Adequate space for a Tang?

Gaspipe · May 16, 2019

I know and fear the Tang Police so I am asking now. Would a Tomini or Kole tang be "happy" in a Waterbox Frag 80.4 ? I picked out these two in particular because it has the smallest "min tank" that I have seen.

I read that these two fish need at least 3' swimming length, this tank is 48" which offers an extra foot. But I know the height is shallow being at just over 12".

Now when I say happy I understand it's a relative term and up for debate. I don't want a stressed out fish. But my life doesn't include a rockstar lifestyle that allows me to.... well you get the idea (models, planes, cars, yachts, party'n, etc.). I live a relative happy healthy life normal lifestyle.

So, will the 12" height impact this fishes mental state? The only reason I would want a tang is b/c of the amazing utilitarian qualities it has. I also do appreciate their beauty.

Is there a tang that would do well in smaller tanks (40-60 gallon)?

If getting a tang would not be in the best interest of the fish are there any good alternatives?

Thanks!!

Bayareareefer18 · May 16, 2019

It's my understanding that the length is more important for tangs as they swim long distances in the wild. I have a 4' tank and just added my first tang. Picked up a very small blue eye tang at my LFS. He is always on the move swimming in and out of the rock work

I don't know that height is an issue if you have adequate room in and around your rock work for it to swim.

Gaspipe · May 16, 2019

Bayareareefer18 said:
It's my understanding that the length is more important for tangs as they swim long distances in the wild. I have a 4' tank and just added my first tang. Picked up a very small blue eye tang at my LFS. He is always on the move swimming in and out of the rock work

I don't know that height is an issue if you have adequate room in and around your rock work for it to swim.

Thanks for the reply!

Jesterrace · May 16, 2019

The 12 inch height is pretty shallow, I would say no on the Kole Tang as they are generally a bit taller as they grow. Tomini might work given that it is the smallest of the bunch and it's a 4 foot tank.