Proper tank size for Naso Tang

[treszoks]

I've seen recommended tank sizes anywhere from 125 gallons to 140 gallons on various websites but have read here that people don't even recommend them for anything under 200. What should the correct dimensions be to fully accommodate a full-grown naso tang?

[ozadars]

They can grow to 18" and loves swimming even more than most other tangs, its not hard to guess

[Gary Majchrzak]

There are several different species of fishes that are Naso, and they grow to different sizes- all very large. I would not place any of them in less than a 500 gallon aquarium, although I know a lot of knowledgable folks in this matter would say nothing less than a 700 gallon system for any adult Naso species.

[o2manyfish]

My previous pair of Naso's I kept in my 225 for almost 3 years. A little over a year ago, I swapped them for a pair of Red Sea Blond Naso's. They are fat, healthy and happy.

The largest Naso I have ever seen in a captive system, was raised in a 180. The fish was over 14" long, and about 2" wide with moderate streamers. That Naso was single, in a reef tank with a pair of blues. 5 years.

Dave B

[Gary Majchrzak]

A LOT of folks have placed Naso Tangs in 225's {and smaller} for certain lengths of time, no doubt about it.
Here's a helpful link to the genus Naso .
Clicking on a blue highlighted name on the page in this link will bring up pics of each species. http://www.fishbase.org/NomenClature/ScientificNameSearchList.cfm?Crit1_FieldName=SYNONYMS.SynGenus&Crit1_FieldType=CHAR&Crit1_Operator=EQUAL&Crit1_Value=naso&Crit2_FieldName=SYNONYMS.SynSpecies&Crit2_FieldType=CHAR&Crit2_Operator=contains&Crit2_Value=&group=summary&backstep=-2

Juveniles of each species {which are usually what you see offered for sale at the LFS} can be challenging to properly identify.
Originally posted by treszoks
What should the correct dimensions be to fully accommodate a full-grown naso tang?
Pay special attention to size listed for each species.

[treszoks]

I was thinking about the literatus in a 210 gallon tank. Instead of getting a tank and seeing what I could put in there, I'm starting with what fish I would like and building the tank size around that. If the Naso really requires such a large system I'll stick with tangs that don't need so much room. Thanks.

[marrone]

treszoks

If you get a small Naso literatus tang 4" or so, either a Blonde or a black type, a 210gal tank will be fine for quite a while. I have a Blonde Naso in my 260gal tank for about 2 years now. I got him at 4" or so and he about 7"-8" now and the streamers are starting to come in.

A bigger tank is alway better but if you get a small one it should do well in that size tank for quite a while, just don't go out and get a 14" one right away.

Michael

[puzzlenow]

I have had my blonde naso in my 180 tank for 3+years now. He has beautiful long streamers and a little chubby. BUt if I could find him a bigger home I would. The 6 ft tank just doesnt seem right him. He is about 8.5" long (not counting his very very long streamers. I think he should go in a larger tank.

But all tangs need a large tank! While we were putting up our 180, we wished we had gone bigger. Once you get your rocks and aqua scaping complete, it takes up so much room.
Bigger..... BIgger..... :) :)