Outgrow Your Welcome: Have you ever had a member of your reef outgrow your aquarium?

[AlyciaMarie]

Usually, we want positive growth and a thriving tank, but this kind of exponential growth is a double-edged sword and may be a problem rather than a blessing. On one hand, you're happy that your tank can support life! On the other, maybe you have to say goodbye to a beloved fish or frag off a gorgeous coral...

Have you ever had a member of your reef outgrow your aquarium?

 

[Reefer Matt]

I’m starting to think about upgrading this 75 gallon to a 120 or so. No where for the extra coral growth to go anymore.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

So far no!

 

[rhitee93]

I had a gsp colony that got to the size of a grapefruit. I cut it into 5 pieces and gave 4 away. I glued the 5th to another piece of rock and 6 months later it was again the size of a grapefruit. I cut it up into 4 pieces and it's waiting in the back of the tank to go to the LFS.

I also introduced a filefish to help with aiptasia. It did a fantastic job on aiptasia, and also ate a frogspawn colony and just about killed my hammer colony before I figured out what was going on. I maintain a FOWLR for my mother, so the filefish went to live with grandma.

 

[PharmrJohn]

No. Perhaps it will happen with corals eventually, but never with fish. I'm good.with researching, so I don't put myself (or the fish) in that situation.

 

[shakacuz]

had to sell my tomini tang which was getting too big for my 40B. i had gotten it very small with the intention of upgrading to a 75G which never occurred.

 

[Semper.Reefing]

I always find myself rehoming my leathers when they get too big.

 

[Lasse]

Yes - clams

Sincerely Lasse

 

[PharmrJohn]

had to sell my tomini tang which was getting too big for my 40B. i had gotten it very small with the intention of upgrading to a 75G which never occurred.

Well, it's good s/he found a new home. Life DOES get in the way, doesn't it!!

 

[vicefire17]

Euphyllia. Started with three heads, now I probably have over 50. I’m not sure what to do with it

 

[radiata]

This didn't happen to me, but this is my favorite outgrow. There once was a pet shop on Route 22 in NJ, called "The Pet Shanty" (RIP). They had a saltwater 55G tank near their entrance. There was a very large sarcophyton in the middle of the tank. It was two feet across, and thus took up half of the tank. Its name was "Steve".

 

[PharmrJohn]

Negative. But I DID buy a Hippo as an impulse buy for a 90 back in the day. Unfortunately it passed before getting too big for the tank (and me having to rehome it). The one and only time I messed up like that.

 

[Zionas]

Where’s the Tang police?

On a side note, I believe Blue Tangs often outgrow people’s tanks. At least a 180 long-term.

Naso Tangs really need an even bigger tank. I wouldn’t put one long-term in a 180.

Sohal Tangs, considering their aggression and size, a 180’s too small long-term.

Sailfin Tangs need bigger than a 180 long-term.

Emperor Angels need bigger than a 180.

A 180 which is right on the edge of what most would consider to be entering the category of truly “big” tanks, is still just about borderline for quite a few species of fish that are popular in the hobby.

For most tanks, only the Zebrasoma (not the Sailfins), Bristletooths (maybe not the Chevron), and a select few Acanthurus are suitable size and temperament wise.

Yellow
Scopas
Purple
Gem
Black

Tomini
Kole
Square Tail
White Tail
Twin-Spot

Mimic (Pyrofeus, Chronixis, Tristis)
Powder Brown (Japonicus)
Convict (if one gets lucky and it lives)
Polyzona
Lavender (Nigrofuscus)

This is about the number of species IMO that works out in most tanks. Powder Blues, Gold Rim, Achilles, and a few of the others are trickier (at least that seems to be the consensus). The others struggle either due to getting too big, too aggressive, prone to disease or otherwise have extra requirements.

Only a small % (25-30%) of Acanthuridae (Surgeonfish) are suitable for the vast majority of reefers without huge tanks, and the skill level.