Tangs?

**Raygunn** · 06-11-2008, 01:50 AM

Ok so i've read up and i get mixed answers, but after reading on here i'm pretty sure i know what the answer is... no...
but just in case...
are there any tangs that are ok to keep in a 55 gal tank? like are they going to be happy? cause if i have to i'll read to them and play songs to them on the guitar etc... it will be nice... but i still think i know the answer...
thanks though...

**Amphibious** · 06-11-2008, 08:18 AM

Some people buy before they ask and then come to us and ask. You, Ray, are being a wise and responsible reefer. We like responsible people. You are correct in your assumption, NO. the reason being, Tangs live in large congregations and roam far and wide, constantly on the move. You can't change that behavior by putting a small one in a 55 and thinking, it will adjust. Yes, the small one will adjust BUT, that 2" Blue Hepatus Tang (or whatever Tang) grows to 12" in the wild. Remember, they are pre-programmed to grow that big. As it out grows your 55, it will get aggressive and other tank mates will suffer causing stress. STRESS is the number one disease precursor. It's best not to go there.

I commend you for bring this question up before buying a Tang. You get a Gold Star today.

Dick

**Raygunn** · 06-11-2008, 12:13 PM

haha thanks Dick... yeah some websites said it would be ok to get a yellow one then others were like saying you could get one if you had a 75 gal etc... but i knew they liked to roam... kind of a ramblin' fish... anyway... sad day... guess that means its already time to upgrade! haha...
thanks so much for your input!

**CarmieJo** · 06-12-2008, 11:06 PM

Ray, my commendations as well. If you are looking for a spot of bright yellow in your tank you might consider Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Lemonpeel Angelfish. They may nip at corals.

**Raygunn** · 06-12-2008, 11:30 PM

That was going to be my next question... since the tang is out... any suggestions on something to take its place?
i have crabs and snails in the tank and hope to graduate to corals some time (someone at my LFS told me i should let my tank establish for about 6 months before going there... true? i figure i will to be on the safe side and it actually just sounds like common sense... anyway) so i want something that is going to be relatively reef safe... I'm thinking of putting some Firefish and some pajama cardnals in there with some clowns (not sure which yet) but i wanted something a little flashy and bright maybe a little bigger than those guys but will still be safe...
thanks so much for everyones help so far

**CarmieJo** · 06-12-2008, 11:47 PM

Actually some corals are very hardy and one school of thought says to add hardy corals before fish. The Building of a Reef (tank) The dwarf angels are often kept in reefs. I have a C. argi and he does not bother my corals.

**Raygunn** · 06-13-2008, 02:13 AM

I'll go read that, thanks so much!
what would be some hardy corals that you would recomend?

**Amphibious** · 06-13-2008, 07:50 AM

Carmie,

Thank you for the link to Eric Borneman's excellent article on establishing a reef tank. Everyone should read it.

You are such a good source for information and a great asset to TR. It's no wonder you're one of my best friends!

Dick

**CarmieJo** · 06-14-2008, 03:46 PM

Thanks Dick!

Ray, there are many soft corals, mushrooms, ricordias, leathers, xenia etc and they are all good for beginners. I think the Euphyllia spp are good beginner LPS as are Cauldastera.

**Raygunn** · 06-14-2008, 05:09 PM

You kids are sweet! haha I love it!

Thanks I'll look into all of that...
that article was alot to take in for a newbie like me! haha
I think I'll have to read over it a few more times...
but thanks so much! I feel like I'm learning so much from all of you!

**Amphibious** · 06-14-2008, 06:06 PM

Careful who you're calling "kid" there Raygunn, I'm old enough to be your GREAT-GRANDFATHER!

**CarmieJo** · 06-14-2008, 10:07 PM

Ray there is a lot to learn (and it never stops) in this hobby. The guys like you who take the time to ask questions first are the ones who really succeed.

**Raygunn** · 06-14-2008, 11:19 PM

Haha well i was noticing Dick that you have been doing this for longer than i've been alive! wow! i meant kid in a sweet fun way... not as a derogatory comment...
we just had my grandparents 50th anniversary party tonight... and we were looking through pictures and stuff... and its just alot to take in for me... that long... I'm only 27th and i feel like there is so much to learn... not just about the SW hobby but life in general! so i really appreciate hearing from people like you that have experience...
i'm trying to read through your tank journal right now... its alot as well! haha... but yeah i've only been on here a few days, but i just want you to know how much i already appreciate you!
same goes for you Carmie... you have already been VERY helpful! and i really appreciate that!!!