Is small Regal Blue tang in 60 ok for a couple of years?

[lonelybones]

Hey! I recently downsized to a 4f 60 mixed reef…. I have a small blue regal. I understand after a couple of years I will have to switch him out for a smaller one but can I get away with him in here for now? He’s 1.75in

 

[FUNGI]

IMO....yes. There is lots of swimming space....(for now)

 

[lonelybones]

IMO....yes. There is lots of swimming space....(for now)

Appreciate the reply!

 

[apb03]

I know many folks would say no, but I think you should be okay. That said, that fish will be 8 inches in about a year, so make sure you have a good sleeping area for it that will accommodate it. They like to sleep in caves or cracks in rocks.

 

[Tompickles]

As long as you actually re home her to a bigger tank I say yes. I had one in a 4ft 75 gallon that was perfectly happy for two years or so then upgraded to a 300 gallon.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey! I recently downsized to a 4f 60 mixed reef…. I have a small blue regal. I understand after a couple of years I will have to switch him out for a smaller one but can I get away with him in here for now? He’s 1.75in

Should be. The tank length is in your favor

 

[bobnicaragua]

Regal tangs won’t grow much in a smaller space, it may never outgrow the tank.

I had this tiny Regal tang in my old 29 gal for years. He never really grew at all.

 

[lonelybones]

I know many folks would say no, but I think you should be okay. That said, that fish will be 8 inches in about a year, so make sure you have a good sleeping area for it that will accommodate it. They like to sleep in caves or cracks in rocks.

I know it’s hard to see just because the light spectrum but there are a ton of little caves and places for him to hang out that being said if I need to add something else once he gets bigger but even at 6 to 7 inches, there are a couple hiding places that would be good for him.

 

[lonelybones]

Regal tangs won’t grow much in a smaller space, it may never outgrow the tank.

I had this tiny Regal tang in my old 29 gal for years. He never really grew at all.

Appreciate your insight. I guess it’s like everything else in this hobby you just gotta see what works for you. Beautiful tank.

 

[lonelybones]

As long as you actually re home her to a bigger tank I say yes. I had one in a 4ft 75 gallon that was perfectly happy for two years or so then upgraded to a 300 gallon.

There would be no reason not to because my lfs already offered to trade trade me once he gets too big. Yes, I’ll be a bit sentimental towards him, but I want the best for him. Plus a massive tang would look off inside of my tank imo lol…

 

[lonelybones]

As long as you actually re home her to a bigger tank I say yes. I had one in a 4ft 75 gallon that was perfectly happy for two years or so then upgraded to a 300 gallon.

Also, I live in a townhouse so my second and third story are my living quarters so the only place I can’t have a tank is upstairs…. I was already sketched out about the 75+ a 25 gallon sump so that’s why I downsized plus I already have a 30 long peacock mantis tank(~20 feet from my big tank and on its own joist) but definitely don’t have any plans of ever getting a bigger tank unless I sell this place..

 

[Solo McReefer]

Regal tangs won’t grow much in a smaller space, it may never outgrow the tank.

I had this tiny Regal tang in my old 29 gal for years. He never really grew at all.

"Reefer, Pull Over!"

 

[OrionN]

If you feed him enough, he will grow very quickly, months. If you don't feed him, he will be sad looking, unhealthy and emaciated. It will be true in this case that he won't grow.

 

[Tamberav]

There would be no reason not to because my lfs already offered to trade trade me once he gets too big. Yes, I’ll be a bit sentimental towards him, but I want the best for him. Plus a massive tang would look off inside of my tank imo lol…

Well the one issue is you are risking bringing in disease every time you trade your fish in.

I would keep the fish you have and grow it out but I probably would trade it in for something smaller like a cherub when the time comes.

Disease in this hobby can be soul crushing.

 

[Waters]

Regal tangs won’t grow much in a smaller space, it may never outgrow the tank.

I had this tiny Regal tang in my old 29 gal for years. He never really grew at all.

Unfortunately this is definitely not true (I wish it was). If he isn't growing, it isn't due to the smaller tank size.

 

[ErikVR]

Should be fine for now but i do wonder how many people that say this will actually rehome the fish after a year.

 

[exnisstech]

Should be fine for now but i do wonder how many people that say this will actually rehome the fish after a year.

Or the fish becomes stressed and unhealthy. Every large blue hippo that comes into my LFSs looks terrible.

 

[Northern Flicker]

Regal tangs won’t grow much in a smaller space, it may never outgrow the tank.

I had this tiny Regal tang in my old 29 gal for years. He never really grew at all.

Poor little guy

 

[ErikVR]

Poor little guy

Stunted growth. Organs not developing properly

 

[Solo McReefer]

Stunted growth. Organs not developing properly

Can you show me a tank on this board

That does not stunt the growth of a blue tang?

Remember, they get 12 -14 inches in diameter in nature

I know of one, do you?

"Reefer, Pull Over!"