dude on youtube has a bluetang in such a small tank

[ChrisfromBrick]

Im sure plenty of people on this forum have similar fish in similar tanks.

i really hope not

 

[BetteMidler]

It’s often easier to be mean in these moments, especially if you are frustrated or feel strongly about something like this. Reacting with criticism or bluntness can be a quick way to vent or make a point. However, being kind usually takes a bit more thought

In these cases, try to share advice or suggestions in a helpful manner. Try it with kindness and respect for your own autonomy. Frame your advice as a suggestion rather than a directive. Examples: "I’ve found it helpful to…," or "Have you thought about…?". This invites them to consider your input without making them feel pressured.

For this situation, saying something like "It’s awesome that you’re taking on the care of such a beautiful fish! I’ve read that a Blue Tang may need a lot of space to thrive because they’re such active swimmers. They might not be happy in smaller tanks, and it could cause health issues over time. If you’re open to it, there are some amazing fish that do well in a 10-gallon tank, like gobies or clownfish. Or, if you want to stick with the Tangs maybe a bigger tank in the future? Let me know if you’d like any suggestions! I’m happy to help if you want ideas on fish care or tank setup."

Just a suggestion, please don't take it out one me

 

[ingchr1]

At the moment let's say that fish is 2" and that is a standard 10 gallon at 20" long. The fish is 1/10th the length.

What makes is ok when the fish is 8" or longer to be to be in a tank that is 72" long (180 gallon)? The fish would be more cramped at 1/9th the length.

Is any standard tank really long enough for large tangs? Especially once you add in rock, coral and other fish.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

It’s often easier to be mean in these moments, especially if you are frustrated or feel strongly about something like this. Reacting with criticism or bluntness can be a quick way to vent or make a point. However, being kind usually takes a bit more thought

In these cases, try to share advice or suggestions in a helpful manner. Try it with kindness and respect for your own autonomy. Frame your advice as a suggestion rather than a directive. Examples: "I’ve found it helpful to…," or "Have you thought about…?". This invites them to consider your input without making them feel pressured.

For this situation, saying something like "It’s awesome that you’re taking on the care of such a beautiful fish! I’ve read that a Blue Tang may need a lot of space to thrive because they’re such active swimmers. They might not be happy in smaller tanks, and it could cause health issues over time. If you’re open to it, there are some amazing fish that do well in a 10-gallon tank, like gobies or clownfish. Or, if you want to stick with the Tangs maybe a bigger tank in the future? Let me know if you’d like any suggestions! I’m happy to help if you want ideas on fish care or tank setup."

Just a suggestion, please don't take it out one me

I usually direct people in this way in person. However, I find it better to vent frustration or criticism more positively. Sometimes, I slip up and can get frustrated or angry, but it is better to know where the person is coming from, figure out why they do it, and address the issue accordingly.

 

[lakai]

I have 3 in a 20 gal.

 

[Reefering1]

I have 3 in a 20 gal.

Those are so tiny!! What size pvc fittings are those?

 

[Reefer Matt]

I usually direct people in this way in person. However, I find it better to vent frustration or criticism more positively. Sometimes, I slip up and can get frustrated or angry, but it is better to know where the person is coming from, figure out why they do it, and address the issue accordingly.

Yeah, it can drive you crazy if you let it. I realized that none of us hobbyists are an authority in reefing. At best, we are recycling information that was passed to us, right or wrong, while mixing in some experience. It’s commendable to want to help, but we aren’t helping anyone by comparing our tank to theirs and telling them to reef like us. I usually explain the pros and cons of my reefing, and leave the decision of change up to them. It’s their tank and money after all. If we want to include ethics, then none of us should be keeping these animals captive, imo. All we can do is try our best and let others take their journey.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Ah yes, because there's no hypocrisy in a fishkeeper telling other fishkeepers not to fish keep.

 

[Zoalicious812]

Im not sure what size it is maybe 10 or 20 but i was on youtube and this came across on my feed.. some people!!!

I’m pretty new to all this and even I know better than that. Soon he’ll need other arrangements for sure. Bioload likely really high in that tank being so small.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Why judge others based on your biases?

I would encourage people to take a step back, think about the social norms we are exposed to in this hobby. Then think about how they shaped your view on certain subjects. Then try to shed those norms, apply some logic to see things from a different perspective.

Most of these views we hold as hobbyist can be traced back to a single source. Don't you find it funny that one person or small group of individuals foisted their opinion onto you in a manner that is now widely accepted as a norm? No one dares question it because it has become dogma (in this circle).

Some of our bias are rooted in science, while others are rooted in interpretation. That's when it becomes tricky. Just because someone can make a convincing point by parading ideas as fact doesn't mean it should be accepted as a norm.

