I need your thought's on a yellow tang and 55g reefs!

2swift · 12/21/2006, 10:46 PM

Yes I am contemplating it that's why we are here now!
If you say go please explain why it's ok please
If you say stop please explain why it's not ok please.
I thank you all for any help in this decision.

davocean · 12/21/2006, 10:50 PM

Min rec is 50 in my book, so I guess OK, but still feels a little small to me for long term.

Bret61081 · 12/21/2006, 10:57 PM

I had one and it was VERY aggressive! It would kill every fish I put in after it. Its was very hardy...lived through the hurricanes...but dominated the tank...even my pair of GSM clowns and Blue throat trigger! I think the smaller space makes them more aggressive! JMO...

2swift · 12/21/2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by davocean
Min rec is 50 in my book, so I guess OK, but still feels a little small to me for long term.

Ty for you input davocean!
Any 1 else?

saltycreefer · 12/21/2006, 11:00 PM

Get one as small as possible and trade it in when it gets big.

2swift · 12/21/2006, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bret61081
I had one and it was VERY aggressive! It would kill every fish I put in after it. Its was very hardy...lived through the hurricanes...but dominated the tank...even my pair of GSM clowns and Blue throat trigger! I think the smaller space makes them more aggressive! JMO...

Ty Bret!
Any 1 else?

Sk8r · 12/21/2006, 11:01 PM

If you're going to have a tang in a smallish tank, don't confront him with a pancake-shaped tankmate---I'm also pushing it, and have no trouble with a purple, which is rated more aggressive than the yellow, but all my other fish are cigar-shaped, tiny, and very difficult targets for the tang, who does not seem to regard them as rivals in any way. Also, they mass very, very little, and the bioload, particularly the protein-eating bioload, stays small, as he is preferentially a herbivore. When he grows, he will have to move out.

2swift · 12/21/2006, 11:05 PM

Salty & sk8r Ty
Any 1 else? and remember I need all the pros and cons in order to make the proverbial informed decision.

petoonia · 12/21/2006, 11:14 PM

I had a yellow tang in a 50g years ago. Back when we listened to the LFS, and had no other source of information. Honestly, I never had a problem with it. It was medium sized, there was no aggression, and it was quite healthy. We also had in the tank a percula clown, sebae clown, coral beauty, black cap basslet, mandarin, and a yellow tailed blue damsel.. There were probably more at one time or another. I know now that tank was way overstocked.

I agree with sk8er, I wouldnt add anything similar. I would also stick with smaller fish other than the tang.

Good Luck!!!!

2swift · 12/21/2006, 11:17 PM

Ty pet.
Any 1 else?

lllosingit · 12/21/2006, 11:50 PM

Speaking as a person who owned a 6' long 125 and switched to a 4' long 120 gallon, I'd have to say it's to small.
My tangs used to swim back and forth using the full 6' length in the old setup and now they tend to swim up and down more and seem cramped.
Will they live in a small tank yes, will I keep them in my 4' long tank yes, But I think they are happier with more room to swim.

2swift · 12/21/2006, 11:56 PM

Ty lllosingit,
any 1 else?

Kigs · 12/22/2006, 01:11 AM

lol how many opinions are you looking for here?

bottom line is, they won't be happy in a 55g in the long run, but you could pull it off given that it's a young specimen.

Cody Ray · 12/22/2006, 01:13 AM

I am thinking of setting up a 55g and getting a yellow tang as well. I will be starting with a small fish (3" or so) so there will be plenty of swimming room. Once I move to my own place I will get a larger system so I'm not concered with the size (roughly 6 months from now).

samuels · 12/22/2006, 01:17 AM

you guys got the cutest avatars!

2swift · 12/22/2006, 09:02 AM

lol

smatter · 12/22/2006, 09:14 AM

I don't like to put species into tanks that are unable to accomodate them throughout their lifespan. Each time an animal is moved it is quite stressful, it is our duty to ensure these animals that we remove from the sea experience as little stress as possible. Yes, it is possible to keep a yellow tang in a 55, but IMO it is not right.

Sk8r · 12/22/2006, 09:15 AM

Also, as an added thought, your aquascaping and flow makes a difference in success. My tang enjoys loop-de-loops at high speed, especially when mysis is loose in the tank, and enough swimming room and high flow is important. These fish are very oxy-hungry, and a strong skimmer can also make a positive difference for that reason.

