Tang in a 75gal??

[hoopersmom]

I am starting up a 75 gal and I would really like to have a tang. I want something beside a yellow tang. I was thinking a yellow eye kole tang or a twin spot bristletooth of course I have never seen either in person only pictures online. I don't want to spend a fortune but I want a fish that will do ok in a tank of my size since I have been reading and most need at least 100 gal. I am definitely not going to over stock I have a 6-line and was thinking of adding a clown and a goby. I really want thing with color since there are not going to be many fish. Oh and this is a reef tank with mainly softies.

[MrTuskfish]

IMO, its not so much the tank's volume, its the length. Tangs are very active swimmers and a 75 is only 48" long--the same as a 55. This may be one of the most debated topics in the hobby; I'm on the side that doesn't think tangs do well in anything smaller than a 60" tank. But, if you're going to get one; a kole would probably be your best bet.

[thor32766]

a kole tang would be your better choice for a 75 gallon tank.

[Tangwich]

a Kole sounds like the tang for you, but if you want another option Tomini tangs are great additions as well and usually you can find small ones for sale.

[LUVSPS]

I like Tomini's. I didn't like them until I saw them in person but now I love them. They stay small and they have a subtle beauty, lol.

[rob1991]

the yellow eyed coal tangs are really cool and a nice choice....or your other option would be to get a small version of the tang that you like if you know you will upgrade in the upcoming years...thats what i did with my smaller tank.

[MattL]

I think a Tomini could do well in a 75gal; much better than a yellow tang would. Just avoid the active swimmers of the Zebrasamosa and Acanthurus genuses.

Matt:cool:

[vester_72]

I've had my Purple Tang in my 75 gallon for over 5 years - I got him when he was about 2" - little guy. He is about 5" now and VERY FAT.

I am upgrading to a 180 (have the tank - but needs to be set up) and he needs it. He is fine with 2 clowns and chromis in the 75 but starting to get a little aggressive.

So, a 75 will be ok for a few years IF you get a little one, but you will need to upgrade AND keep the number of fish in the tank in control.

He actually cut one of the clowns open - a 1/4" gash in the clowns side - looked like a scalpel got the clown and I thought for sure she was gone - but the clown amazingly recovered and is doing great now.