tangs...2 powder blues,,,2 hippos, 5 yellow tangs and a clown tang who chases everyone, especially when I feed.... but they all do ok...
 
Just because some of you may have KEPT a Tang in a 4 ft tank - does not mean that it was an appropriate thing to do...
 
Salty150 said:
Just because some of you may have KEPT a Tang in a 4 ft tank - does not mean that it was an appropriate thing to do...
Click to expand...

If a fish shows no signs of distress (excessive pacing, flightiness, disease, severe aggression, loss of appetite, sluggishness etc.), I don't see how someone can claim the animal is not in an "appropriate" home. There are loads of tangs, the majority in fact, that shouldn't be kept in a 4' tank either for their adult size or activity level, but all of zebrasoma (with the exception of both species of sailfin), a small number of smaller Acanthurus, and the majority of Ctenochaetus can most definitely be kept in a 4' tank without issue in most cases IME. People get it stuck in their heads that all tangs need massive tanks (the minimum tank size seems to increase 20 gallons every year), when this is simply not the case for those that are smaller and just generally less "claustrophobic". I think it's far more important to focus on things such as disease prevention, nutritional needs (something overlooked far too often), and compatibility with the other animals in the tank. :rolleyes:
 
SoloChromis said:
If a fish shows no signs of distress (excessive pacing, flightiness, disease, severe aggression, loss of appetite, sluggishness etc.), I don't see how someone can claim the animal is not in an "appropriate" home.
Click to expand...

Just because you cannot "see signs of stress" - does not mean that is the appropriate size tank for that particular animal.

That is a huge problem in this hobby... everyone tries to justify...
 
Mods, please close & lock this thread. I've gotten my question answered & don't want this to become another 'tang police' thread. Thx.
 
I think way to many people don't do their research and a life is often wasted. Tangs are very sensitive fish. Some times that are fine for a couple of months then all of a sudden you have issues. always good to check and have a plan
 
Salty150 said:
Just because you cannot "see signs of stress" - does not mean that is the appropriate size tank for that particular animal.

That is a huge problem in this hobby... everyone tries to justify...
Click to expand...

as is the same old rhetoric of "tangs swim for miles in the ocean a day" 4,5,6,8 is irrelevant in that regard.

I'm tang free in my 150g, biggest fish is a coral beauty :)
 
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