yellow tang

Question
i have had my saltwater tank set up and running for 2 weeks now, i bought a clown fish and a crab last wednesday and put in there and they both seem to be doing just fine. i wanted to buy my husband a yellow tang he has always wanted one but i was wondering if it was ok to buy one now! i really wanted to get it as a gift now but i dont want it to die!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Yellow Tangs are highly susceptible to aquarium water quality issues.

New tanks (only 2 weeks old especially) often have too many changes in water quality for the first year, to house a Tang.

In a year, after water is very good quality for an extended period of time, you can try a Tang, but please keep in mind its needs before buying one.

Tangs are very delicate and should not be kept by the inexperienced.

I watched a friend, last year (who would not listen) kill 6 throughout the year. One would die, and she'd go get another.  It was heart-wrenching.  They are very difficult to care for if you are new to saltwater fish-keeping.

With that said, if the environment is above 75 US gallons, then a Tang might do well in an aquarium, provided it is a setup which has been stable for a number of months, and a year is recommended.

Water must age as well as the sand, rock and environment.

I certainly hope this helps you out.  :)  

Congratulations on your new setup and you will adore your tang when you get one.  I love mine.  He's quite hilarious to watch and he's an excellent grazer (which is another need they have...they must have algae sheets fed daily).  

The year will go by faster than you expect.  

The best advice I can give you is to go slow.  Don't rush.  Let things happen with time, with your salt tank and you will be glad you did.  You will experience less of the painful side of saltwater fish-keeping that way.

I wish you the best with the tank.  Please stay in touch if you need to and my door is always open to chat more about tangs.

Happy fish-keeping!

Renee