can it work?

lilithereefer · Sep 10, 2020

hi i am new to reefing and i am planning on getting a 55 gallon reef tank. i am wanting to get the smallest option for a blue tang on reef beauties and also a yellow tang but i dont know if it will fit. can somebody help?

WIReefer · Sep 10, 2020

lilithereefer said:
hi i am new to reefing and i am planning on getting a 55 gallon reef tank. i am wanting to get the smallest option for a blue tang on reef beauties and also a yellow tang but i dont know if it will fit. can somebody help?

I have a 55 now, and I would strongly not suggest it the blueprint on these tanks are so narrow they would outgrow that tank very fast.

lilithereefer · Sep 10, 2020

WIReefer said:
I have a 55 now, and I would strongly not suggest it the blueprint on these tanks are so narrow they would outgrow that tank very fast.

okay thank you, do you know what size i should get?

ReefRy · Sep 10, 2020

If you mean having two tangs in a 55g, the answer is absolutely not. That would not end well. It's awesome that youre asking, though.

lilithereefer · Sep 10, 2020

do you know what size it should be or if there is any tang like a kole that could fit?

WIReefer · Sep 10, 2020

lilithereefer said:
okay thank you, do you know what size i should get?

For multiple tangs I would suggest a 180 or larger.

lilithereefer · Sep 10, 2020

ok thanks so much, the problem is i have about 60 inches of space lengthwise for a tank, do you think i could go more vertical?

BrandonS · Sep 10, 2020

lilithereefer said:
ok thanks so much, the problem is i have about 60 inches of space lengthwise for a tank, do you think i could go more vertical?

tangs strongly prefer longer runs IMO

a single tang in a 4ft tank maybe ok. However you will learn the expression "tang Police" as they may come for you. I have a buddy who has a 120 with tangs.

ReefRy · Sep 10, 2020

Ive had a kole tang in a 75 for about 9 months. He's about 4 inches and a bit chubby. At times I feel he's already outgrowing the tank, particularly when he does his territorial, dart back and forth thing. They are incredibly strong and able swimmers. And theyre amazing fish...imho Id say yeah, a 55g is fine, especially if you get a smaller kole tang. After a year or so, if you feel he's gotten too big for his environment, you can always upgrade or rehome him.

lilithereefer · Sep 10, 2020

ReefRy said:
Ive had a kole tang in a 75 for about 9 months. He's about 4 inches and a bit chubby. At times I feel he's already outgrowing the tank, particularly when he does his territorial, dart back and forth thing. They are incredibly strong and able swimmers. And theyre amazing fish...imho Id say yeah, a 55g is fine, especially if you get a smaller kole tang. After a year or so, if you feel he's gotten too big for his environment, you can always upgrade or rehome him.

thanks i was also wondering if anyone knows about any good cheap places to get tanks?

BrandonS · Sep 10, 2020

lilithereefer said:
thanks i was also wondering if anyone knows about any good cheap places to get tanks?

petco dollar gallon sale for a 75. not dollar a gallon but half off. you would have to DIY though.

ReefRy · Sep 10, 2020

I got mine at petsmart, years ago, but that is only a temporary solution. They are definitely not forever tanks. Petco also has good sales from time to time.

Steph72 · Sep 17, 2020

If you want to keep tangs, go as big as possible. As far as getting a good deal, you may want to look for local reefer clubs in your area because someone is always selling equipment on those forums, especially in densely populated areas. Just be cautious and make sure that seller is legitimate and a well established member. Best of luck to you and welcome!

vetteguy53081 · Sep 17, 2020

Small tangs would be kole eye tang and small tomini.
As indicated- if tangs are your dreams, for the little extraover suggested 180g, go with a 210 g and you will have joyous room for rock and beautiful tangs and a couple of angels.