Ethical kole tang dilemma

[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.

[Skimmerking]

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..

small fry who are you nice to see some one else here is this you CURTIS!!!!!!

[SmallFry]

Originally Posted by Skimmer King

small fry who are you nice to see some one else here is this you CURTIS!!!!!!

Nope, pretty sure I'm not not Curtis..

As for who I am, I've been on Canreef for a bit over a year, generally lurking and learning as I go. I currently have a 27 gallon bowfront (first tank) and a 75 gallon in the works (been in the works for a long time!). I don't post that often, usually only when I need advice, or on the rare occasions when I feel I can offer some..

That's about as interesting as I get I'm afraid..

[Spiny]

If you really can`t see him in the 34, you could always make an ad "free to a good home" and then choose his new master

[Doug]

Update time. He spent a week in the cube. Seemed ok, except when the tank was empty I cleaned the glass and the end thats wood backed is like a mirror. Of course he would not leave that other kole alone. He even had the male perc believing there was more fish in there and the perc was fighting the glass also.

Anyways, he was making my clowns uncomfortable. Never seen them like that. So on the weekend I moved them to my 50g, again. That lasted a day and I hated the tank as much as the last time I tried, so moved everything back to my cube, except the kole.

Mike decided to give him another go in his tank. What a pair of softies we are. What we dont do for our pets or whatever one calls them. So back in the 150g he went. Mike mentioned he was eating clip algae and keeping out of the way of his huge saifin, who was reminding him who,s boss in there.

Never chatted with Mike yet today. I hope the little guy is doing fine and has enough brains, {likely not} top not bother his acans again with his second chance.

I may add that I very closely watched his behaviour in the cube as compared with the 4ft. long 50g. As good as he was, {esp. the 1st. time} in my cube, he was notably happier, {in my opinion}, with 4ft. in front and 4ft. behind to swim. So he better behave himself as he has a ton of room in Mikes tank to cruise.

My clowns and the dufus pj cardinal nobody wanted and the little mandarin I got from Steve Phelps are the only residents now. I can say for a fact my clowns are very pleased with that situation.

[Myka]

Hey Doug! I am happy to hear he is not in the 34g tank anymore. They really do need more space, although I totally understand the attachment you have for him. I had a 1 1/4" Kole in a 33g tank for a few months, and he acted the same way when I moved him to my 90. I don't think he was stressed at all, but he was significantly smaller than yours. Have you thought of getting a larger cube tank? What do you hate about the 50? Albeit I think the 50 is also too small.

[gobytron]

wow.

what a significantly different thread than some others I have seen regarding tangs in "too small" tanks.

I can't wait to quote and reference this thread later on.

great read.