Would I and how many tangs could I safely keep

[KDawg0623]

I am working on a 48"x36"x33" acrylic tank. 250 gals. Since it is only 4' could I safely keep tangs and also keep them healthy in this system? Since it is a tall tank and I plan on having at least 30x waster movement in it. I would like to know what you experts think about how many I could have and which ones would work the best together. Thank you

 

[Empress]

That depends on which tangs you want. A Kole can grow to 7" and a Unicorn can grow to 29". Make a list of their full-grown sizes before you decide.

 

[Diesel]

You can hold tangs in there and I wouldn't do more than three.
A small blond Naso, Gem tang 3" and a Black tang 3" for example would look awesome.
Make sure if you sure to QT and acclimate them all the same before put them in your DT at the same time.

 

[KDawg0623]

Thank you guys. I appreciate the info. I knew the 4' would limit me, I was hoping the more open space, more of a box, and elevated water movement would make up for it. I had always wanted an Achilles tang or a powder blue.

 

[FLAdaboy]

I had a vlamingi for 3 years in a 5', 100g tank. He didn't out grow it at all. Also have kole and fox face in the same tank. Kept a 90g for 4 years with bariene tang, hippo tang, yellow tang. Biggest one was the bariene at 5". They all played nicely. It does help to know somebody with a huge tank should you need to part with any of the tangs. I was able to re-home them with no issues.

 

[KDawg0623]

Thanks. That does give me some hope. I am also thinking that feeding will have a big part to play also

 

[Aznxgqboyx]

I have a 80 gallon 48x24x18 with two triggers, 2 naso one with streamers about 7", a kole tang, blue hippo, redline wrasse, falco hawkfish, 5 chromis, 2 clarki clown, 1 snowflake, a sixline wrasse. I might be forgetting a few, lol. Everyone is fat and happy. People will say this tank is too small for this or that fish but hey its your tank and do what makes you happy because its going to be you that is the one sitting there watching the tank not them. And if they do get way to big its good excuse to get a biggee tank :D. I think your tank size is perfect btw.

 

[KDawg0623]

I have a 80 gallon 48x24x18 with two triggers, 2 naso one with streamers about 7", a kole tang, blue hippo, redline wrasse, falco hawkfish, 5 chromis, 2 clarki clown, 1 snowflake, a sixline wrasse. I might be forgetting a few, lol. Everyone is fat and happy. People will say this tank is too small for this or that fish but hey its your tank and do what makes you happy because its going to be you that is the one sitting there watching the tank not them. And if they do get way to big its good excuse to get a biggee tank :D

That is a nice looking tank. I see you went with a minimal aquascape which could also help with the open water to swim. Thank you for posting. You make a great point also.I just know that there are many, much more experienced with this then myself and I would like to have as much info as I can before I make my decision

 

[FLAdaboy]

Lots of fish as well as bigger fish means more food. It also means more poop (which is good in a reef). The less rock, the better. However, certain tangs like safe havens like milinials ;). In addition, there will be more swimming room with less rock in the display.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

@4FordFamily is our resident tang expert. Maybe he can weigh in. I'm thinking with that much room, it's more about which ones than how many.

 

[KDawg0623]

Lots of fish as well as bigger fish means more food. It also means more poop (which is good in a reef). The less rock, the better. However, certain tangs like safe havens like milinials ;). In addition, there will be more swimming room with less rock in the display.

Minimals is what I was thinking too give more swimming space. I will have some dwarf angels as well so I well need enough rock for them also. Plus LPS is what I was thinking as far as coral so far

 

[KDawg0623]

@4FordFamily is our resident tang expert. Maybe he can weigh in. I'm thinking with that much room, it's more about which ones than how many.

I think you might be right. There are also so many different equations to figuring how many fish per tank, it gets very confusing

 

[MCooper]

I am personally overloading my system for sure, but I knew I would. I bought a larger skimmer then needed and do 25% water changes every 2 weeks.
I am actually scared to list my ultimate fish stock list, but I have tons of hiding spaces as well as enough swimming room.

 

[KDawg0623]

I am personally overloading my system for sure, but I knew I would. I bought a larger skimmer then needed and do 25% water changes every 2 weeks.
I am actually scared to list my ultimate fish stock list, but I have tons of hiding spaces as well as enough swimming room.

That's great to have plenty of hiding places and own swimming space. I hope to accomplish that also

 

[Aznxgqboyx]

I am personally overloading my system for sure, but I knew I would. I bought a larger skimmer then needed and do 25% water changes every 2 weeks.
I am actually scared to list my ultimate fish stock list, but I have tons of hiding spaces as well as enough swimming room.

Yes water change and big skimmer is great, as long as we dont see any green hair algae with this amount of fish were good right :D

 

[FLAdaboy]

Yes water change and big skimmer is great, as long as we dont see any green hair algae with this amount of fish were good right :D

If it a tang heavy tank, algae might not be an issue.

 

[Aznxgqboyx]

If it a tang heavy tank, algae might not be an issue.

That must of explain why some of the rocks i brought that had some hair algae on it dissapear in a few hours. Lol

 

[4FordFamily]

So with 4 foot of swimming room back and forth I would avoid acanthurus tangs such as Achilles and powder blue. They really need 6 feet or more of unobstructed swimming room to thrive IMO.

I would avoid Naso tangs because of their massive growth potential. They do grow somewhat slow, however.

Zebrasoma and bristletooth tangs would be fine. You might get away with four or so if one of them isn't a massive fish like a large sailfin. It depends on the mix, and your ability to export nutrients and keep the tank clean. A yellow, purple, and black with say a kole or chevron would probably be OK if added simultaneously.

 

[KDawg0623]

Wow. That is done in depth information, Ford. Thank you for your help. I will go over this and any more info with the wife and see what we decide

 

[4FordFamily]

Wow. That is done in depth information, Ford. Thank you for your help. I will go over this and any more info with the wife and see what we decide

Any time I can help please do not hesitate to ask :)