Lets Talk Tank Size...

[Phelipe's Ocean]

Hi everyone so I realized lately there has been a couple of threads based around tank size for a certan fish or species so I thought I could make a list on here and have everyone chime in on what you think or if it should be bigger, etc. I think a thread like this could help a lot of reefers decide on a fish list, if they are unsure about the fish they want to get, or if they need a fast answer they can just find this thread. I will only be doing families that I have kept personally so if you have kept one that I do not have on the list please add down below with tank size So here goes, I would love to hear everyones thoughts

Small Gobies and shrimp - 10 gallons minimum
Pygmy Angelfish - 55 gallons minimum
Dwarf Angelfish - 80 gallons minimum
Large Angelfish - 250 gallons minimum
Anthias - 120 gallons minimum
Basslets - 30 gallons minimum
Butterfly fish - 80 gallons minimum
Cardinal fish - 20 gallons minimim
Bristletooth tangs - 80 gallon minimum
Acanthurus Tangs - No less than 6 feet
Zebrasoma Tangs - 120 gallons minimum
Hippo tangs - no less than 6 feet
And lastly, clownfish - 20 gallons minimum

 

[thirst]

Let’s say one has a 750 gallon tank, how would it be best to determine the limit of fish?

 

[Phelipe's Ocean]

Let’s say one has a 750 gallon tank, how would it be best to determine the limit of fish?

Thats a good question i didnt think of that yet

 

[BZOFIQ]

No much of a choice for nano owners.

Perhaps that's why I always say, go BIG!

 

[ca1ore]

There is a 'tank size for tangs' thread (as a sticky) over on RC with quite sensible suggestions for the surgeons.

 

[totalbiz]

This "required" tank size for fish just drives me nuts. How did someone decide that a Yellow Tang must have a minimum 55 gallon tank. Did these instructions fall from heaven engraved in stone like the ten commandants. Were they given to Moses. It seems it gets that ridiculous. Why can't a small Yellow Tang go in a 30 gallon? I always hear, "It will grow too big". Well, if you are lucky enough for the fish to live that long and get that big, then give it to someone with a larger tank, or get one yourself. This idea that a tiny Tang will "stress out" in anything smaller that a 50 gallon is a bit nuts. I have seem many small fish put into a tank that is large to them. If you know how to take care of it, it will not have a nervous breakdown because it is not in the "proper" size tank. Proper size, of course, is simply an opinion. I have kept small fish in small tanks, and have kept them for years. I have never seen any of these fish do anything other than be fish. People who have done it know this idea is a bunch of bull.