Tomini Tangs and small aquariums

Redbird5 · 2026-10-06T15:32:40-0400

How long could a tomini tang thrive in a 45g aquarium? I'm not talking about how long could they live, I'm talking about happily living in a tank that size. I'm always wanted one, but I have a 45g aquarium and I've heard they can be fine for a few years and then I'd have to trade him in. I know I get attached to my fishy friends and it would be a sad day when the time came to say so long friend. In hindsight I should have bought the 65g aquarium because I fear that I have an uphill battle with my wife coming should I decide to ask her about getting a bigger aquarium when the time comes.

I am not looking to add an animal that won't be happy in my tank. If a tomini tang won't be happy, I won't pursue the idea.

CHSUB · 2026-10-06T15:34:35-0400

2.5 years and still going!

Redbird5 · 2026-10-06T15:39:17-0400

CHSUB said:
2.5 years and still going!

Do you plan on moving it if he gets too large for the tank?

CHSUB · 2026-10-06T15:40:06-0400

Redbird5 said:
Do you plan on moving it if he gets too large for the tank?

He is full grown…so no.

Redbird5 · 2026-10-06T15:51:01-0400

CHSUB said:
He is full grown…so no.

WOW! what other fish do you have in there? I don't want you in trouble with the tang police, their under cover agents are everywhere.

Gone Reefin’ · 2026-10-06T15:51:45-0400

Same here. Been in there 2 years, Waterbox 50.3. I think this is a good candidate for this tank.

Gone Reefin’ · 2026-10-06T15:52:57-0400

I know your not asking me, but it is a light load. 3 green chromis, a storm clown, and a gramma. He is the largest of the 6, but still small overall with good coloration.

CHSUB · 2026-10-06T15:58:29-0400

Redbird5 said:
WOW! what other fish do you have in there? I don't want you in trouble with the tang police, their under cover agents are everywhere.

Yes they get intense…I have 3 fish: tang, 6 line, Royal Grammy.

I have kept dozens of tangs, some are only suited for large tanks. Tomini Tangs seem the exception. I have not noticed any behavior issues. He acts similar to tangs I have had in large tanks. Here is my 300+ gallon…

Redbird5 · 2026-10-06T16:04:26-0400

Gone Reefin’ said:
I know your not asking me, but it is a light load. 3 green chromis, a storm clown, and a gramma. He is the largest of the 6, but still small overall with good coloration.

I've always wanted one but I've been nervous about how it'd work out in my tank. I have a midas blenny, watchman goby, a yellow coris wrasse, mandarin, and a springer damsel. THe watchman goby and the six line wrasse are the jerks of the neighborhood The watchman goby doesn't even like snails in his den. I also have a lot of LPS coral, hammers, torches, frogspawn, blastos, and sps

flashsmith · 2026-10-06T16:43:14-0400

I’ve kept plenty of tangs and they are very messy fish. They poop ALOT. That alone would keep me from putting them into anything under 80 long term. The water quality and nitrates in a small tank will be a problem eventually.Thats just me though. It’s your tank so do what makes you happy.

CHSUB · 2026-10-06T16:46:37-0400

flashsmith said:
I’ve kept plenty of tangs and they are very messy fish. They poop ALOT. That alone would keep me from putting them into anything under 80 long term. The water quality and nitrates in a small tank will be a problem eventually.Thats just me though. It’s your tank so do what makes you happy.

Just responding to no3….

flashsmith · 2026-10-06T16:54:34-0400

CHSUB said:
Just responding to no3….

So many factors there. I still wouldn’t do it. I’m sure you’re dosing for nitrates and doing weekly water changes to keep a uln system. That’s what I do along with everyone else keeping nitrates that low. Not everyone is gonna do that. I’m by no means tang police. If you’re not willing to do the work it’s not gonna end well for anyone.

CHSUB · 2026-10-06T17:03:15-0400

flashsmith said:
So many factors there. I still wouldn’t do it. I’m sure you’re dosing for nitrates and doing weekly water changes to keep a uln system. That’s what I do along with everyone else keeping nitrates that low. Not everyone is gonna do that. I’m by no means tang police. If you’re not willing to do the work it’s not gonna end well for anyone.

I do weekly wc but for coral growth and tank health. Only use a protein skimmer, no carbon dosing or supercharging bacteria. I wouldn’t describe my system as ULNS. I wouldn’t recommend a tang in a tank as small as mine but it is doable for an experienced hobbyist imo.
Just now and he seems very happy….imo!