what tangs can you put in a 40 breeder while they are still juveniles?

agoutihead · 06/22/2007, 10:15 AM

i would really like to get a puple tang, but i dont think i have ever seen them around the half dollar size, generally almost the size of a baseball.

but i have seen yellow tangs and sailfin tangs pretty small, generally around a half dollar or smaller.

i figure i can get at least 2 years out of this fish in my 40 before it actually outgrows it and i will have to trade it in or give it away.

some people may say it will outgrow your tank, why put it in there?

well in that two years i can get alot of enjoyment out of it before it gets too big. i could then trade it in and replace it with a smaller one.

are there any other tangs that are hardy when their small like the yellow and sailfin that are readily available?

dcombs44 · 06/22/2007, 10:23 AM

Most people will tell you not to put a tang in a tank that is that short. Not because of the fact that the tang is too big, but because tangs like to have lots and lots of swim room, and a 40 breeder simply doesn't allow that. That being said, I have a nice sized yellow tang in a 55 gallon. It's a big longer than the 40, but not a large amount. I only have two fish in the tank, and the tang eats very well and is vibrant and healthy.

I'd say ultimately the choice is yours, but the masses will probably say don't do it.

agoutihead · 06/22/2007, 10:28 AM

i had a super healthy yellow tang in a 55 for years. i sold the house and the tank and tang went with it. thats easily doable i think.

i understand tangs need lots of room, but as juveniles 2-4", they obviously dont require as much swimming space when they are the size of a baseball/softball.

06/22/2007, 10:15 AM	#1
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	what tangs can you put in a 40 breeder while they are still juveniles? i would really like to get a puple tang, but i dont think i have ever seen them around the half dollar size, generally almost the size of a baseball. but i have seen yellow tangs and sailfin tangs pretty small, generally around a half dollar or smaller. i figure i can get at least 2 years out of this fish in my 40 before it actually outgrows it and i will have to trade it in or give it away. some people may say it will outgrow your tank, why put it in there? well in that two years i can get alot of enjoyment out of it before it gets too big. i could then trade it in and replace it with a smaller one. are there any other tangs that are hardy when their small like the yellow and sailfin that are readily available? __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...

06/22/2007, 10:23 AM	#2
dcombs44 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 2,913	Most people will tell you not to put a tang in a tank that is that short. Not because of the fact that the tang is too big, but because tangs like to have lots and lots of swim room, and a 40 breeder simply doesn't allow that. That being said, I have a nice sized yellow tang in a 55 gallon. It's a big longer than the 40, but not a large amount. I only have two fish in the tank, and the tang eats very well and is vibrant and healthy. I'd say ultimately the choice is yours, but the masses will probably say don't do it. __________________ Current Setup: 10 Gallon Skimmerless Zoanthid Tank Lighting: Single 175 Watt Metal Halide (14,000 K Hamilton Lamp) Filtration: 10 gallon sump/refugium and Phosban Reactor Return: Mag Drive 700 Controller: ReefKeeper Lite (Basic Version) Circulation: TBD Age of System: Build is in Progress

06/22/2007, 10:28 AM	#3
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	i had a super healthy yellow tang in a 55 for years. i sold the house and the tank and tang went with it. thats easily doable i think. i understand tangs need lots of room, but as juveniles 2-4", they obviously dont require as much swimming space when they are the size of a baseball/softball. __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...