1 more tang...too many fish?

[Troy F]

Wendel, personal experience in my opinion. And yes, it's subjective. You asked for personal opinions. I get claustrophobic easily and watching even small fish in my tank sometimes gets to me.

If you haven't, check out Richard Harker's latest article in the new annual. I'm assuming you have an opinion yourself and are just curious?

My opinion on tangs and surgeons is that the bigger tank you can provide the better. The less competition for the same food source you give them the better. These fish generally defend fairly large territories and when you throw them in a small glass box with competition it adds stress. You may not see it but it'll be there. They can't change their instincts.

I don't really think any fish that'll hit 18" and is built to swim needs to be in a box. I'm inclined to take Ron Shimek's opinion that the only fish that should be kept are those that keep small territories like clowns, certain gobies, dottybacks etc. However, as a good friend once said, "this is a selfish hobby no matter how you look at it so do what you want to the best of your ability". Or something like that.