Tang in a 40 gal

[TheJGMProject]

I was wondering what kind of tang I could keep in my 40 gal reef tank? I'd like to have a tang becuase most of the time they're grazers and clean things up. Of course a fish that would relatively stay small/medium. Correct me if I'm wrong but I read Kole Tangs stay smaller.

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[Anonymous]

There is no species of tang that would thrive long term in a tank that size. Even a kole would need a larger system and they can get to about 7 inches. What exactly are you looking to have the fish clean up? Snails and crabs will do the same thing. Try a dwarf angel. Also grazers and would not out grow the tank. Depending on what you keep, the angel might be a safe bet.

 

[SnowManSnow]

if you have any sort of coral I would caution against keeping an angel of any sort.

b

 

[ChrisRD]

Some angels have a good track record in reef tanks.

In a tank that size something like a Cherub (Centropyge argi) or a Flameback (Centropyge acanthops) would be a good bet.

They are both feisty, however, and would probably be best added as the last fish.

If it's a 3' tank, a juvi Kole Tang would be OK in there for a while, but eventually it would need a larger home (preferably at least 4' long) IMO. Personally I try to avoid going that route (ie. adding something that will eventually need to be removed).