What size fish for which tank?

[Ippyroy]

I am looking for a book or something that helps to explain what size tank is needed for a fish. The water volume method doesn't work out very well. I am looking into a few 3 foot tanks and am trying to get an idea on which fish I will be able to stock in it. Any help with articles or books on habits would greatly appreciated.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Besides size, you will also need to know what other animals you will be keeping. Looks like you are a vetran of reef keeping. I have Scott W Michael's book on fish is very helpful. Then ask on here when yo uahve ideas to get real life experiences. At least that is my suggestion.

 

[Ippyroy]

Besides size, you will also need to know what other animals you will be keeping. Looks like you are a vetran of reef keeping. I have Scott W Michael's book on fish is very helpful. Then ask on here when yo uahve ideas to get real life experiences. At least that is my suggestion.

Thanks. My overall concept is I need utilitarian fish. This will be a show tank in the lobby of a Hotel with visitors from all over the world. I need good herbivores that will work constantly. 3 feet is all the space I can have for right now. I might be able to squeeze in a 4 footer which would be a lot better. I would love an article or a book on Tangs and which ones can be kept together, especially in such a small tank.

 

[Macbalacano]

I think this is a great video done by BRS going over specific Utilitarian fish!

 

[DeniseAndy]

Only tang for that size tank is a tomini. They are good cleaners and stay smaller. Then maybe a lawnmower type blenny. I hear jester gobies are great cleaners too. Sand you will want a sand sifting goby or jawfish. You need a lid though!

 

[Ippyroy]

Only tang for that size tank is a tomini. They are good cleaners and stay smaller. Then maybe a lawnmower type blenny. I hear jester gobies are great cleaners too. Sand you will want a sand sifting goby or jawfish. You need a lid though!

Lid and canopy have to happen. No option. Public area. Tomini and bristletooth I think would work. Are they the same thing? I already have a bicolor blenny so the lawnmower is out of the question. Are there any faxes or rabbits for a small tank?

 

[Ippyroy]

I think this is a great video done by BRS going over specific Utilitarian fish!

I like BRS, but their fish knowledge is rather poor. They have great access to people with lots of good knowledge though. They are why I am looking for the types of fish that I need. They had a purple tang in the E170 for over a year. That is something I couldn't do. They have tons of tanks and rehoming is never an issue for them. It is virtually impossible for me plus a large upgrade is years down the road for me personally.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Tomini is in the bristletooth description. Along with Yellow eye Kole, Blue eye, and a couple others. I mention the tomini because it is smaller than the koles.

I cannot think of any rabbitfish/foxface that would like that small of a tank. At least not full grown. Maybe as a baby and grow it up.

 

[Ippyroy]

Tomini is in the bristletooth description. Along with Yellow eye Kole, Blue eye, and a couple others. I mention the tomini because it is smaller than the koles.

I cannot think of any rabbitfish/foxface that would like that small of a tank. At least not full grown. Maybe as a baby and grow it up.

OK. Could I do one tomini and a kole, or are they gonna fight? The filtration would not be an issue.

 

[pcon]

There is no tang appropriate for a 3ft tank. I would stick to traditional invert clean up crew and perhaps a benny in that size tank.

 

[Zionas]

I agree. Tangs need at least 4ft, even the Tomini and other smaller Bristletooth Tangs.