People keep fish in the "appropriate" sized tank based on some arbitrary measurements designed only to make you feel better about keeping said fish in captivity. My challenge to you is to see that there's very little difference between 20g and 200g when the alternative was the ocean.

The irony comes from those that say 20g and 200g are vastly different in comparison to the ocean. That's all.

Oh, and being that today is Veterans Day. Don't forget to go out of your way to thank a Veteran.

 

[lakai]

Those are so tiny!! What size pvc fittings are those?

1" pvc. They were even smaller when I got them. Its strange but the most success I've had with hippos are when I get them when they are about 1".

 

[Reefering1]

I've struggled with them that small. Probably because I dump them in big tank with full size competition. How long do you keep them in there? Then what?

 

[areefer01]

Why judge others based on your biases?

Seems to be the new norm with social media. Borderline bullying to some degree in my opinion.

Oh, and being that today is Veterans Day. Don't forget to go out of your way to thank a Veteran.

Should be every day. Thank you btw.

 

[GARRIGA]

Considering our fish live in glass houses vs free on the reef then perhaps best we don’t throw stones

 

[eliaslikesfish]

scrolling through and seeing how petulant people can be over a fish in a small tank (that you can’t do anything about) is actually comedic gold.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Should be every day. Thank you btw.

Right back at ya. Thank you for your service!

 

[lakai]

This youtube guy isn't good example and I am in no way trying to but this tang police nonsense really has to stop or at least 90% of those who get infuriated about tangs requiring a ocean to swim in need to be a little more educated. I've kept all types of tangs, multiples of each genus over the years and here are of my opinions based on my observations without stating one off personality traits but am pretty confident in saying.

Most tangs can be put comfortably in a small tank from juvenile to 2 yrs old maybe even 3.

There are plenty of tangs that are able to live their lives in smaller tanks Minimum 20gal like Ctenochaetus genus (Bristletooth, Kole Tang, Chevron)
https://www.qualitymarine.com/quality-marine/fish/tangs/ctenochaetus/bristletooth-assorted-31539/
Majority of tangs will be plenty happy in a minimum tank size of 4'-6' such as Zebrasoma genus (Yellow Tang, Black Tang, Sailfin, Hippo Tangs).

Some tangs definitely that do require a ocean to swim in such as Naso types (Unincorns, Vlamingii, Naso) also some acanthurus like Bariene.

Just because a certain tang can grow up to 13" doesn't mean it will! They will typically only grow up to the size of the environment meaning if you have two of the same genus in different size tanks, the one in the larger will definitely grow bigger while the one in the smaller tank will plateau in growth.

The most important factor for tangs to thrive is that they feel safe. A hippo tang needs a tight space to hide and sleep in to feel safe more than it needs space to swim. A tang that is constantly getting picked on will not be happy no matter how large your tank is.

They aren't all aggressive but Tang aggression is also something that is important to consider when adding more than 1. There can only be 1 king in a tank full of tangs. Each tang will always have a favorite to pick on more others depending on where they are on the totem pole. They will also ally with each other to kill one if they both have the same favorite one to pick on.

The more wide open space they have, they tend to be more aggressive (as they get bigger and older). If your tank is chock packed with sps to hide behind the aggression will come in little spurts and go away.

If you plan on having multiple tangs, it is ideal to add them all together but it is important to prioritize the order you put them in. least aggressive first then the most aggressive last.

 

[lakai]

I've struggled with them that small. Probably because I dump them in big tank with full size competition. How long do you keep them in there? Then what?

They'll be in there for awhile, probably until they are at least 2" in about a year. I haven't even started copper yet because they are so small but they are super healthy. I have a 300 that I plan on putting them in when they are big enough because to put them in there now its not a good idea with a really aggressive 8" Achilles Tang terrorizing the rest of the fish.

 

[Reefering1]

They'll be in there for awhile, probably until they are at least 2" in about a year. I haven't even started copper yet because they are so small but they are super healthy. I have a 300 that I plan on putting them in when they are big enough because to put them in there now its not a good idea with a really aggressive 8" Achilles Tang terrorizing the rest of the fish.

That sounds perfectly reasonable to me, and I have found myself being critical of this issue in the past.. I do find it very different when someone asks about size compatibility, get told their tank is too small; get it anyways, then come back asking for help when the fish is sick/overly aggressive/ having nutrient problems.. your nickel sized fish have plenty room for now and they already have a 300 waiting for them. I feel like most people have the best intent but go about it wrong. Even a 3" wrasse behaves differently in a 300 vs 180g. I couldn't imagine my 8" Regal in anything less than that 300. He uses every bit of it. Makes you wonder if that is even enough

 

[Reefering1]

I guess that's the paradox of being on the top of the food chain. If I can eat it, how can keeping it alive be wrong. Goes for all animals we keep as pets, would they be better off free in the wild