120 gallon fish list ideas

[tundraguy1106]

Hey,

So my 120 gallon tank (4x2x2) build is finally up and running. Almost cycled, just waiting for my nitrite to hit zero before I start adding fish. I wanted to get some input on livestock. What to get and how many. What fish should I add first and the what order I should get the rest. It’s ultimately going to be a reef tank but I’d like to get some opinions on fish. Here are the fish I’m interested in for my tank.

Anthias - lyretails, bartletts, sunburst 4-5 mixed
Pair of snowflake clowns 2
Blue spotted jawfish 1
Tangs - Powder blue, sailfin, Tomini, kole, purple, yellow. 2 or 3 tangs total
Flame angel 1

And lots of invertebrates. Tank will be a mixed reef mostly LPS, some SPS but definitely want clams. I’m running a sump with a refugium in one chamber. Overall sump is 36x15x15. I appreciate any and all input. THANKS.

 

[SPR1968]

Hi there and welcome to R2R!

Maybe take a look around the members build threads for similar sized tanks and you’ll get all sorts of ideas, and just ask questions when you find something you like.

Basically you want to add the most territorial fish towards the end, especially if their large.

Having said that, I did it completely the opposite way so.......

 

[Jesterrace]

I would rule out the blue spotted jawfish as they require colder temps to do well long term (ie 74 degrees). Given that they aren't highly visible and the fact that they are pricey as well and it makes them not the best choice since reef fish tend to prefer temps in the 77-79 degree range.

Tangs. Unfortunately all except the Kole and Tomini are going to need more space than a 4 foot long tank offers. Every other Tang on your list maxes out between 8-15 inches in length and are very active open water swimmers to boot. They also tend to be more aggressive when they don't have space and many are known to bully other fish and hit other fish with their tail scalpels which cause damage (I witnessed this first hand when I had my Yellow Tang in my 90 gallon).

As for the Tomini Tang and Kole Tang co-existing in a 4 foot long tank, that is a real gamble since they are from the same family. Personally I would just do one and pick one of those 2.

Flame Angels can nip at corals and clam mantles if you add corals and clams after you add the Flame Angel it is more likely to notice/take an interest in them. A well established tank with algae growing is helpful when adding any dwarf angel since they tend to start by grazing algae and daily seaweed/nori feedings can increase your chances of success with them leaving your corals and clams alone, but it's still a gamble. The Flame Angel also tends to be one of the more aggressive Dwarf Angels so just be aware of that, although having it in a 120 gallon should help mitigate that some.

The rest of the list looks fine.

I would highly recommend adding some Wrasses to your tank. Many that are totally reef safe and some that are safe with corals and clams but might pick off the occasional invert. Either way they are well suited to a tank of your size.

 

[tundraguy1106]

Yeah I do like a bunch of wrasses, I just remember having a difficult time trying to get them to eat. I think I bought a lennardi wrasse in the past. Unfortunately it did not make. Then again, Kole tangs have also been an issue with me. I appreciate the info. Anything on anthias? Which are the best to keep and how many I can keep in my system?