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Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 8:21 pm
by 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?
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:02 pm
by 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?
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:57 pm
by bronx
tidesman wrote: ↑Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:02 pm
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.
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 11:34 pm
by 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.
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 12:19 am
by 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.
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 12:44 am
by 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.
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 1:17 am
by kozeki
What's the minimum tank size for a Blue Tang?
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 3:11 am
by tidesman
kozeki wrote: ↑Sat Aug 23, 2025 1:17 am
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.
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 4:48 am
by 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.
Re: Can a Blue Tang live in a 55 gallon tank
Posted: Sat Aug 23, 2025 5:01 am
by 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.