Do Tangs And Foxfaces Really Need Massive Tanks?

[nicisareefer]

I have a really small foxface that is about 2 inches in my 34 gallon who is on algae duty, and in a month it will be moved to my reefer 300. Do tangs and foxfaces actually need 100 plus gallons of swimming space, or does tankmates and hiding spots matter more? Whatdo you reefers think?

 

[Bbio]

I would say realistically they need about 4+ feet of horizontal, unobstructed swimming space.

You can double the swimming space if you put your scape in the middle and they can also swim behind it.

A foxface and many tangs can get quite large.

 

[Naso180!]

Depending on the species of tang. Yes, ultimately a giant tank. Naso tangs for example can reach well over a foot. Some larger. That's said, they can live in a 4 ft tank easily for years. Especially if you get a juvenile.

 

[Fish Fan]

Swimming space matters most for these fish, and the problem can be that they grow much more quickly than a lot of people expect. I wouldn't underestimate how much room they need, and how fast they can grow.