Smallest tank for Tangs
- Thread starter PHyLIX
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Sorry, just anticipating the replies this thread may generate. In general, long term, a 50 gallon tank will be too small for any tang. That being said, you can certainly keep a 2-3" tang in a 50 gallon tank happily for some time. Just recognize, you will probably eventually need to find it a larger home.
Different tangs grow at different rates, and as much as some may contest this, tank size (IME) can inhibit growth. I've had a 3" purple tang in a 65 gallon tank for 3+ years, and it has grown very little (and yes, it's well fed). I have no doubt that if I moved this tang to a 100+ gallon tank, that I'd have 6" purple tang within a year.
Keeping the above in mind, torpedo-shaped fish (such as the regal) seem to appreciate more open swimming room than the sailfin variety (such as the yellow or the sailfin).
<stepping into my flame retardant suit>
Kevin
Sorry, just anticipating the replies this thread may generate. In general, long term, a 50 gallon tank will be too small for any tang. That being said, you can certainly keep a 2-3" tang in a 50 gallon tank happily for some time. Just recognize, you will probably eventually need to find it a larger home.
Different tangs grow at different rates, and as much as some may contest this, tank size (IME) can inhibit growth. I've had a 3" purple tang in a 65 gallon tank for 3+ years, and it has grown very little (and yes, it's well fed). I have no doubt that if I moved this tang to a 100+ gallon tank, that I'd have 6" purple tang within a year.
Keeping the above in mind, torpedo-shaped fish (such as the regal) seem to appreciate more open swimming room than the sailfin variety (such as the yellow or the sailfin).
<stepping into my flame retardant suit>
Kevin
http://community.webshots.com/photo/29200657/29203692RLCliwfcsk
I haven't been flamed in a while...
Zephyr is a 2 inch sailfin who has lived in a 15 gal for the past 2.5 months. Within the next month he will go live in a 120. When he grows closer to his maximum size of 12 inches, he will be traded or sold to a better parent with a larger tank.
[ January 15, 2002: Message edited by: sharkdude ]</p>
I haven't been flamed in a while...
Zephyr is a 2 inch sailfin who has lived in a 15 gal for the past 2.5 months. Within the next month he will go live in a 120. When he grows closer to his maximum size of 12 inches, he will be traded or sold to a better parent with a larger tank.
[ January 15, 2002: Message edited by: sharkdude ]</p>
Some tangs need much larger tanks than others, although they all need a lot of room. I think a small kole tang would be okay in a 50, although he may outgrow it in a few years. I have a kole in my 70 and he's a pretty mellow fish, seems happy, very plump. Excellent algae grazer too.
I think the regal, yellow, and sailfin are all too large for a 50. I had a yellow before returning him to the LFS and he was much more skittish than the kole. Regal tangs can reach 10" or more and sailfins can grow over 12".
This topic is extremely controversial. Some people would say you have to have a million gallon tank for a tang, others would say a 30 is fine.
I think the regal, yellow, and sailfin are all too large for a 50. I had a yellow before returning him to the LFS and he was much more skittish than the kole. Regal tangs can reach 10" or more and sailfins can grow over 12".
This topic is extremely controversial. Some people would say you have to have a million gallon tank for a tang, others would say a 30 is fine.
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