Tangs in a 300+

[RJKain-777]

As the title says I’m curious about tangs in a 300, specifically a Naso, or sohal tang.

I’ve already put grown my Red Sea reefer coral wise so want to upgrade to a bigger tank in the next year or 2, but going to plan around fish I want instead of coral.

My dream fish is a sohal tang and A Naso tang.

I’m torn between 2 tanks, basically due to lighting cost (12 radion xr15 vs 8 radion ).

First tank is a 375 gallon, 95x30x30, second tank is 72x30x36, 320 gallons.

Obviously the 8ft would be the better choice, but can one or both of these tangs live long term, in a 6ft tank?

 

[mta_morrow]

Perhaps @4FordFamily or @HotRocks can offer some insight.

 

[AquaLifeStudio]

I've got a Naso Tang in a 6 foot long tank along with a Regal, Achilles, Goldrim and a Yellow Eye Kole; but currently it's probably about 6" and I expect it to grow much larger. I am fully aware that I may have to rehome it to a larger tank, like 8'+, for more swimming room someday.

You already know the 8' tank is the better option, get that.

 

[vetteguy53081]

They should dwell fine for now. 300g has a good run in terms of length and 30" width.

 

[IKD]

Are you doing no corals at all? If so, why do you need the fancy/expensive radions? You could probably get much cheaper lighting for fish only. If you decide on corals again, then upgrade the lighting at that time.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

As the title says I’m curious about tangs in a 300, specifically a Naso, or sohal tang.

I’ve already put grown my Red Sea reefer coral wise so want to upgrade to a bigger tank in the next year or 2, but going to plan around fish I want instead of coral.

My dream fish is a sohal tang and A Naso tang.

I’m torn between 2 tanks, basically due to lighting cost (12 radion xr15 vs 8 radion ).

First tank is a 375 gallon, 95x30x30, second tank is 72x30x36, 320 gallons.

Obviously the 8ft would be the better choice, but can one or both of these tangs live long term, in a 6ft tank?

If it all the same then I would always go with a 8' over a 6' Those two are my favorites as well, but they get large. I have a baby blonde naso 2-3" in a 6' tank and he is doing great. He is doing great while he is 2-3", he will not be doing great at 8+". I have a buddy that has a 12' tank, if/when he gets too large then I will relocate him there. From my experience length has proven to be the most important variable for my tangs and trigger. Height and width have always been a lesser criteria. Width wise you do need enough room for the fish to turn, but haven't seen benefit beyond that.

 

[Jon Fishman]

If you have the space for it, the 8' tank certainly has a bigger "wow" factor to it..... kinda depends on your room too.....

The tangs would likely be o.k. in the 6' though.

 

[Squidward]

The 8footer no question. Naso should be fine in there. The Sohal I won't get one due to all the horror stories I've heard about them.

 

[RJKain-777]

If you have the space for it, the 8' tank certainly has a bigger "wow" factor to it..... kinda depends on your room too.....

The tangs would likely be o.k. in the 6' though.

Space isn’t an issue

The 8footer no question. Naso should be fine in there. The Sohal I won't get one due to all the horror stories I've heard about them.

I’ve heard horror stories as well, but all fish are different, just like a lot of people have horror stories (including myself) with yellow tangs.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Your RSR looks great. Are you keeping it too?

 

[Halal Hotdog]

The 8footer no question. Naso should be fine in there. The Sohal I won't get one due to all the horror stories I've heard about them.

There are tons of horror stories about this fish, but I don't think it is 100% due to the fact it is a Sohal. I have kept very aggressive fish (clown triggers, purple tangs, powder blue tangs, harlequin tusk, and alike). Yes some fish are just more aggressive than other, but they are not all killers. What I have discovered with a large enough tank with enough swimming room (no rock walls in over 50% of the tank) they can all do well in a community setting. If I ever get a tank large enough I will try a sohal.

 

[RJKain-777]

Your RSR looks great. Are you keeping it too?

I’ll most likely be tearing it down and selling it (lights, skimmer, tank etc) to offset the cost of the new tank of and when it happens.

I’m hoping to buy a house in the next 2-3 years, that will be when I upgrade tanks.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

8’ tank with only 3 Radions. Only softies and nems though.

The Naso uses a every inch of the 8’. Thought about a Sohal but felt it would do better in a 10’.

 

[RJKain-777]

There are tons of horror stories about this fish, but I don't think it is 100% due to the fact it is a Sohal. I have kept very aggressive fish (clown triggers, purple tangs, powder blue tangs, harlequin tusk, and alike). Yes some fish are just more aggressive than other, but they are not all killers. What I have discovered with a large enough tank with enough swimming room (no rock walls in over 50% of the tank) they can all do well in a community setting. If I ever get a tank large enough I will try a sohal.

I like your optimism!

Tank will have a open rock scape, I’m not a fan of the rock walls either.

 

[RJKain-777]

8’ tank with only 3 Radions. Only softies and nems though.

The Naso uses a every inch of the 8’. Thought about a Sohal but felt it would do better in a 10’.

I’d be going with either 6 xr30 or 12 xr15 since I’m addicted to SPS. Lol but you have a beautiful tank!

 

[Qasimja]

8’ tank with only 3 Radions. Only softies and nems though.

The Naso uses a every inch of the 8’. Thought about a Sohal but felt it would do better in a 10’.

nice looking tank im wishing i got an 8 footer now would have been better to start with the biggest now if i want to upgrade from 6 to 8 feet thats gonna be a big headache lol

 

[nereefpat]

Get the 8 footer. 36" high instead of 30" high doesn't offer much benefit.

Skip the sohal.

If it takes that many flippin LED lights, why not look into MH or T5 instead?

 

[RJKain-777]

Get the 8 footer. 36" high instead of 30" high doesn't offer much benefit.

Skip the sohal.

If it takes that many flippin LED lights, why not look into MH or T5 instead?

I’m looking at the best results, and I’ve seen amazing results with radions. (WWC tanks) plus, MH isn’t available locally to me, and T5 is becoming obsolete

 

[Dragon52]

If the wife would let me & I had the room I go as Big as I could. lol

 

[RJKain-777]

If the wife would let me & I had the room I go as Big as I could. lol

Haha! It’s more of a financial limitation. While I would love a 750+ gallon tank, the cost of said tank, plus required equipment almost doubles that of a 300-400 gallon tank.

For me , room isn’t an issue, and the wife is a whole different story.