blue regal tang

[dwint]

i don't understand why the blue is bigger than the yellow and they say you need 55 gal for blue and 75 for yellow and the blue gets two inches bigger.is the blue less active?the store i go to has a baby blue but they told me they get diseases easy

[Greenturtle]

Both Yellow and Blue Regal tangs need at least 6 feet of swimming space, basically a 125+ gallon tank. Both are equally active. They get stressed and can get growth stunts in smaller tanks.

In a 75 gallon tank, you could have a Kole Tang. I have one in my 90 and it swims around all day looking for algae.

[dwint]

why do the marine books give those gallon recommendations

[Greenturtle]

Originally Posted by dwint

why do the marine books give those gallon recommendations

How old is the marine book? If it is old, then it could be outdated information. If it is recent, then it is flat-out wrong. A Blue Tang cannot live in a 55 gallon tank, and a Yellow Tang should not be in a 75.

Many people have different opinions on how large a tank Tangs need. LiveAquaria is usually a trusted site. 125+s for each is usually what is recommended though.

Yellow Tang care link (this one says 100 gallon minimum) : Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Yellow Tang - Hawaii

Blue Regal Tang care link (this one says 180 gallon) : Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Blue Tang

[crister13]

Ya I would say 125+ for both fish and MOST tangs. Alot need bigger tanks. You never really see big blue tangs IF you dont have one, and I went to a place the other doay where its was 1'+. Never stopped swimming.

[kdogg85]

Look at it this way. Are you more comfortable living in a 20x20 room or a 4x6 room.

Gallons is an outdated way of looking at things. Actual amount of length, width, and height are what you should go by. A standard 125g(72x18x24) is fine for most tangs except the jumbo ones. The more room they have, the happier they are. No matter what fish

[crister13]

Yup! Unless in that room they're going to get eaten lol. Gl!!!!!

[slitherbomb]

I think a yellow tang can live just fine in a 75g. They don't get to be that big....

[crister13]

Ya it maylivebut I've seen them 8in. Eight inches that swims all the time should have a 125

[slitherbomb]

Very few will ever reach 8". Most go to ~6".

[crister13]

Thats because a lot of them are not kept in tanks of adequate size and that stunts their growth. Sure it will sirvive but if you want to live in a bathroom for your whole life and then tell me a yellow tang can live in a 75g ill believe you.

[slitherbomb]

The bathroom analogy is flawed. A 6" fish with 48" of vertical swimming space and 18" of back to front swimming space is not like me living in a bathroom.

[crister13]

Sorry didn't mean to sound that mean I was in a bad mood lol. They should be in 125s tho, they'll live in a 75.

[crister13]

And you meant horizontal correct?

[slitherbomb]

Yes horizontal lol

[crister13]

Ok I was like a 4 foot high tank? Lol