Tangs in a 55g - Now "what should I add next?"

golf clap!!!!!!!!!!!!! well stated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I think Vinny has a Tomini tang that grew REAL fast. I have a Blue Hippo in my 46gal for 8months now, very happy and does the moonwalk front and center every night. Got him maybe like an inch long and 8 months later he might be 2 inches. Feed daily alternating between NLS with thera pellets, mysis shrimp, RODs herbivore blend, and RODs pacific plankton. Even with such a healthy diet the growth is nothing that is crazy and I am aware that when he reachs 4-5inches it will be time for either upgrade or trade in at the lfs.

Many disagree with me on this subject and some come with much more first hand experience and knowledge than myself. I hate when people use the phase the fish wont be "happy". We do not know if a fish is happy or not, we dont know if fish even have the same emotions as we do or just basic instincts. I can only imagine though that a fish that no longer has to worry about predation and no longer has to worry about starving because the hand of God feeds it every day would be a "happy fish". Appropriate tank mates, good tank maintence to keep up water quality, and a varied quality diet are of far more importance IMO than worrying about how much room they have to swim. Im not saying that a fish that can barely turn around is in a good situation but we do not always need as massive of a tank as many quote as the bare minimum. Many times a fish grown in captivy will not reach half the trophy size listed udner the species on all the websites.

I think you an put a tang in a 55gal, esp if you plan on upgrading in the future or realize there may come a time you have to trade it in. Just be careful with selection. Stay away from the Naso and unicorn tangs as they grow huge. So do sailfins tangs. Also many tangs such as the achilles, powder blue, and other from that family do swim a LOT not jsut for food but to be active and are not an ideal fit. As mentioned many bristletooth varities will work provided you have enough live rock and algae growth to sustain their diets. Also a yellow tang might be ok and even a blue hippo as they seem to grow slower and are often available the size of a quarter. They are also not your typical tang where they need a lot of liverock to graze as they naturally consume a lot of meaty foods as well.

 

That's crazy! Maybe look for a cool looking Wrasse, then

Sorry about the Cardinalfish.

 

Wrasses are really neat and you would have a lot of options there for a 55gal!

 

I agree with the wrasse idea. I had a kole tang in a 55g and it was not really happy in there. Vinny's tomini grew very fast, mine has not. But I have a lavender tang that is growing wicked fast. If you tired anything, it should be a yellow eye kole or a tomini, but I would look at wrasse. I love tangs, but I now (as of today) have more wrasse then tangs. Wrasse are colorful, almost always out, and are as personable (albeit a different personalty)

 

Just an update:

Today I got a medium size (5-6cm) Squaretail Bristletooth Tang and a small (2-3cm) Firefish .

Both are eating already and playing happy with everyone else .

 

Congrats on the purchase, they will do just fine.

 

Congrats, post a pic or 2 when you get a minute

Obviously it will take a while until it matures, but I am very curious to see how it does over time in the 55. I am thinking it will do well longterm, but only time will tell!

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/minimum-tank-sizes-selection-animals-137158.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hob...general-rules-successful-aquarium-126326.html

 

I think your tang selection was great!! Congrats on your new adds. I bought tomini a while back but unfortunately it shipped very unhealthy (skinny) and the temp in the bag was freezing...I lost all three fish I ordered - no more ordering fish on-line for me....