Powder blue vs Blue tang

Noah Hemingway · Mar 17, 2021

I have seen lots of mixed information about the hardiness of Power blue & Blue tangs. In your opinions which has a better success rate? I absolutely love them both & want to go with the better option. (Yes my tank is big enough) Thanks :)

Sarcazian · Mar 17, 2021

I personally recommend buying pre-QT'ed if you buy a Blug Tang. Every one I have had came with ich. The first one took out my first tank.

Even if I personally purchased another Blue Tang, QT'ed, I would still keep it out of my DT for awhile for observation.

ca1ore · Mar 17, 2021

A push. Powder blue is probably more ich susceptible but the Hepatus (unless you mean the Atlantic blue) is quite fragile when small. PB is also much more pugnacious. I personally prefer the Hepatus.

ReeferJake1212 · Mar 17, 2021

IMO blue tangs are the safer bet. Powder blue tangs can get very aggressive and territorial not only to tangs but most other fish. Blue tangs also seem to adapt better to smaller spaces then powder blues as you’ll notice your powder blue start doing dashes around the tank if it’s not very large. As for the obvious....both are extremely prone to ich and even buying a pre qtd one doesn’t mean that much. Bottom line is they are likely gonna get it, it’s how you handle it that makes all the difference....mixed with a lil bit of luck of course.

jdiefenbaugh · Mar 17, 2021

As mentioned above, the tiny hepatus have a dismal success rate, and should be avoided. I have probably had equal success with both at larger sizes, with the PBs being much more aggressive.

00W · Mar 17, 2021

I had a powder blue for 6 years. That was a million years ago when it seemed the fish stock seemed so much healthier than it appears to be now.
I don't know if that makes any sense but I NEVER had a problem with mine. No ich, no issues. Model citizen. Of course he was in a tank with two large angels twice his size but he was basically perfect.
Seems like people have a lot of issues with these guys I just never did.
They don't get as large either.
Probably doesn't help you at all but man, that was a cooool fish.