Tang Questions

Bubba12 · Nov 4, 2015

I am seeing some conflicting info here on Tangs, I hoping you guys can explain. I have a 90 gallon cycling right now and have been planning my livestock. I was originally planning for a Kole Tang, which is really the only one I like that is reccommended for a 4 foot tank, but I have noticed several "experienced" reefers are keeping Yellow Tangs, Purple Tangs, etc... in 90's and even 75's. I also read that they are extremely slow growers, like an inch a year. When I see fish profiles the listed size for a fish is the max ever recorded right? So a 8" fish is more likely going to be like 6" in captivity right? Hard to imagine not being able to keep a 6" fish in a 4' tank. Could someone please clear all this up for me, it is very confusing. I realize this is a much debated topic (probably why I'm confused).

Naiad · Nov 4, 2015

I kind of look at it this way, some people can get away with murder others can't Jay walk without getting a ticket. I had a 4 in. purple in a four foot 120. He became increasingly agressive and stressed. I kept a 8 in regal in the same tank without the same issues (not at the same time). Most recomendations err on the side of caution.

kozzy · Nov 4, 2015

Honestly IMO you should be fine with most of the smaller sizes like you listed. Just be sure to provide open swimming space and also include hiding places. I honestly don't like the kole tang and I think the look on the yellow or purple looks alpt better but if your looking for something to help with algae the kole is great. Is recommend adding the tang later and when adding new fish rearrange the rock a bit to help with agression

Thomasj616 · Nov 4, 2015

I have a Red Sea tang. I got him about two years ago and he was about 4". He is now well over 7" and the King of my 125. Amazing beautiful fish but can be kind of a pain. Looking back, maybe should have done some more thinking about this purchase

melypr1985 · Nov 4, 2015

@3FordFamily @evolved These guys can explain all that involves tangs for you in detail.

For the record I'm one of those that has a purple tang and a kole tang in my 75 gallon. Like stated above though, I have ample open swimming space and hiding places for all the fish. Also, they were the last fish added to the system.

Naiad · Nov 4, 2015

I think my purple is just a psycopath. He killed my kole tang while they were in a 300 gal tub. I was moving my tanks so all the salt fish went into one giant tub.... mistake.

Bubba12 · Nov 4, 2015

Thanks guys! I do like the Kole, I just like others better and want to limit regrets with this tank. The Purple Tang may be my favorite fish I've seen. My LFS says she gets them in but they are pretty expensive, which is why the Yellow Tang is also a consideration.

4FordFamily · Nov 4, 2015

Kole should be fine and a small purple or yellow should work for a few years perhaps. Purple can be nasty though so I would be weary. Chevron are also slow growers. Sailfin grow faster I would avoid these.

It's a matter of opinion I've kept tangs in 75 gallon tanks that did not belong for a few years and it worked out fine. Other times it did not end well.

It's also generally best to add tangs at once rather than add a tang to an existing tang or tangs.

Reefing Madness · Nov 4, 2015

I've had a few Tangs in my time, and I've got to say:
Purple
Scopus
Yellow
Sailfin
So, in short the Zebramosa "IMO" are quite fine in the 75g-90g tanks, they don't have that fast quick dart swim patterns that Paracanthurus, Acanthurus and the Naso do.

3dees · Nov 5, 2015

you have to consider the needs of the fish and not just the size of the tank. I had 8 wild discus in my 120 gal. tank before converting it to salt. they were all 6"+. discus don't swim much. just sort of hang there. tangs. small or large need room. they are swimmers. sure you can keep them in a too small tank, but at what cost? is it worth the problems with aggression or worse, infect your tank with ich because the fish is cramped? many people do, it but it doesn't make it right. tangs are some of the most beautiful fish for an aquarium, but they are also one of the most abused. there are so many other choices for tanks less than 6'.

melypr1985 · Nov 5, 2015

3dees said:
you have to consider the needs of the fish and not just the size of the tank. I had 8 wild discus in my 120 gal. tank before converting it to salt. they were all 6"+. discus don't swim much. just sort of hang there. tangs. small or large need room. they are swimmers. sure you can keep them in a too small tank, but at what cost? is it worth the problems with aggression or worse, infect your tank with ich because the fish is cramped? many people do, it but it doesn't make it right. tangs are some of the most beautiful fish for an aquarium, but they are also one of the most abused. there are so many other choices for tanks less than 6'.

I just want to clarify for people who may read this the wrong way. Ick doesn't just appear because your fish are too big for their tank. It HAS to be introduced into the tank first (via fish that wasn't QT'd, frag that wasn't qt'd, water from the LFS or live rock even). It may seem to just appear because of the issues mentioned above, but in reality the ick was already there and was given an opportunity to show where your able to see it by poor water quality, aggression ect ect ect. My point is, with proper QT procedures for everything that goes into your tank, Ick wont just "appear out of nowhere". Hope that helps

Shell · Nov 5, 2015

I have a yellow tank and hippo tang in 90 gallon with no problems.

Bubba12 · Nov 5, 2015

3dees said:
you have to consider the needs of the fish and not just the size of the tank. I had 8 wild discus in my 120 gal. tank before converting it to salt. they were all 6"+. discus don't swim much. just sort of hang there. tangs. small or large need room. they are swimmers. sure you can keep them in a too small tank, but at what cost? is it worth the problems with aggression or worse, infect your tank with ich because the fish is cramped? many people do, it but it doesn't make it right. tangs are some of the most beautiful fish for an aquarium, but they are also one of the most abused. there are so many other choices for tanks less than 6'.

I guess that is where I was getting confused. This tank used to hold 6 adult Discus with no issues whatsoever, but that clears it up a little. What fish would you suggest for a tank my size? Have you had luck with Dwarf Angels? I was hoping for a Tang as a "centerpiece" fish.

Reefing Madness · Nov 5, 2015

White Tail Tang as a center piece would be a nice fish

jdl513 · Nov 5, 2015

Shell said:
I have a yellow tank and hippo tang in 90 gallon with no problems.

You probably know this already. If ample food is available the hippo will double in length and triple in weight in a year so I hope you have an upgrade in the works.