Yellow Tang question

[SFish]

Ok so I know a Yellow Tang should be in a 100gal + tank. It seems like people look at the length of the tank. Would a tank that's 53 x 22 3/4 x 21 be suitable? Most information I've seen says a 5 to 6 foot long tank. Just wondering if width space would work as well.


Thanks

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Not really, tangs are long distance swimmers which is why we recommend tank lengths.

 

[SFish]

I kinda figured

Thanks

 

[ladynavyvet]

I can definitely warn you away from having them in smaller tanks, I know from experience that they'll up and die in them, I've had a yellow, and a cola tangs, and lost both of them.

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[ladynavyvet]

That should have been cole, , sorry for the typo

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[GimpyFin]

IMO/IME, your tank would be ok for a yellow tang. They don't need a ton of lateral swim space like many of the other tangs. (Kole and tomini would also fit into this category.) Just don't overcrowd the tank and maybe add him last or near last on the stocklist. I've had a purple for about 2.5 years with no issues and he's in a 4 ft. long 110g tank.

 

[nereefpat]

Borderline, imo. You basically have a 90gallon with a couple extra inches each way. With it being the only big fish, and lots of food, and plenty of flow, it would probably be ok.

In case you haven't seen this:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946079

 

[billdogg]

IMO/IME, your tank would be ok for a yellow tang. They don't need a ton of lateral swim space like many of the other tangs. (Kole and tomini would also fit into this category.) Just don't overcrowd the tank and maybe add him last or near last on the stocklist. I've had a purple for about 2.5 years with no issues and he's in a 4 ft. long 110g tank.

I'm gonna side with Gimpyfin on this one. Sure, it's maybe marginal, but it can be made to work. +1 on any of the Bristletooth's as well. (actually, probably a better choice than the YT.)

 

[Rilelen]

I'll chime in and say that, depending on your rockwork, your length sounds okay for a yellow tang (or kole or similar)...you definitely want to have good swimming room, and preferably a "circuit" (with rock in the middle, nothing leaning against the glass; think rectangular laps!) for it to swim. If you're really set on a yellow tang, get a small one, watch carefully, and have a rehoming strategy if it doesn't work out.

 

[marleesan]

I disagree. Tangs need space and 53 inches will not give it the space it needs. Personally I feel as though they need at least a six foot tank

 

[scooter31707]

IMO, a Kole or Tomini would be the best option. Less aggressive and that's key in a small tank.

 

[A sea K]

Ok so I know a Yellow Tang should be in a 100gal + tank. Would a tank that's 53 x 22 3/4 x 21 be suitable? Thanks

IMO, Yes, completely suitable. To add , your dimensions calculate to a little over 100 gals in case you did not already know.

 

[carrots]

IMO the tank size is okay, not ideal but can work. I found a tank raised yellow tang that was the size of a silver dollar and placed it in a 90 gallon. It has been in there for about 4 years and has grown to 5" They put a lot of stress on the filter system so you will need to keep the tank "under stocked" As said above keep rock work open and away from back and sides to allow for swim space. They are a beautiful fish, Good luck

 

[marleesan]

The fish can grow 8 inches and are active swimmers. Putting it in a tank just under 4.5 feet would be cruel to the animal

 

[Stolireef]

I can't believe I'm actually weighing in on this but...

a. Fish don't care if they are in a 4' tank or a 6' tank. It's still ridiculously small compared to their nature environment. I wouldn't keep one in less than a 90 but that's just because tangs are big eaters and it would be hard to maintain water quality in a smaller tank.

b. Of all of the tangs, yellows are some of the hardiest and most forgiving. It's tough to keep them with other zebrasoma's but other than that, they tend to be model reef citizens.

c. If you start with a small healthy specimen, it will take several (like five or more) years to outgrow your tank. At that time, you can decide to either get a bigger tank or, more likely, sell it to another reefer with a bigger tank.

 

[Julius Chen]

My tank is 4x2x2.

I have 2 yellow tangs, one blue tang, 1 mimic tang, pair of clowns, a wrasse, a blenny, 2 cleaner shrimps.

Tank started 7 months ago, fish added over time. They look fat and active eaters.

I just added some more rocks a few weeks back but still have decent open space (though less) for them to swim.

I do hope one day i will upgrade to 6x2x2. For now, i think they will do with.