Question for the tang police

[Gluestick]

Hello! I am fairly new to saltwater, and I'm really enjoying my tank. I was originally going to have all very small fish in my 90, but now I am considering a blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus). Will a blue tang be happy in a 90 gallon mixed reef aquarium? What would you consider their temperament "level" to be? I have small docile fish in the tank, and plan on adding only other small docile fish, except maybe a flame angel in the future. Also, one more question: I have seen very tiny specimens available at LFS (maybe 1" or 1.5"), and was wondering if it would be wise to purchase one so small or if a larger one would be hardier.
Thanks a lot,
Valerie

 

[celebrityovernight]

i'm by no means a "tang police," but i would say a blue tang would be pretty happy in a 90 for a while until he/she gets about 5-6 inches. btw, how long is the 90? i'm guessing 4ft. as far as the small specimens go, they are not as hardy as the larger ones. if you're really set on getting one, make sure you see them eat well.

 

[zemuron114]

i have 2 in a 180 (1.5" and 2.5")

i plan on taking the bigger one out to make some room. I dont want 2 full grown blue tangs in there!

a 90 would be fine for a quite some time if you purchase it at about 2-3". Mine have been growing steadily over the past few months and they eat a ton!

 

[SuperNerd]

I am also not affiliated with the tang police because I have prior convictions but I can tell you that those things get huge. Even in a 180 a full grown or close to full grown one looks cramped IMO.

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

I wouldn't get a Hippo for a 90. They get too big. A Kole or Tomini would be a better choice

 

[Gluestick]

Thanks for your input! I think that I will wait until we upgrade to a bigger tank to get a blue tang. Thanks!

 

[keefsama2003]

I had a hippo in a 90 and it grew quickly and was very cramped i wouldnt do it. my hippo was super fat and VERY active during the day and just didnt look like it had enough room to do what it wanted.

 

[ecreef]

Thanks for the input, I am not sure yet if I want a cowfish again or not.

 

[ecreef]

Sorry, wrong post.

 

[Gluestick]

I love cowfish - the long-horned ones are soooo cool! Too bad you can't keep so much with them!