Baby Tang in a 24 gallon

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

I was thinking... my LFS has some SUPER small tangs and I was thinking since they only grow 2inch a year I could keep one for a year or two and sell it back to the LFS. I know they need giant tanks and swim lots. But the tank is the size of a 40 cube. And I would be acting as a long term grow out tank.(title says 24 but it is a really big 24 and is larger than a bio cube 32.)

 

[damsels are not mean]

Why

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

Well Tangs look super cool and are great fun fish! I love Tangs

 

[Jedi1199]

I was thinking... my LFS has some SUPER small tangs and I was thinking since they only grow 2inch a year I could keep one for a year or two and sell it back to the LFS. I know they need giant tanks and swim lots. But the tank is the size of a 40 cube. And I would be acting as a long term grow out tank.(title says 24 but it is a really big 24 and is larger than a bio cube 32.)

I personally have no issues with getting a fish that will outgrow its tank PROVIDED there is a solid gameplan for what to do when it happens.

Make sure that your LFS agrees to take it back later before you bring it home.

I had a baby Hippo tang in my 32g bio-cube for a while then I moved it to the 180G when it was large enough to defend itself with the larger fish in that tank.

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

My LFS said they will buy any fish and coral off me.

 

[Jedi1199]

My LFS said they will buy any fish and coral off me.

I'd say go for it then.

Who knows, in a year, you may be ready to upgrade to a larger tank anyway... Most of us do.. haha

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

Once I get back from up coming vacation and my chemistry recovers from va-ca I will give it a shot! Thanks SO Much!!!

 

[CoralB]

What tang only grows 2 inches a year ??? That’s not been any experience I’ve ever had !!!

Maybe if you starve them .

 

[vetteguy53081]

Im never the one to say tank is too small but this time I must. With decor- limited room for it to swim freely and with rock, 20 usable gallons.
Definitely reconsider
And . . . On growth- Having 19 tangs currently, . . .. I have a couple of Tangs which grew 2" in 3+ months.

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

What tang only grows 2 inches a year ??? That’s not been any experience I’ve ever had !!!

1-4 2 is average for the wide spectrum majority

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

1-4 2 is average for the wide spectrum majority

Yellow are an exception.

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

Im never the one to say tank is too small but this time I must. With decor- limited room for it to swim freely and with rock, 20 usable gallons.
Definitely reconsider

My tank is large and high and my only rock work is 2 caves and a tiny island to isolate fast growing coral. My Damsel has mountains of swimming space.

 

[Jedi1199]

Im never the one to say tank is too small but this time I must. With decor- limited room for it to swim freely and with rock, 20 usable gallons.
Definitely reconsider

I think it depends on what size "small" really is? Are we talking about babies that are less than 1" ? Juvies around 2"?

 

[Jedi1199]

My tank is large and high and my only rock work is 2 caves and a tiny island to isolate fast growing coral. My Damsel has mountains of swimming space.

What are the exact dimensions of your tank?

 

[vetteguy53081]

My tank is large and high and my only rock work is 2 caves and a tiny island to isolate fast growing coral. My Damsel has mountains of swimming space.

What are dimensions?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I think it depends on what size "small" really is? Are we talking about babies that are less than 1" ? Juvies around 2"?

Typical small is 2" . I added to my first response- I currently have 19 tangs with a couiple of them growing 2+ inches in a little over 2 months. My Powder blue and yellows are my larger one. Yellow- I have 6

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

16in high and deep 24in long and we are talking 2inch tangs upon purchase and willing to go smaller.

 

[LeftyReefer]

Go for it. if you don't someone else will. lol.

As long as your LFS will take it back, I see no problem with keeping one for a while.

Saying that, my LFS will take returned fish too, but only up to a point. They don't like taking in larger fish and will usually not take anything back that is over 6" unless it's something special. they say they can't house larger fish but I have a feeling it's because they probably don't sell well. I think with the popularity of nano tanks, most people are looking for smaller fish they can watch grow not full size fish.

Maybe a tiny tomini might be best for a while. They are about the slowest growers as far as I know.

 

[The_ReefB0y_FOX24]

Go for it. if you don't someone else will. lol.

As long as your LFS will take it back, I see no problem with keeping one for a while.

Saying that, my LFS will take returned fish too, but only up to a point. They don't like taking in larger fish and will usually not take anything back that is over 6" unless it's something special. they say they can't house larger fish but I have a feeling it's because they probably don't sell well. I think with the popularity of nano tanks, most people are looking for smaller fish they can watch grow not full size fish.

Maybe a tiny tomini might be best for a while. They are about the slowest growers as far as I know.

My LFS just got in a 14in Naso Tang so I think they will take big fish.

 

[Jedi1199]

OK, I am going to go with Vetteguy on this one.

You may be able to keep a small tang for a couple months, but it won't be happy about it.