[duster]

I realize the growth rate of fishes can perhaps be affected by numerous things, but I was curious if anyone could give me a general idea on the growth rate of a Regal Blue/Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus). The fish would be introduced to a 4' 55g FOWLR with vigorous filtration and skimming, strong circulation, and an aggressive water change routine. Assuming water quality is high and feeding is good and proper, at what rate can I expect a 2"-3" juvenile to grow? At what size is this fish too large for a 4' tank? In other words, how long can I expect to keep a juvenile-introduced tang before I have to give it away for another juvenile?

[duster]

You guys suck. I'm going to a better site, reefs.org or something.

[Reefland]

Ah man.

For what it's worth, I don't think you would be able to keep it for more than a year as the Paracanthurus hepatus grow fairly rapidly. I don't think it's a good idea however to put a fish in a tank with plans to keep swapping them out as they grow too large.

[duster]

I apologize Reefland, you guys didn't deserve that. I'm surprised you responded at all, I would have kicked my a!!hole butt off the site. For what its worth, I posted the same thread at reefs.org and the same thing happened: it sat there for quite a while with lots viewing it, but nobody would help me. I didn't think it was that unworthy of a question, thus the reason I got frustrated. Anyways, I appreciate your answer, even thought it is what I was afraid of. I know a 6' or larger is recommended for most Tangs, I was just hoping the Regal Blue wasn't included. I also know swapping them out every year or so may not be the best idea. What to do. I've since made the decision to go with a 75g for the added LR aquascaping depth, but its still a 4'. If irresponsibility gets the better of me and I put one in, what kinds of behavior or problems will the species exhibit when it gets too large and unhappy in the tank? How about introducing a juvenile Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and a juvenile Threadfin Butterfly (Chaetodon auriga) as the main fish in a 75g?

[dougc]

The threadfin butterfly is one of my personal favorites. Butterflies are fairly delicate, but if you are lucky enough to keep one alive for a long time, they get pretty big. They demand excellent water conditions, though, so you wouldn't want to crowd the tank with other fish. A yellow tang AND a butterfly might be a bit much.

As to a hippo tang, I sometimes think we kid ourselves in saying that a tang is ok in a 6 foot tank, but not in a 4 foot tank. Given the distances that these fish travel in the wild, a 4 foot tank is a telephone booth and a 6 foot tank is a broom closet. A hippo, on the tang irritability scale, is fairly mellow and is less likely to become antisocial than other species.

A 75 gallon tank is a bit less cramped for a tang than a 55 because it is less like a two-dimensional ant farm. Seriously, I would consider the 75. It is basically the same footprint and will be more satisfactory in the long run. Remember, too, the cardinal rule of aquariums: Whatever tank you have will look small after you have lived with it for a while. When I was a kid, a 55-gallon looked gigantic. Now my 210 is starting to look small.

[jiggly75]

Seriously, I would consider the 75. It is basically the same footprint and will be more satisfactory in the long run. Remember, too, the cardinal rule of aquariums: Whatever tank you have will look small after you have lived with it for a while. When I was a kid, a 55-gallon looked gigantic. Now my 210 is starting to look small.

I agree about tank sizes. I started with a 55 gal. A 90 gal. looked huge when i first got it. Now it seems to get smaller all the time! I should have gotton the biggest tank i could afford and have room for from the start! Plus moving from one tank to another is a lot of work!

[duster]

I've definitely decided on the 75g. I can completely believe that any tank will begin to lose its "oh man, this thing is huge" appeal after a while. It's a good thing this hobby has just about endless possibilities, eh? From small FOWLR tanks to bigger FOWLR tanks to smaller reef tanks to bigger reef tanks. Does it ever end? Knowing me, probably not. In 10 years I'm sure I'll have a 500g full-blown reef, but for now a 75g FOWLR is a big deal. As far as what fish to stock it with, I will try to be smart and responsible.

[Reefland]

As far as what fish to stock it with, I will try to be smart and responsible

That is a very important piece duster. Planning in advance what inhabitants are appropriate for the environment you ar eproviding is the first step, and most important step to being an ethical reefkeeper.