Ethical kole tang dilemma

[Doug]

Originally Posted by SmallFry

I'm no expert - I've only been in this hobby a bit under 2 years (no casualties so far probably thanks to invincible fish). This is my 2 cents worth..

Logic would say that if you've known him for 8 years you'd know what his normal behaviour is and you'd be well aware if he was stressed.

As it is, you say he seemed happy enough in the 34, so he probably is... I'd keep him and save him the stress of having to get used to a new tank owner and housemates.

I know it's against the 'rules' to have him in that size tank, and in no way would I suggest going out and getting one for a tank of that size, but you've not been irresponsible, and you've ended up in the situation anyway. You just have to make the best call you can

As the saying goes: "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men."

I'm still trying to work out which heading I come under..

Great post.

[Lance]

Doug, as the owner of a Kole Tang myself, I think this is the one Tang that will be ok in that tank. As has been already stated, you've been in the hobby for a long time and can recognize an unhappy fish. Keep him and enjoy him.

[Chaloupa]

I think you've made the right choice for the fish..to rehome him would not be ideal.

I have the same dilema...I bought a Kole Tang when I first started my first tank...it's a 65g hex...so it's 24" across.....and he seems very happy, healthy and small. Might not have been ideal.....but he's happy and that's all that counts!

[fishoholic]

I had a 2" naso tang that I put in my 30g cube for 2 months while my 230g tank was cycling. The whole time I thought the naso was doing ok but it wasn't until the 230g was up and running and I put the naso in it that I realized just how stressed out the naso was in my 30g cube.

That being said though a naso (even a very small one) is different then a Kole, but still I don't think I'd personally ever put any tang into a small cube tank. On the flip side you are right about the possibility of re-homing and it dying in the other person's tank, so I can see your dilemma. You should also know your fish well enough to know if he's really stressed out in the cube tank or not, and if he's not then...... still I wouldn't do it, but I can see why you might.

[Doug]

Can tell you all for sure, if I had a really good home for him in a large tank where he would not be harassed by other tangs and not given away or sold to someone, he would not be going in the cube.