Tang in a 55 gallon

[lilfish717]

Are there any tangs that will do good in a 55 gallon tank. I've always been interested in surgeonfish since I was younger, although I would not like to get one if it does not have a happy life.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

No.

 

[nereefpat]

No, not long term.

There are a few of the dwarf angels that could substitute.

 

[lilfish717]

No, not long term.

There are a few of the dwarf angels that could substitute.

What would the average time frame be when you consider it time to change tanks? And about how big of a tank. I do plan on getting a bigger tank but not until around probably 2 or 3 years. If I REALLY could I would tomorrow, but I don't have any plans ahead yet, but it's in the future somewhere within the next couple years.

 

[nereefpat]

What would the average time frame be when you consider it time to change tanks? And about how big of a tank.

I would recommend that you wait until you get the larger tank.

What size? It depends on which tangs you like. You could keep a single Ctenochaetus (tomini, Kole, white tail, etc) in a standard 75 or 90, for example.

 

[lilfish717]

I would recommend that you wait until you get the larger tank.

What size? It depends on which tangs you like. You could keep a single Ctenochaetus (tomini, Kole, white tail, etc) in a standard 75 or 90, for example.

A blue powder Tang is one I really want.

 

[OrionN]

Small Powder Blue tang will outgrow a 55 gal tank in the mater of months if well care for. I always make sure I have plan for my fish when I buy then. Normally, "get larger tank when he is larger, bring him back to LFS, or give it to Joe Reefer" are not real plans.

 

[nereefpat]

Powder blues are really active, and get big and aggressive. I kept a powder brown in my 125 for a while. It was sort of a "rescue." I've seen some websites recommend a standard 125 for a powder blue/brown. I disagree. Mine "paced"...constantly. It was uncomfortable for him AND me.

 

[Jesterrace]

A blue powder Tang is one I really want.

I wouldn't keep a powder blue in a 55 gallon for anything more than a holding tank application. It is one of the more aggressive tangs and easily stressed and that 12 inch width is going to make for a very cramped tank for that fish. If you were looking at a Tomini then that would be one thing, but a Powder Blue is too big and aggressive.

 

[tehmadreefer]

No

 

[Shane808262]

Don’t worry though powder blues are just one of the manny tangs. If I were you I would try another species of tang that you like so you can get use to what it is like to have a tang since it will give you a idea if you really still want a powder blue in the future. Try a Tomini or a yellow eye kole really any of the smaller Bristle tooth tangs will be fine in a 55. They are also easier then the powder blue and browns since they get ich so easily and can be really really mean and territorial. Best of luck.

 

[OrionN]

I would say that 55 gal is too small for any tang long term. Put a PBT long term in there will not end up with happy ending. There will be people saying that they have done it well but take what they wrote with an ocean of salt.

 

[Shane808262]

I would say that 55 gal is too small for any tang long term. Put a PBT long term in there will not end up with happy ending. There will be people saying that they have done it well but take what they wrote with an ocean of salt.

I agree a PBT will not be happy in a 55 It is just too small but housing a small kole in a 55 would allow plenty of space until it is full grown but by then most people will have upgraded and if not it may be time to rehome it or decide to upgrade.

In my opinion if someone is new to the hobby and starts out with a 55 and wants a tang or any fish really when it’s small get one. Yea it will out grow in time but the person will grow to love the fish and want more wich will lead to a bigger tank in the future. If not they will have learned the hobby is not for them and they can rehome the fish. It’s better for them to start smaller then spend thousands on a larger tank so they can have tangs or other active/large fish but find that it’s too much for them and only then discover the hobby doesn't fit them.