I am relatively new to the saltwater hobby and I am trying to decide whether I should buy a Blue or yellow Tang, or neither. I've always loved the Tang fish in general, and I'd like to add a little color to my tank. I have a 50 gallon tank with a few decorations, two small clown fish, and a small damsel fish. I've read that the Blue Tang is less aggressive than the yellow Tang but is more prone to disease and can grow bigger, up to 12 inches. Is that true? And how long would it take to become that big?? I'm worried that I won't have enough room for that fish, or even a yellow one, but I've heard from others that they have had Tangs for a few years and theirs aren't more than 5 inches long. Is 50 gallons enough? And if I had to upgrade at some point, is 75 gallons big enough at that point? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
To Tang or not to Tang?
- Thread starter AnimalBabe
- Start date
Interesting topic. Someone from work is giving me a Blue Tang tomorrow because he is breaking down his tank. My tank will be borderline for it, but it is bigger than his (55gal), and better than the alternative (he was going to flush it!) So I'm hoping for the best. I have a very light load, so it should work out fine.
ahhh Tre is right a blue tang needs the linear length provided by a 125 or larger... it is the footprint that needs to be 6' in length.....for them to get the appropriate amount of swimming room. The yellow (I have one in my 75g) can get by in a 75 but I think that is pushing it. A 55 is 4' too isn't it? which is why some say a 55 is okay for a yellow. I wouldn't but it beats being flushed I suppose.....I would be tempted to bag him up and take him to the local lfs for a trade on a nice coris wrasse or flasher wrasse or even a pygmy angel or other dwarf angel.
not to say they wont live in a smaller tank but just cause they can survive doesnt mean ther happy 
and also remeber just cause someone else did it doesnt make it right or ok... i definitly wouldnt let him flush it (which i seriously doubt he would anyways) but take hime into the lfs! most will give u half of what they could sell it for in store credit
and also remeber just cause someone else did it doesnt make it right or ok... i definitly wouldnt let him flush it (which i seriously doubt he would anyways) but take hime into the lfs! most will give u half of what they could sell it for in store creditthanks!
I appreciate all of your comments. One question though in regards to the comment that a yellow tang could be okay in a 75 Gallon tank...I've read that a yellow tang actually needs more room to swim than a blue tang, even though they don't grow as large. Not sure if that's true, any thoughts? Also, off the subject, I don't have a protein skimmer...is this really necessary?
I appreciate all of your comments. One question though in regards to the comment that a yellow tang could be okay in a 75 Gallon tank...I've read that a yellow tang actually needs more room to swim than a blue tang, even though they don't grow as large. Not sure if that's true, any thoughts? Also, off the subject, I don't have a protein skimmer...is this really necessary?