SDguy · 12/22/2006, 09:18 AM

I'd pass simply due to aggression. A YT will be very aggressive in a 55g tank. I know. I did it in my very first FO tank. Bad idea. Why to you want it? Color? Get a yellow coris wrasse. Algae eating? Get a lawnmower blenny.

hth

Cheesy_Puffs · 12/22/2006, 09:22 AM

Agree with SK8r, keep your aquascaping open and keep live rock to a minimum and if you can, arrange it with little caves and passages. Tangs like to swim around and through things. Careful not to overstock though, it takes up swimming room

jasper24 · 12/22/2006, 09:39 AM

How many fish and what are they in there now?

madwhacker · 12/22/2006, 09:49 AM

I had a yellow tang in a 55gal, with other fish. I have no problems with it being aggressive. I have now upgraded to a 125gal. The tang now swims from side to side and loves it.

jbittner · 12/22/2006, 10:42 AM

I had a Yellow in my 55 for 8 years. No aggression--perfect citizen. I lost him in a recent move, otherwise he would still be in there.

Bubbled-tip · 12/22/2006, 10:45 AM

I have a small (2") YT in a 46 bowfront. I know he will outrow the tank in a year or s obut for now he is doing OK and not my most agressive fish. I have him with a small Tomato clown (they hang out together) yellow tail damsel, and dragon goby who is the undisputed owner of my tank. He decides who is allowed to stay or not. My YT was put in last and seems to like going through all the rockwork.

2swift · 12/22/2006, 10:49 AM

To answer Jaspers ?
Fish - Corals
1 Scooter blenny - 2 Frog spawn
1 Blue mandarin - 1 Hammer
1 red fire fish - 1 Torch
1 purple fire fish - 1 assorted clean up crew
1 fals perc - 1 assorted zoa's
- 1 Green Plate
- 1 Clam
And turn over is roughly 31x per hour
And here's a pic!
Remember this is purely explorative research on it's feasibility.

12/21/2006, 10:46 PM	#1
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	I need your thought's on a yellow tang and 55g reefs! Yes I am contemplating it that's why we are here now! If you say go please explain why it's ok please If you say stop please explain why it's not ok please. I thank you all for any help in this decision. __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator

12/21/2006, 10:50 PM	#2
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	Min rec is 50 in my book, so I guess OK, but still feels a little small to me for long term. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

12/21/2006, 11:00 PM	#5
saltycreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fairfield,CT Posts: 1,696	Get one as small as possible and trade it in when it gets big. __________________ I love being a turtle!!! Current Tank Info: Got out of tanks for a little while.

12/21/2006, 11:01 PM	#7
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	If you're going to have a tang in a smallish tank, don't confront him with a pancake-shaped tankmate---I'm also pushing it, and have no trouble with a purple, which is rated more aggressive than the yellow, but all my other fish are cigar-shaped, tiny, and very difficult targets for the tang, who does not seem to regard them as rivals in any way. Also, they mass very, very little, and the bioload, particularly the protein-eating bioload, stays small, as he is preferentially a herbivore. When he grows, he will have to move out. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

12/21/2006, 11:05 PM	#8
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	Salty & sk8r Ty Any 1 else? and remember I need all the pros and cons in order to make the proverbial informed decision. __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator

12/21/2006, 10:57 PM	#3
Bret61081 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 2,078	I had one and it was VERY aggressive! It would kill every fish I put in after it. Its was very hardy...lived through the hurricanes...but dominated the tank...even my pair of GSM clowns and Blue throat trigger! I think the smaller space makes them more aggressive! JMO...

12/21/2006, 11:14 PM	#9
petoonia HereWeGoAgain... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,648	I had a yellow tang in a 50g years ago. Back when we listened to the LFS, and had no other source of information. Honestly, I never had a problem with it. It was medium sized, there was no aggression, and it was quite healthy. We also had in the tank a percula clown, sebae clown, coral beauty, black cap basslet, mandarin, and a yellow tailed blue damsel.. There were probably more at one time or another. I know now that tank was way overstocked. I agree with sk8er, I wouldnt add anything similar. I would also stick with smaller fish other than the tang. Good Luck!!!! __________________ I've been in the hobby for about 10 years....(so I know a little bit)...(but not all that much).... Current Tank Info: 58G. Oceanic (Starphire). Mixed Reef

12/21/2006, 11:17 PM	#10
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	Ty pet. Any 1 else? __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator

12/21/2006, 11:50 PM	#11
lllosingit Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Des Moines Iowa Posts: 3,190	Speaking as a person who owned a 6' long 125 and switched to a 4' long 120 gallon, I'd have to say it's to small. My tangs used to swim back and forth using the full 6' length in the old setup and now they tend to swim up and down more and seem cramped. Will they live in a small tank yes, will I keep them in my 4' long tank yes, But I think they are happier with more room to swim. __________________ It Was Funny Until Someone Got Hurt..........Then It Was Hilarious! Current Tank Info: DD 250 60x36x27 450 gallon total system.

