decoupling capacitor size

Grumpy_Mike:

tantalum are rubbish for decoupling. So are most electrolytics.

They are both good for bulk decoupling, the low frequency stuff. However, tantalum capacitors used in power supply decoupling are a fire hazard as when they fail they tend to fail short circuit and burst into flames. That is why you won't get UL approval on a system using tantalum capacitors on a power supply.

I'll stick to ceramic+polyester...