How do you take care of a massive blue tang? Over a foot long.

Miami Reef · Jul 3, 2021

My younger brother bought a massive blue tang without my consent. It’s literally over a foot long and even though my tank is 250 gallons, I’m sure my tank is too small for it. This fish is too big.

I feed LRS frozen but it looks so small for this fish. The fish is eating but I don’t see the tiny food size supporting the weight of the fish. It’s a really heavy fish.

I have to post pictures of the fish, but for right now I have a stock photo from google. It’s exactly this size. I put it in the tank because it was late and the LFS closed already, but I really don’t want to keep this fish. It really is ruining the tank for me. I see this fish and I’m having anxiety because it looks cramped for it. I currently have 10 small-medium tangs right now and they fit in my tank, but I never saw a fish this big before.

Goaway · Jul 3, 2021

What tangs are you keeping? How long is the tank?
I am going to assume its 6 feet in length.

Miami Reef · Jul 3, 2021

The tank is 94” long.

I have Lavendar, powder brown, naso, vlamingii, Caribean, blue tang (not the new one), purple, clown tang.

Whoops. I guess I miscounted and I have 8 tangs (not 11). These tangs are all small to medium. Most are small though and maybe 2 are getting near medium. I consider this New blue tang enormous. I am stunned and not in a good way.

Goaway · Jul 3, 2021

Miami Reef said:
The tank is 94” long.

I have Lavendar, powder brown, naso, vlamingii, Caribean, blue tang (not the new one), purple, clown tang.

Whoops. I guess I miscounted and I have 8 tangs (not 11). These tangs are all small.

Okay, the tangs that may need a bigger tank will be the Vlamingii (24") That's almost double your hippo blue tang.
The other's range from 8 to 12 inches. You can also look them up if you like.
I would just watch the fish and see if he looks comfortable. If he isn't trying to escape and there's no conflict. I wouldn't worry.
What is he doing that's destroying the aquarium?

Oh right, naso's get close to 20 inches but should be fine with your aquarium.

Hermie · Jul 3, 2021

That's a shame; it's great that you are working for a solution that benefits the fish.

Goaway · Jul 3, 2021

Miami Reef said:
I feed LRS frozen but it looks so small for this fish. The fish is eating but I don’t see the tiny food size supporting the weight of the fish. It’s a really heavy fish.

Time for nori sheets and nori clips.

JGT · Jul 3, 2021

Can you return to the LFS where your brother got him or another LFS for credit?

Goaway · Jul 3, 2021

JGT said:
Can you return to the LFS where your brother got him or another LFS for credit?

Why? He wants to keep him.

JGT · Jul 3, 2021

Mibu said:
Why? He wants to keep him.

He does? He says “I really don’t want to keep this fish”. Third paragraph, third sentence.

Goaway · Jul 3, 2021

JGT said:
He does? He says “I really don’t want to keep this fish”. Third paragraph, third sentence.

Huh, I knew I was rebellious. My brain didn't register the word "don't"

JGT · Jul 3, 2021

Mibu said:
Huh, I knew I was rebellious. My brain didn't register the word "don't"

Lol

Celestion · Jul 3, 2021

that photo is useless......its exactly that size.....lol

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Jul 3, 2021

They sell krill and silversmiths at petco and pets mart. That and the said nori sheets. Get green and purple. Alternate.
That fish needs a good 500+ gals. Sorry! You can try but u may need to increase flow at the very least.
Open water swimmer. Shark food. Lol.
Good luck!
D