Bristletooth in a 36"x24" tank?

[ShanePike]

I'm thinking about setting up a 57g tank and thinking about a stocking list. The dimensions are 36" long x 24" deep x 16" high. The general consensus is that bristletooth tangs need at least a 70g tank, but reading about them makes me think that's mostly about having enough swimming room. If that's the case, would 36" x 24" give them enough room or do they really need more?

 

[Dbichler]

Yes they need more probably not the answer you want but that’s my opinion.

 

[kindafun]

I have a Tomini that's in a 100 g (48") tank. It's full grown, and not very big. I could image it being OK in a 36".

 

[Kzang]

Honest answer? Yes, you could…but should you? No.

It’s like putting a husky in a cage everyday for its life. Yeah, it will live, but will it be happy and healthy? Probably not.

Tangs, even small ones, are absolute poop machines. You’ll have trouble keeping nutrients down while trying to not let it get HLLE.

 

[kindafun]

Just looked, my Tomini is just slightly bigger than my Coral Beauty.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

No offense intended to anyone, but I don't know why providing less than minimum ever sounds like a good idea. Even providing minimum isn't much of a goal. Providing more than minimum is always a good idea, and shooting for 'ideal' gives a little wiggle room when other things go wrong or don't turn out as planned. This fish in boxes thing has a tragically high failure rate even without pushing things.

 

[Lavey29]

I'm thinking about setting up a 57g tank and thinking about a stocking list. The dimensions are 36" long x 24" deep x 16" high. The general consensus is that bristletooth tangs need at least a 70g tank, but reading about them makes me think that's mostly about having enough swimming room. If that's the case, would 36" x 24" give them enough room or do they really need more?

I tried one early on in my 65g , 36 inch tank and it didn't work. Fish way stressed out in there.

 

[kindafun]

Likewise, not intending to advocate for something inappropriate.

 

[i cant think]

I'm thinking about setting up a 57g tank and thinking about a stocking list. The dimensions are 36" long x 24" deep x 16" high. The general consensus is that bristletooth tangs need at least a 70g tank, but reading about them makes me think that's mostly about having enough swimming room. If that's the case, would 36" x 24" give them enough room or do they really need more?

Ive had a Bristletooth in a 4’ tank and he was the most aggressive fish I had. He resulted in the death of 2 tilefish and a couple of Flasher wrasses. Then he proceeded to go for my two Foxfaces.

 

[Mikeltee]

No. I have a 130gal and it's too small. 48x22x20

 

[nereefpat]

Welcome to R2R!

Which species of tang?

 

[exnisstech]

I think a single bristle tooth would be fine. I keep a two spot bristle tooth, yellow tang and a copperband in a 36x24x24 tank. Its only been a year or so but they all get along fine. Before the tang police arrive I do have other larger tanks I can move fish to if needed. I've heard tomini can get very aggressive. I keep a convict tang in a other tank. The two spot and convict are both mellow. I would not try a tomini based on info I have read about them and aggression.

EDIT: the flame angel has been moved

 

[ShanePike]

Which species of tang?

Had not decided on a specific one yet.

I appreciate all the great comments! I'm going to play it safe and not get one of these for this tank.

 

[JC1977]

I would say a Two Spot if acquired small would do ok. They’re very slow growers IME and very passive. Just have a back up plan if it doesn’t work out. Definitely avoid the Tomini!

 

[billyo2811]

I’ve got one in a 50g 3ft and it uses every last inch. I am planning on upgrading soon but am starting to believe that no tank is big enough for some fish

 

[slingfox]

I have a white tail Bristletooth in my 5 ft wide 115g tank. It swims around back and forth all day long and is the most active moving fish in my tank. Even a 4 ft would be pushing it. Therefore a 3 ft tank is a definite no go.