The Neverending Story of the Zebrasomas...

[kevin4052002]

Yellow, Purple, and Sailfin Tangs, along with their variations (Scopas, Dejardini, Black).

The issue of keeping them in anything less than 90 gallons has been tossed back and forth hundreds of times. I believe sailfins and purples should definitely be in something like a 90 or bigger, but what about the yellows? I am going to be setting up a 65 gallon tank, 36"x18"x24", and would really like to keep a yellow tang. I know the given rule would be to go in nothing less than a 4-foot tank, but would my tank make it?

I'm looking for honest answers. I want to know if I can keep one happily. If it winds up being no, then I simply won't purchase one.

Thank You.

 

[Mushroomman]

Ive seen them kept in the exact 65 you mention, and they flourished. Most people say 50 gallons minimum, and some swimming space. They dont get too big.

 

[kevin4052002]

Cool! Looks like I will give it a shot then! *celebrate

 

[KahluaZzZ]

got an almost 4" in a 55g and he's very fine...also lots of rock structure

 

[wayne]

I think a yellow would be fine. You need to look at the max size - most Zebrasoma are pretty small, but the sailfin (desjardinii plus the other) do get pretty large. I see a few for sale at 8, 10 inches

 

[kevin4052002]

Thanks you guys!

 

[Lorna]

My yellow is constantly cruising in and around the rockwork. He gets up to speed in the 4' tank, I can't imagine how fast they must be in a 6 ft tank........