QT Size For A Regal Blue Tang

[roberthu526]

Hi, I am pretty new to the hobby. Researched for about 4 months before setting up my first tank and now it's been 2 months since I added my first fish.

I have always wanted a regal tang but also read that they almost always get ich. Right now I only have a 20G set up as a QT and I am wondering if it is big enough. I ask because a lot of people say a regal tang needs a lot of space and a 6 ft. or bigger tank is a must. I understand that a QT is only temporary but I worry a 20G for a 3-4 inch long regal tang is just too small even for just a month or two. I know stress is the primary cause of having ich so I'd like to get some opinions on this so I can have the right setup to avoid any potential issues.

I appreciate any suggestions and experiences.

 

[scooter31707]

I would say a 20 gallon long would be enough with him by himself in it, but IMO a 20 gallon high may be too small. The key question is what size tank is the DT?

 

[Deinonych]

What size is the DT? These fish really do need a large tank as they are active swimmers can get fairly large (10-12") as adults. Reef Central's recommendations for tangs can be found here.

Also, stress does not cause ich. Recommend reading the stickies at the top of this forum for more information on ich and how to prevent it.

 

[CHSUB]

if the alternative is not qt, than it's fine!!!!

 

[roberthu526]

The DT is a custom 800G. I don't have it setup yet but that is also why I am not even actively searching in LFS for a blue tang yet.
But my real concern is if keeping a young blue tang in a 20G or 40G for one to two months is too stressful for the fish. Or should I just forget about it and only keep smaller fish that need less space and will likely do fine in a small QT... I am really worried about ich...

 

[jduck]

800g tank you may want a larger qt 40-90g or even a couple qt tanks. It will depend on the size of the fish you are buying.

 

[Deinonych]

The DT is a custom 800G. I don't have it setup yet but that is also why I am not even actively searching in LFS for a blue tang yet.
But my real concern is if keeping a young blue tang in a 20G or 40G for one to two months is too stressful for the fish. Or should I just forget about it and only keep smaller fish that need less space and will likely do fine in a small QT... I am really worried about ich...

A 20g will be fine for a 3" fish for the QT period. A 40G would be better, but is not necessary IME.

As far as ich is concerned, Tank Transfer Method (TTM) is highly effective and does not require dosing with toxic compounds like copper. TTM is somewhat more labor-intensive than other treatments, but it is foolproof if executed correctly. There is a write-up in the stickies at the top of this forum.

 

[roberthu526]

800g tank you may want a larger qt 40-90g or even a couple qt tanks. It will depend on the size of the fish you are buying.

Thanks. I really enjoy watching a fish growing from small to full size so I am hoping to get a 3-4 inch one.

 

[roberthu526]

A 20g will be fine for a 3" fish for the QT period. A 40G would be better, but is not necessary IME.

As far as ich is concerned, Tank Transfer Method (TTM) is highly effective and does not require dosing with toxic compounds like copper. TTM is somewhat more labor-intensive than other treatments, but it is foolproof if executed correctly. There is a write-up in the stickies at the top of this forum.

Thanks. I have read the TTM and Hyposalinity method and I preferred the latter. Based on my experience every time I catch or even just try to catch a fish, it freaks out and most of the time it doesn't eat for a couple of days in the new tank. I feel the hyposalinity method is more peaceful.

 

[Deinonych]

Thanks. I have read the TTM and Hyposalinity method and I preferred the latter. Based on my experience every time I catch or even just try to catch a fish, it freaks out and most of the time it doesn't eat for a couple of days in the new tank. I feel the hyposalinity method is more peaceful.

Just be aware that there are hyposaline-resistant strains of Cryptocaryon (ich). You need to be diligent about keeping the salinity from exceeding 1.009 SG and watch pH carefully.

As far as catching fish, I lower the water level in the aquarium to a few inches and then carefully capture the fish. They don't freak out since they aren't being chased around the aquarium.

 

[scooter31707]

Agreed ^^^. Also the other tank is setup just like the previous one, so it makes it seem like nothing change.