If we're going off what's best for the fish then putting it in a petri dish is kind've counter to that don't you think? The idea that a 55 gallon vs a 100 gallon is of any relation to their natural habitat is laughable at best however, 1 of those sizes is somehow "appropriate" and the other will get you the stink eye by some lol. On top of that there are plenty of species of fish that are "appropriate" for a 10 gallon nano but will show aggression to tank mates for a plethora of reasons same species or not. Successfully keeping a tang in a 55 gallon vs a 100 gallon imo is no different, feed a variety and more importantly keep your params stable and you'll be successful.
Best tangs
- Thread starter Stanzo13
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If we're going off what's best for the fish then putting it in a petri dish is kind've counter to that don't you think? The idea that a 55 gallon vs a 100 gallon is of any relation to their natural habitat is laughable at best however, 1 of those sizes is somehow "appropriate" and the other will get you the stink eye by some lol. On top of that there are plenty of species of fish that are "appropriate" for a 10 gallon nano but will show aggression to tank mates for a plethora of reasons same species or not. Successfully keeping a tang in a 55 gallon vs a 100 gallon imo is no different, feed a variety and more importantly keep your params stable and you'll be successful.
Oshengems
Valuable Member
I have a 75g I loveeeeee my tangs but after my 3rd I think I will reserved my love for tangs for my next project 120+, I would normally buy them small the last one was a hippo literally the size of a quarter but they grow faster than you think in 6-7 months he was 3-4” more on the 4” side and his temper grew also sold him last week I could tell he was not comfortable in my tank anymore he was swimming more aggressively and bullying tank mates for fun.
My favorite so far was the chocolate he’s in my friends 160g it was hard letting go he was bright yellow when I got him and he was half way through his morph when I gave him away, he instantly became his favorite tang when he saw him in person the brown/yellow mix looks so smooth the pics don’t do it justice.
But yes we can do tangs in smaller tanks when they are juveniles but not everyone is willing to sell them when they need to
My favorite so far was the chocolate he’s in my friends 160g it was hard letting go he was bright yellow when I got him and he was half way through his morph when I gave him away, he instantly became his favorite tang when he saw him in person the brown/yellow mix looks so smooth the pics don’t do it justice.
But yes we can do tangs in smaller tanks when they are juveniles but not everyone is willing to sell them when they need to
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You are certainly correct that we cannot even begin to think we can provide anything close to a "natural habitat", and I certainly did not mean to imply that by putting them in a larger tank that you were providing a fish with that. I respect your point of view, but I do disagree. I believe in the case of many different species of fish, both fresh and saltwater, the size of the tank does matter in the long-term health of the group of fish you keep. If it did not matter at all, there would not be guidelines for minimum tank sizes. I understand what you are saying though. If you maintain good water quality, you certainly could keep a tang perhaps, but depending on the tankmates, problems with aggression are a definite concern. I wish the OP the best of luck with it if he decides to go for it, but I just cannot say you will have no problems keeping a tang in a 55 gallon tank.
I've had my Yellow Tang in a 38 gallon for 6 1/2 years now. Seems quite happy.
Also have Flame Angel for nearly 6 years. Doesn't bother corals or my clam.
Obviously, I think you can be successful with a Yellow Tang in a 55 gallon tank; provided...
1. Start with a juvenile
2. Provide as much open space as possible
3. Try to create at least 2 caves in the rockwork.
The YT likes to explore and it will feel more secure.
Just make sure that the cave size allows for growth.
While I can't make a comparison with other Tangs, my Yellow is constantly grazing for algae.
Colin Fowler
Community Member
1. Blue Hippo
2. Powder Brown
3. Yellow Eye
4. Yellow
Not a very eclectic list, but all awesome Tangs.
Manny'sReef
Active Member
Yellow Eye Kole Tang is an awesome fish and it's reef safe. They graze all day and are fun to watch.
I use Grammarly and it's great.
I use Grammarly and it's great.
PhreeByrd
Active Member
For most tangs, the whole minimum water volume thing is very misleading. Powder blues (or browns) pace back and forth pretty incessantly, so tank length is more important than volume. In that regard, a standard (4'L) 55 gallon is not much different from a standard (also 4'L) 90 gallon tank. I've kept these fish in 4'L tanks, but never felt that it was good for them, and I'd consider a 6' long tank to really be the minimum to keep any acanthurus comfortable.
Tomini tangs (Ctenochaetus spp, sometimes called 'bristletooth') are IMO gorgeous fish, very active, and generally do well in smaller tanks. I'd still consider a 55g to be the minimum for any surgeonfish.
Tomini tangs (Ctenochaetus spp, sometimes called 'bristletooth') are IMO gorgeous fish, very active, and generally do well in smaller tanks. I'd still consider a 55g to be the minimum for any surgeonfish.
ReefWithCare
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I would put a rabbitfish over a tang myself. As long as you can keep them well feed they should be reef safe. Far more hardier and less aggressive. Also - better CUC. Bristletooths do compliment them well though.
Neo Jeo
Valuable Member
Caribbean blue Tang are difficult. They are prone to diseases like a powder blue I introduced one and it’s spread Ich like a wildfire . He was the host.
Neo Jeo
Valuable Member
I’m looking to add another tang.
I got a yellow tang, Tomini and I want a Kole tang but it’s fje same family as the Tomini so would that be a big problem? I can’t get a purple work my yellow I also assume bc my yellow can be aggressive.
Convit tang I read don’t do well and stop eating them parish.
What tang should I add next?
I got a yellow tang, Tomini and I want a Kole tang but it’s fje same family as the Tomini so would that be a big problem? I can’t get a purple work my yellow I also assume bc my yellow can be aggressive.
Convit tang I read don’t do well and stop eating them parish.
What tang should I add next?
Reefcowboy
Well-Known Member
Thompson Tang is a very underated tang. Lots of personality
Neo Jeo
Valuable Member
Any idea on what I said?
Not enough people have mentioned this, but there are no 100% reef safe tangs. Every species has had specimens that will nip on coral a bit.
This tang does not do any real damage, but the parts of the coral that it nips on do not grow as fast as others.
This tang does not do any real damage, but the parts of the coral that it nips on do not grow as fast as others.
4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
As far as tangs go, your options are very limited in a 55. A tomini should be fine, a yellow tang for some time. A small convict tang for a little while might be another option but they will all three outgrow it in 1-3 years.
Convict tangs are acanthurus tangs and require quarantine. In all honesty most fish these days do due to the horrific condition of the distribution system.
Convict tangs are acanthurus tangs and require quarantine. In all honesty most fish these days do due to the horrific condition of the distribution system.
4FordFamily
Tang, Angel, and Wrasse Nerd!
This is true. I’ve never owned a tang that nipped coral but it is possible in rare occasions.
