Size of tank for tiny blue tang.

[Beckmola24]

I would like to get a blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) for my 72 gallon. I haven't set up the 72 yet and it might be as long as 6 months before I can get it 100% completed and ready to occupy (Most likely 3 months, but could take as long as 6). I found a tiny blue tang that is about the size of a quarter (or smaller.... it's really tiny). I really wanted to raise a tiny one. I have a 12 gallon tank that is ready to go for fish. (cycled) Could I keep it in a 12 while I get the larger tank ready? How long would be pushing it for the fish's comfort? It would be the only occupant and will be spoiled. Thanks!

 

[bradreef]

tangs like to swim in open water and are very active. 12 gallons would be small. never seen it done but I have seen a lot of fish that size in a tank that is smaller.

 

[Schottman]

Tangs seem to grow slow in my opinion. I would think a 12 gallon established tank would be ok as long as their aren't other fish. JMO
Dave

 

[Beckmola24]

He won't be in there for too long either. It will be the only fish. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Schottman]

I just picked me up a small blue tang for my 20 reef until i get my 120 up!

 

[Beckmola24]

Awesome! I really love those fish. They're so personable and beautiful.

 

[Schottman]

absolutely. Are you going to PNWMAC this weekend?

 

[Beckmola24]

Nope, Will be out of town.

 

[Elmo18]

Hepatus tangs, especially the small ones, are very susceptible to white spot or ich.

I see so many small ones for sale, and I advise that it is more difficult to care for smaller ones. Feed a variety of foods including mysids, spirulina, etc.

When full grown, these guys even need bigger tanks than 72 gallons.

- Elmo

 

[Ritsuko Nashida]

It should fair well in a small tank for a while, but for a grown one the smallest tank I would recommend at a minimum is about 100 gallons. It has the very real possibility of getting to about 11-12 inches before it quits growing. Thats a lot of fish for a 72-75 gallon tank, even if it is the only one. Keep in mind too that a Tang unlike a large V. Lion is a "swimmer" and will want some room to do "laps" in your tank.

Just a suggestion....for what it might be worth. Great fish though so I hope it all goes well for the long haul.