12/21/2006, 11:56 PM	#12
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	Ty lllosingit, any 1 else? __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator

12/22/2006, 01:11 AM	#13
Kigs Moved On Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: LI, NY Posts: 2,182	lol how many opinions are you looking for here? bottom line is, they won't be happy in a 55g in the long run, but you could pull it off given that it's a young specimen.

12/22/2006, 01:13 AM	#14
Cody Ray Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 5,101	I am thinking of setting up a 55g and getting a yellow tang as well. I will be starting with a small fish (3" or so) so there will be plenty of swimming room. Once I move to my own place I will get a larger system so I'm not concered with the size (roughly 6 months from now). __________________ Limit 1 stupid question per day Current Tank Info: Mr. Aqua 7.5g bowfront

12/22/2006, 01:17 AM	#15
samuels Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 68	you guys got the cutest avatars!

12/22/2006, 09:02 AM	#16
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	lol __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator

12/22/2006, 09:14 AM	#17
smatter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,055	I don't like to put species into tanks that are unable to accomodate them throughout their lifespan. Each time an animal is moved it is quite stressful, it is our duty to ensure these animals that we remove from the sea experience as little stress as possible. Yes, it is possible to keep a yellow tang in a 55, but IMO it is not right.

12/22/2006, 09:15 AM	#18
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Also, as an added thought, your aquascaping and flow makes a difference in success. My tang enjoys loop-de-loops at high speed, especially when mysis is loose in the tank, and enough swimming room and high flow is important. These fish are very oxy-hungry, and a strong skimmer can also make a positive difference for that reason. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

12/22/2006, 09:18 AM	#19
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	I'd pass simply due to aggression. A YT will be very aggressive in a 55g tank. I know. I did it in my very first FO tank. Bad idea. Why to you want it? Color? Get a yellow coris wrasse. Algae eating? Get a lawnmower blenny. hth __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

12/22/2006, 09:22 AM	#20
Cheesy_Puffs Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: holland,mi Posts: 285	Agree with SK8r, keep your aquascaping open and keep live rock to a minimum and if you can, arrange it with little caves and passages. Tangs like to swim around and through things. Careful not to overstock though, it takes up swimming room __________________ Not my gumdrop buttons! Current Tank Info: 75g w/sump

12/22/2006, 09:39 AM	#21
jasper24 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 2,120	How many fish and what are they in there now?

12/22/2006, 09:49 AM	#22
madwhacker Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 5	I had a yellow tang in a 55gal, with other fish. I have no problems with it being aggressive. I have now upgraded to a 125gal. The tang now swims from side to side and loves it.

12/22/2006, 10:42 AM	#23
jbittner Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Humboldt, NE Posts: 1,014	I had a Yellow in my 55 for 8 years. No aggression--perfect citizen. I lost him in a recent move, otherwise he would still be in there.

12/22/2006, 10:45 AM	#24
Bubbled-tip Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NH Posts: 23	I have a small (2") YT in a 46 bowfront. I know he will outrow the tank in a year or s obut for now he is doing OK and not my most agressive fish. I have him with a small Tomato clown (they hang out together) yellow tail damsel, and dragon goby who is the undisputed owner of my tank. He decides who is allowed to stay or not. My YT was put in last and seems to like going through all the rockwork.

12/22/2006, 10:49 AM	#25
2swift Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ruskin,FLA Posts: 876	To answer Jaspers ? Fish - Corals 1 Scooter blenny - 2 Frog spawn 1 Blue mandarin - 1 Hammer 1 red fire fish - 1 Torch 1 purple fire fish - 1 assorted clean up crew 1 fals perc - 1 assorted zoa's - 1 Green Plate - 1 Clam And turn over is roughly 31x per hour And here's a pic! Remember this is purely explorative research on it's feasibility. __________________ Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Current Tank Info: 150g with twin FX4 canisters-Jebao 90Wave maker-2 AQUASKY Fluval Lights-AquaMaxx TS-2 Sulfur Denitrator