Can i have a tang?

[Reefer Matt]

I have a 6 year old purple tang in a 4’ foot 75 gallon tank. It’s only about 3 1/2” long. Definitely not the norm, but they all don’t need a 500 gallon tank, imo. I’d find a small tang and enjoy it (I’d research their adult size though). But if it gets too big after a few years, you can always rehome it.

 

[areefer01]

can always rehome it.

I always find these types of statements odd. Yes, one can rehome it but one has to ask at what difficulty and at what expense? Point being is that it is rather unlikely that the fish (not tang specific mind you) will happily enter the trap, net, or acclimation box.

• Trap? Some may go in right away (my copperband for example) and some may not (six line wrasse, scopas tang). Ingress and egress may come into play (position of trap, box).
• Night time possibility? Maybe if you find its location and it allows net. What if it doesn't allow it?
• Barbless hook - possibility if there is a food it prefers or mastic.
• Rodeo - net and egg crate method to corral into corner, maybe.
• Remove corals and rocks? Maybe an option.
• Lower display water, remove rocks? Again possible.

One thing all of the bullets have in common as the display ages is that we are now stressing the complete ecosystem if the trap doesn't work. Night time may startle it and cause harm. Removing rocks, corals, or both requires reef structure damage. New system, 1/4" frags - no big deal. Two year old reef with larger coral growth now a concern. Reef structure encrusted with corals or other forms of life a problem.

TL; DR - I understand, and agree, on rehoming. It has or will happen to all of us for a variety of reasons. Rehoming due to future size is one that we can control though and shouldn't be factored into a purchase decision. Regardless of growth speed. In my opinion. Oh - and the biggest thing I didn't mention is the stress and possible frustration that trying to capture causes both parties.

Note: I am not answering the question of can I have a tang or not as the answer isn't going to impact the OP's decision. These threads come up frequently and we all have our bias. I was just responding to rehoming and what could happen when we try.

Hope your day is well.

 

[edsbeaker]

The Tomini will be as helpful as the others mentioned, but will not feed the same on algae. At least that is my observations. I would not recommend permanent housing of a tang in less than 55g.

I must be very lucky. My tomini pecks on rocks all day long. He even cleans off the algae on the back wall. I hope he stays that way.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I must be very lucky. My tomini pecks on rocks all day long. He even cleans off the algae on the back wall. I hope he stays that way

The more I feed, the less my tangs graze.

 

[edsbeaker]

The more I feed, the less my tangs graze.

That makes sense!

 

[Reefer Matt]

I always find these types of statements odd. Yes, one can rehome it but one has to ask at what difficulty and at what expense? Point being is that it is rather unlikely that the fish (not tang specific mind you) will happily enter the trap, net, or acclimation box.

• Trap? Some may go in right away (my copperband for example) and some may not (six line wrasse, scopas tang). Ingress and egress may come into play (position of trap, box).
• Night time possibility? Maybe if you find its location and it allows net. What if it doesn't allow it?
• Barbless hook - possibility if there is a food it prefers or mastic.
• Rodeo - net and egg crate method to corral into corner, maybe.
• Remove corals and rocks? Maybe an option.
• Lower display water, remove rocks? Again possible.

One thing all of the bullets have in common as the display ages is that we are now stressing the complete ecosystem if the trap doesn't work. Night time may startle it and cause harm. Removing rocks, corals, or both requires reef structure damage. New system, 1/4" frags - no big deal. Two year old reef with larger coral growth now a concern. Reef structure encrusted with corals or other forms of life a problem.

TL; DR - I understand, and agree, on rehoming. It has or will happen to all of us for a variety of reasons. Rehoming due to future size is one that we can control though and shouldn't be factored into a purchase decision. Regardless of growth speed. In my opinion. Oh - and the biggest thing I didn't mention is the stress and possible frustration that trying to capture causes both parties.

Note: I am not answering the question of can I have a tang or not as the answer isn't going to impact the OP's decision. These threads come up frequently and we all have our bias. I was just responding to rehoming and what could happen when we try.

Hope your day is well.

Try a clear plastic fish bag in red lighting, the fish can’t see well in it. Catching fish is not impossible.

 

[AlanS]

Im checking here so i dont get in trouble with the tang police, recently i bought a 3ft by 2ft by 2ft tank and currently have a 20gallon so quite the upgrade, i currently have a pair of clowns and bangai cardinals as well as a midas blenny and royal gramma, i am thinking about a flame angel but what do you think about tangs and whether there are any smaller ones that would fit as i think most need at least 4ft? Thanks for any help. By the way i have more rock but it is currently in my old tank.

Scopus tang would be fine.

 

[areefer01]

Try a clear plastic fish bag in red lighting, the fish can’t see well in it. Catching fish is not impossible.

You are assuming that it is in a spot where that will work. I mentioned this in the bullet that talks about sleeping. I'm aware of various tricks used at night.

Sometimes it is easy, sometimes not so much. The point as you know is what if it isn't easy? Now you are adding stress to the display and hobbyist if the removal requires more than that.

 

[littlefoxx]

Im checking here so i dont get in trouble with the tang police, recently i bought a 3ft by 2ft by 2ft tank and currently have a 20gallon so quite the upgrade, i currently have a pair of clowns and bangai cardinals as well as a midas blenny and royal gramma, i am thinking about a flame angel but what do you think about tangs and whether there are any smaller ones that would fit as i think most need at least 4ft? Thanks for any help. By the way i have more rock but it is currently in my old tank.

No, not big enough. Juvs will outgrow it in a few months.

 

[ZoWhat]

Stuff 'em all in there

 

[wasabi bean]

what corals you planning on having?

if you get the coral beauty keep an eye out for a tiger tail 1 more money but 100% worth

Thanks for the advice, i mainly keep soft and lps and will only have a couple sps corals

 

[LafondReef]

Don't want to ruffle some feathers, I've had a Scopus tang and a pigmi angel in a 40 gallon breeder for about 5 years at least now. They are happy and healthy along with a flame blenny and yellow wrasse. Complete cleanup crew. It's attached to my main system of several tanks all complete reefs. Never had any signs of issues. Think it's finding the right balance that works for you. Can always re-home as they get bigger?

 

[Lavey29]

Don't want to ruffle some feathers, I've had a Scopus tang and a pigmi angel in a 40 gallon breeder for about 5 years at least now. They are happy and healthy along with a flame blenny and yellow wrasse. Complete cleanup crew. It's attached to my main system of several tanks all complete reefs. Never had any signs of issues. Think it's finding the right balance that works for you. Can always re-home as they get bigger?

Tank shape plays a key factor. Shallow but long works better for tang type fish. Even though your 40 is small volume it's longer shallow stance helps. Still not recommended for these types of fish but people have had some success with smaller tangs in undersized tank and you are right about finding the right balance for your environment.