Tangs for a 20L

[Adhlc]

Hey all,
Recently I've taken quite a liking to certain Tanganyikan species. So much that I'm considering giving away my breeding pair of keyholes to do a Tang tank. The tank I have available is only a 20 long filtered by a Rena XP2. From what I've read, I have more than few options available. I've gotten different opinions on a single Calvus / Compressiceps, some say it's too small, others say it's just right. So I'd like to hear some fellow MFKers thoughts on that. Also, any other suggestions besides shell dwellers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[junglej]

I've kept calvus/comps for around 4 years and never in anything smaller than a 29g. A 20L would be ok for a grow out tank, but not for adults. There are also shellie comps that would do extremely well in a 20L. So, why not shellies? You do have many choices out there, and i would suggest that you research as many tangs as possible. This will help you decide what you want to keep, as well as what you are able to keep in your tank.

 

[Adhlc]

Thank you for your response. I've always thought that any fish that could be kept in a 29 could be kept in a 20 long, because of the footprint. Do you think they really need that extra few inches in height? I've never been a huge fan of shellies, they just don't do anything for me. I'll keep looking around for something a bit less common to put in there. Thanks again for your help.

 

[junglej]

Thats not always the case, I wouldn't recommend puting a fish that spends most of the time swimming in the mid to upper column in a tank of that size. It will force them down, creating an unnatural feel. This is only my opinion, though, so try what you may, and maybe you will have luck.

 

[Aussiedogs]

J. Transciptus is a small Tang that should work in tank that size, n. lelupi might be another option, I kept a breeding pair in a 29 before. But like with anything else, you start small and end up going bigger and bigger as you want to add more species. My two cents.