sailfin tang?

[fiorano]

i have a 125 gallon tank and i currently have a regal tang but wanted to add another tang. I like sailfin tangs but apparently they get massive and was wondering if he would get to big for my tank and if he would fight with the regal. If he won't be able to stay in my tank which tangs would fit that wouldn't harass my regal?

[Trigger Man]

When adding a new fish there is always a chance for harassment. When adding a tang to a tank that already has one that is established there is a slight increase to the chances. I had both of those fish in my tank a while back when I was doing a fowlr tank with no problems. My Regal was 5 inches long and was the in the tank for a bit before I added a 4.5 inch Desjardinii tang (related sail-fin) with no problems. It was actually my purple tang that had problems with the Desjardinii, but to solve that I added a mirror for a bit and moved around rockwork. The tangs all lived together with no issues till I decided to change up the tank and found them new homes. I have seen many tanks with both of these fish in them with no problems, if you are worried about the fish out growing the tank then maybe buy it in a smaller size, I always find the 3-4 inch size to adapt well to tank life and it will be a while before it outgrows your 125g, and then it just gives you a excuse to get a larger tank.

[fiorano]

thanks for the advice i think i might pick one up soon then actually i was looking at pictures of the desjardinii and i think i like the looks of him even more. are they harder to find then the normal sailfin?????

[MikeP]

I have both a Sailfin and a Regal in my tank. They get along just fine. I've had the sailfin for almost 2 years (he lived in a 55g for a bit while my 190g was being set up). And while the Sailfin has grown he hasn't grown very much. My Regal has grown a lot faster.

HTH

[Trigger Man]

Originally Posted by fiorano

thanks for the advice i think i might pick one up soon then actually i was looking at pictures of the desjardinii and i think i like the looks of him even more. are they harder to find then the normal sailfin?????

The Desjardinii is a beautiful fish, they are available in Calgary quite a bit, but expect to pay twice of what you would pay for a regular sailfin. In my opinion it is well worth the price difference, being that I like the coloring and shape of the Desjardinii better.

[fiorano]

thanks guys ill keep my eyes open for one of those then i've always been partial to tangs but didnt know if getting more than one was a good choice or not

[Myka]

I think Sailfin's should not be kept in tanks smaller than 180g. They just get too big.

[fiorano]

well if this is the case what is a really neat tang i can keep in a 125?

[naesco]

Originally Posted by fiorano

well if this is the case what is a really neat tang i can keep in a 125?

Thanks Myka for having the courage to post. I will send you a badge.
Thanks fiorano for asking before you buy.
The sailfish tang grows to 18 inches (picture a pie plate swimming in your tank and now double the size)
If your tank is a 6 footer, choose an acanthurus species. www.wetwebmedia.com lists the good and bad ones.
If your tank is shorter, choose a kole. They are beautiful fish with and endearing personality.

Some reefers with the best of intentions attempt to justify a tang purchase by saying that they will upgrade to a larger tank later. But, plans change; financial, family or a move.
We can't make those plans but we can look forward to getting that tang when we we do have the size of tank necessary to accomodate their needs.
As reefers, we owe it to the fish we keep to provide optimum conditions for them and nothing less.

[Myka]

Well said naesco!! Thanks for the badge.