How to Care for the Pacific Blue Tang

The Pacific Blue Tang is a fish that can be seen in aquariums across the world. The tiny, vividly blue fish is very popular among aquarium hobbyists. It can be bought at many pet stores in the United States and is affordable. The Pacific Blue Tang, being a tropical, saltwater fish, requires certain steps to be taken to provide adequate care. If properly cared for, a Pacific Blue Tang should provide its owner with years of companionship and entertainment.

Things You'll Need

  • 75-gallon aquarium tank (or larger)
  • Aquarium pump and filter
  • 2 aquarium powerheads or air stones
  • Coral aquarium decorations
  • Real stone aquarium decorations
  • Tropical fish saltwater tank kit
  • Aquarium test kit
  • 10- to 20-gallon fish tank with accessories
  • 1 or 2 Pacific Blue Tang
  • Container of frozen brine shrimp
  • Container of marine algae
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the Aquarium

    • 1

      Place an aquarium tank, preferably a 75-gallon size or larger, in its designated permanent home. Fill the tank with water.

    • 2

      Assemble and plug in all of the accessories to the tank, including the two powerheads.

    • 3

      Set up the tank decorations. Arrange the rocks and corals in a desired pattern around the bottom of the tank.

    • 4

      Prepare the aquarium saltwater kit.

    • 5

      Test the aquarium water and adjust as needed. Aim for a pH level of 8.1 to 8.4 and a carbonate hardness (mineral content) of between 8 and 12 degrees. The temperature of the water should be 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Caring for the Blue Tang

    • 6

      Remove 10 to 20 gallons of water from the first tank and place it in the smaller tank, called a quarantine aquarium. The smaller tank allows the fish to be acclimated to the new aquatic environment and observe any diseases, such as marine ich. The smaller tank can be disassembled and reserved for use as a hospital tank.

    • 7

      Set up the accessories for the smaller tank. Replace the water in the larger tank. Place the Pacific Blue Tang in the smaller aquarium. Allow the fish to stay in the smaller tank for at least a week as you observe any signs of illness (white bumps covering the fish, bulging eyes, damaged fins, enflamed gills).

    • 8

      Place the fish in the larger tank if no illness was observed.

    • 9

      Feed the fish the brine shrimp in small servings several times a day. Supplement the fish's diet with the marine algae (the algae will also grow on the rocks which is good for the fish). Mix up the diet by switching between live, flake and frozen foods and different types of zooplankton.

    • 10

      Regulate the light in the aquarium. Develop a simple routine for when you will have the light on or off (something such as off during the day, on at night).