Tank suggestions VS. Fish size

[wasafuzz]

Hi everyone. New to site, many questions, but will start with this. Researching for a new tank. I would like to keep a tang and a couple of other fish that the sites say require at least 100 gallons. My top three choices are a waterbox 130 gallon , Red sea reefer 425, and a innovative marine SR 80. Now, I know the 80 is less gallons, but it is the same length as the waterbox, and Red Sea, which just happens to fit the area I'm needing to put it in. I'm thinking the length is the most important part of the equation. I kind of like the shallow reef idea, but want to do what's best for the fish. Any help, comments and or suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[James Tucker]

For the bigger tangs, 72” is a good point for swim room, unless you want to buy them small and trade them back for smaller after a couple years. I have a 6” regal tang in a 48” reefer 350 and it’s not long enough. Vertical seems fine though.

 

[W1ngz]

Check out your fish species on liveaquaria.com, they list decent tank size recommendations.

Just keep in mind they are usually in gallons, so assume standard rectangular shapes. For example a 90 gallon 4 footer would be fine for smaller tangs, but a 90 cube would not.

 

[Reef-junky]

Check it out

 

[wasafuzz]

Hi reef junky. (funny drinking a Corona as we speak). That is great info. I have seen the gallon info but not the length info. Thanks for that. I know these are guidelines, but answer me this....if a yellow tang only needs 100 gallons, but 5 feet, it could not fit in 132 gallon 4 foot long waterbox? Then again, if it could fit in the 132 gallon 4 ft. Waterbed, then why couldn't it also fit in a 4 ft. 80 gallon shallow reef. Please note, I am not trying to be argumentative, just thinking...(not waterbed, waterbox.)

 

[wasafuzz]

Or....have I had too many Corona's (a possibility).

 

[Reef-junky]

From what I’ve been told with tangs the length of the tank is the most important part because they are swimmers. In the wild they cover a lot of distance. Even though it says 5ft I would probably go with a 6 or 7 ft tank.

 

[wasafuzz]

OK, thanks. Don't have space or money for a 6 ft. Tank...so no tang for me!

 

[Reef-junky]

There are a hand full of smaller Tangs you could get like a Kole or Tomini.

 

[wasafuzz]

Yeah, I like the joke, will check on the timing. Really. Thanks for your help. I need to factor all this before deciding on a tank.

 

[wasafuzz]

Hate auto correct... Kole.