tang question

jordsy · #1 07-30-2007, 12:04 AM

I have a 90 gal and thinking of downgrading to a 50 gal..... Ive heard my purple tang cant be kept in a smaller tank. Any reasons why? or is this just hear say
thanks again

niloc16 · #2 07-30-2007, 12:08 AM

personally i would say 50 gal is too small for him, but thats my opinion

marie · #3 07-30-2007, 12:13 AM

I think you'll find the tang will become more aggressive and will probably pace the tank more

michika · #4 07-30-2007, 12:20 AM

I agree with everyone else, a 50 is just far too small for a purple tang.

digital-audiophile · #5 07-30-2007, 12:34 AM

Not to sound like the tang police but a 4 foot long tank IMHO is the smallest I would keep a tang in, they just really like to swim.

EmilyB · #6 07-30-2007, 03:42 AM

How big is your PT and how long do you expect to keep it in there before you find it a proper home? Will it be housed temporarily with other fish?

naesco · #7 07-30-2007, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordsy

I have a 90 gal and thinking of downgrading to a 50 gal..... Ive heard my purple tang cant be kept in a smaller tank. Any reasons why? or is this just hear say
thanks again

I agree with the other reefers.

The main reason why is that tangs are swimmers and need the length to swim that larger tanks provide. They motor from one end of the tank to the other.

Other fish like angels kind of just swim around.

krisalexander · #8 07-30-2007, 06:02 AM

How about downsizing to a 65G 3 foot by 24 by 18..I have the stand and the tank for 100$...??

kris

Captainhemo · #9 07-30-2007, 07:03 AM

I too agree. I have a 65g tank and some time ago I over anxiously purchased a small yellow tang. While small, the fish was fine but like the others have said, now that it has grown, the 3' length of the tank just doesn't give him enough room to swim freely. He is from one end to the other so quickly, it's just not enough space

fishoholic · #10 07-31-2007, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

Not to sound like the tang police but a 4 foot long tank IMHO is the smallest I would keep a tang in, they just really like to swim.

I have to agree I have a 120g and it's 4 feet long with a few tangs in it and honestly I find my tank is not long enough. 6 feet or more would be a lot better.