Fish Recommendations

[unbeknownst]

I have a 160 gallon 6' tank I need a tang gang for. I have a sump holding about thirty gallons with a refugium and an oversized protein skimmer. Is there really a limit to what type tangs I can get. I was thinking of getting two large ones 12"+ and two smaller ones less than 10" max lengths. I was also going to purchase them when they are all small.

Edit: I already have a blue hippo as a planned addition to fill one of the 12" slots.

 

[JoJosReef]

@Fish Styx

My understanding is that some tangs like nasos are better kept in even larger tanks. Best to check with the tang experts!

 

[Fish Styx]

@Fish Styx

My understanding is that some tangs like nasos are better kept in even larger tanks. Best to check with the tang experts!

Hey there, #Heathen! Thanks for the tag. To give some feedback to the OP, @unbeknownst -

Unfortunately, the dimensions of your tank will not responsibly house either of those specimens, let alone both together. Remember that these fish are incredibly active swimmers and need room to turn and maneuver through / around the aquascape. The width of your tank will not allow for that.

Length-wise, a 72" tank (180) would be okay-ish for the Blue Hippo, but that Naso needs an 8-footer. Keeping them in anything smaller is irresponsible husbandry, IMHO.

Now, all that being said, your tank can still have quite a nice lineup for your tang gang!

Smaller Acanthurus sp. like a Chocolate and Lavender, mid-sized Ctenochaetus sp. like the White Tailed, and a Zebrasoma sp. like the Yellow, would all be appropriate for the dimensions of your enclosure. In fact, those four would be my personal choices, but I'm biased because they are all members of my gang. Lol


Hope this helped. Feel free to hit me up with any other questions.

Happy Reefing!

 

[unbeknownst]

@Fish Styx

My understanding is that some tangs like nasos are better kept in even larger tanks. Best to check with the tang experts!

Hey there, #Heathen! Thanks for the tag. To give some feedback to the OP, @unbeknownst -

Unfortunately, the dimensions of your tank will not responsibly house either of those specimens, let alone both together. Remember that these fish are incredibly active swimmers and need room to turn and maneuver through / around the aquascape. The width of your tank will not allow for that.

Length-wise, a 72" tank (180) would be okay-ish for the Blue Hippo, but that Naso needs an 8-footer. Keeping them in anything smaller is irresponsible husbandry, IMHO.

Now, all that being said, your tank can still have quite a nice lineup for your tang gang!

Smaller Acanthurus sp. like a Chocolate and Lavender, mid-sized Ctenochaetus sp. like the White Tailed, and a Zebrasoma sp. like the Yellow, would all be appropriate for the dimensions of your enclosure. In fact, those four would be my personal choices, but I'm biased because they are all members of my gang. Lol


Hope this helped. Feel free to hit me up with any other questions.

Happy Reefing!

Thank you so much for the reply, the lfs told me almost any tang would be fine, but I know there is a difference between surviving and thriving!

I think I will stick to 10" or smaller tangs after reading your advice.

 

[JoJosReef]

Thank you so much for the reply, the lfs told me almost any tang would be fine, but I know there is a difference between surviving and thriving!

I think I will stick to 10" or smaller tangs after reading your advice.

I can say, I've seen naso tangs in the wild with streamers a half a foot to a foot long. I mean, they can turn around in a 24" W tank, but it's a bit sad to think they would be touching end-to-end. A naso is a dream fish for me, for sure, bur I'd probably be shooting for an 8' x 30" tank for them (and the other cool tangs super swimmers like Achilles, etc.).

 

[unbeknownst]

Thank you so much for the reply, the lfs told me almost any tang would be fine, but I know there is a difference between surviving and thriving!

I think I will stick to 10" or smaller tangs after reading your advice.

I can say, I've seen naso tangs in the wild with streamers a half a foot to a foot long. I mean, they can turn around in a 24" W tank, but it's a bit sad to think they would be touching end-to-end. A naso is a dream fish for me, for sure, bur I'd probably be shooting for an 8' x 30" tank for them (and the other cool tangs super swimmers like Achilles, etc.).

That makes sense. I definitely do not want to be cruel to the animal like that.