NewbyReefer
Member
I'm using my tank as a kinda grow out tank. Its only a 40 pillar. How long can a blue hippo tang stay in there before its to big? Basically how long can the tang get before it has to move out?
How long
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MrTuskfish
Team RC
This topic comes up a lot with tangs. Hippos are one of the hardiest fish we keep and I've seen a lot of live, but very raggedy looking ones. IMO & IME; tangs are not inner reef fish and need a lot of swimming room. A 40 pillar doesn't offer them much. These tanks are only 30", if I remember correctly. A "baby" will be ok for a while; but I just don't think there is any magic number that would tell you when its time to move. Just the sooner the better. I've convinced that tangs that are cramped for long never do reach their full potential. Just my opinion: there are so many of these little hippos available and I think the vast majority of them are never kept in a suitable tank. These fish can reach 12" and even LA suggests a 180 (6' long) as a minimum tank size. Not much of an answer; just want you to know whats ahead.
NewbyReefer
Member
My buddy cant take it now because he has some larger tangs and is afraid it will just get destroyed. His yellow tang is roughly 6" and his bristle tooth isn't far behind. Whats the minimum size that this little hippo could be and not be killed? Like I said, I don't plan on keeping this little guy, but I don't want him to die at the same time. Thanks for the info.
NewbyReefer
Member
Also It is only about an inch and a half.
MrTuskfish
Team RC
A hardy fish can 'live" a long time in just about anything. O.J. is going to "live" a long time in jail. Neither is thriving. I think the only answer is ''the sooner you move him, the better''. Maybe a better answer, and I'm not saying this applies to you, is "don't but a fish until you can properly take care of it".
