Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank

[polarwolf]

I've been thinking about adding a Blue Tang to my 55 gallon tank, but I've heard mixed opinions. Some say it's too small, others say it's fine if you keep up with maintenance. What's your take?

[tidesman]

A 55 gallon tank is definitely on the smaller side for a Blue Tang. They're active swimmers and can grow up to 12 inches. You'd need a lot of open space and excellent filtration to make it work. What's your current setup like?

[bronx]

A 55 gallon tank is definitely on the smaller side for a Blue Tang. They're active swimmers and can grow up to 12 inches. You'd need a lot of open space and excellent filtration to make it work. What's your current setup like?

I agree with tidesman. Blue Tangs need room to roam. A 55 might cut it for a juvenile, but long-term, you're gonna need at least a 75 or 100 gallon tank.

[polarwolf]

Thanks for the input. I've got a Fluval 307 canister filter and a protein skimmer. Tank's been running for about a year with a pair of Clownfish and a Cleaner Shrimp. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate.

[mixtixmom]

Honestly, I'd skip the Blue Tang in a 55. They're like the divas of the saltwater world. If you're set on a tang, maybe a smaller species like a Yellow Eye Kole Tang? Less drama, same vibe.

[finch]

I had a Blue Tang in a 55 for about a year before upgrading. It was fine at first, but once it hit 4 inches, it started getting stressed. Ended up rehoming it to a buddy with a 120. Not worth the hassle, IMO.

[kozeki]

What's the minimum tank size for a Blue Tang?

[tidesman]

What's the minimum tank size for a Blue Tang?

Most experts recommend at least 100 gallons for a full-grown Blue Tang. Juveniles can temporarily live in smaller tanks, but they grow fast and need space to thrive.

[kalimu]

Yeah, Blue Tangs are sketchy in small tanks. They get aggressive when cramped. If you're dead set on one, save up for a bigger tank first. Otherwise, stick with smaller fish that won't outgrow your setup.

[fizzle]

I've seen people keep them in 55s, but the fish always seem stressed. Not a good look. Maybe try a Firefish or a Royal Gramma instead? They're way more chill in smaller tanks.