Keeping a Blue Tang in a Reef Aquarium

Blue Tang Care Guide: Size, Diet, & The "Ick Magnet" Truth | Mile High Reefers Host: Scott Anderson Species Featured: Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) Also known as: Regal Tang, Hippo Tang, Palette Surgeonfish, or "Dory" In today’s Species Spotlight, we are looking at one of the most iconic but challenging fish in the saltwater hobby: the Blue Tang. Meet "Rankin," my 7-inch Blue Tang who has been a staple in my reef for over three years. While they are famous thanks to Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, these fish are far from "beginner-friendly." From their massive adult size to their notorious susceptibility to parasites, Blue Tangs require a dedicated setup and an experienced hand. In this video, I share my personal journey with this species—including the mistakes I made a decade ago—and provide essential tips on quarantine, diet, and aggression management. ⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps 0:06 – Introduction to the Blue Tang (Regal/Hippo Tang). 0:40 – The 1-Inch Mistake: Why buying tiny tangs for small tanks often fails. 1:40 – Size Matters: How big do they get? (Hint: Nearly a foot long!). 2:10 – Tank Requirements: Why a 6-foot tank (like my 210G) is a must for adults. 2:32 – The "Ick Magnet" Truth: Dealing with parasites and why I am "anal" about quarantine. 3:32 – Diet & Nutrition: Feeding Nori, LRS frozen food, and pellets. 3:57 – Aggression & Compatibility: Sparring with the Purple Tang and dominance in the reef. 5:00 – Difficulty Level: Why these are "Intermediate" fish, not "Easy." 6:30 – The Tang Rule: My strategy for mixing Tangs (One genus per tank). 7:45 – The "Finding Dory" Warning: Research before you buy! 🌊 Blue Tang Quick Care Stats: Minimum Tank Size: 180 Gallons (6-foot tank preferred). Diet: Herbivorous (Needs constant access to dried seaweed/Nori). Temperament: Bold and can be aggressive toward other tangs. Health: High risk for Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon) and HLLE. 💡 Scott’s Top Tips for Success: Quarantine is Mandatory: Always quarantine for 3-4 weeks. These fish are often the first to get sick and can wipe out a whole tank. Feeding is Key: A "piggy" eater is a healthy eater. Use high-quality foods like LRS and varied algae. Space to Swim: These are high-energy fish. They need open water columns and strong flow to stay healthy and low-stress. Are you thinking about adding a "Dory" to your reef? Make sure you have the space and a solid quarantine protocol in place first! If you have questions about Tang compatibility, drop them in the comments below. ✅ Subscribe for more Species Spotlights and Reefing Tips! ✅ Like this video if you love the electric blue of a healthy Hippo Tang. #BlueTang #HippoTang #RegalTang #MileHighReefers #FindingDory #SaltwaterFish #ReefTank #AquariumCare #MarineIch #TangCare #ParacanthurusHepatus