125 Gallon Stock Suggestions? Help!

thof123 · Oct 6, 2017

Hey guys,

So I've done a bit of research and here are the fish that I think I really like the most right now and would love to incorporate into the tank. I'm aware that saltwater tanks can't house as many fish typically as freshwater tanks can. What combination of fish would I be able to use within the saltwater system? I don't think I'd be able to get all of these fish into a 125.

Also, please let me know if you think they would not work with corals, I'm pretty sure all of these were listed as reef compatible to an extent.

(The number next to the fish is how many I'd ideally want)

Must Haves:
Premium Picasso Clownfish x2
Magnificent Foxface x1

Other Fish:
Kole Tang x1
Starry Blenny x1
Yellow Watchman Goby x1
Tiger Shrimp x1
Mystery Wrasse x1
Blue Star Leopard Wrasse x1
Coral Beauty x1
Agile Chromis x3+

I really like all of these fish. If I keep the chromis I'd want multiple in the tank. I also want either the blenny or the goby + pistol shrimp if it's not possible to fit both in the tank for sure. Also, keep in mind I'd be adding these fish over time so they all wouldn't be going in at once obviously.

@Maritimer @Baldguy

Baldguy · Oct 6, 2017

thof123 said:
Hey guys,

So I've done a bit of research and here are the fish that I think I really like the most right now and would love to incorporate into the tank. I'm aware that saltwater tanks can't house as many fish typically as freshwater tanks can. What combination of fish would I be able to use within the saltwater system? I don't think I'd be able to get all of these fish into a 125.

Also, please let me know if you think they would not work with corals, I'm pretty sure all of these were listed as reef compatible to an extent.

(The number next to the fish is how many I'd ideally want)

Must Haves:
Premium Picasso Clownfish x2
Magnificent Foxface x1

Other Fish:
Kole Tang x1
Starry Blenny x1
Yellow Watchman Goby x1
Tiger Shrimp x1
Mystery Wrasse x1
Blue Star Leopard Wrasse x1
Coral Beauty x1
Agile Chromis x3+

I really like all of these fish. If I keep the chromis I'd want multiple in the tank. I also want either the blenny or the goby + pistol shrimp if it's not possible to fit both in the tank for sure. Also, keep in mind I'd be adding these fish over time so they all wouldn't be going in at once obviously.

@Maritimer @Baldguy

You can keep the blenny and the goby/shrimp together. I have both now.
You should keep in mind that the Coral Beauty will probably nip corals sooner or later.
I'm not familiar with the Agile Chromis and rarely see those available.

Maritimer · Oct 6, 2017

I wouldn't expect the two species of firefish will get along well - if you can find a bonded pair of one or the other, that might be ideal.

Keep in mind that mystery wrasse can become a bit cantankerous, especially with other wrasse.

Watchman gobies will pair rather nicely - I have a pair in my tank.

Otherwise, I see no real issues here.

~Bruce

thof123 · Oct 10, 2017

Maritimer said:
I wouldn't expect the two species of firefish will get along well - if you can find a bonded pair of one or the other, that might be ideal.

Keep in mind that mystery wrasse can become a bit cantankerous, especially with other wrasse.

Watchman gobies will pair rather nicely - I have a pair in my tank.

Otherwise, I see no real issues here.

~Bruce

So do you think that this stock could work...

2 Picasso Clown
1 Magnificent Foxface
1 Kole Tang
1 Starry Blenny
1 Watchman Goby
1 Tiger Shrimp
1 Blue Star Leopard Wrasse
3 Agile Chromi

Maritimer · Oct 10, 2017

I think that could work out rather nicely!

The blue-star isn't a wrasse I've kept, but it is on my short list - delicate, but not especially so as leopards go, is what I'm hearing.

I know the foxface is your #1 fish, but keep an eye on his size - they can get a bit out of proportion for a 125, but I suspect it'll take a while if it happens.

~Bruce

thof123 · Oct 10, 2017

Maritimer said:
I think that could work out rather nicely!

The blue-star isn't a wrasse I've kept, but it is on my short list - delicate, but not especially so as leopards go, is what I'm hearing.

I know the foxface is your #1 fish, but keep an eye on his size - they can get a bit out of proportion for a 125, but I suspect it'll take a while if it happens.

~Bruce

Yeah, definitely. Great, thanks for the advice. This is definitely a long-term project because of budget / available space so I'll keep you guys updated as I go along and contact you with any questions.

Bluecbs · Oct 11, 2017

Kole tang should go in last, especially after the blenny, just my .02

thof123 · Oct 11, 2017

Bluecbs said:
Kole tang should go in last, especially after the blenny, just my .02

Thanks, any suggestion on correct order of when I should put in which fish?

AlexStinson · Oct 11, 2017

Have you looked at doing a 4'x2' 120gallon tank, they are very popular for reef tanks for the added depth, and it would be easier to light as most fixtures cover 2'x2', saving you a bit on lighting.

thof123 · Oct 11, 2017

AlexStinson said:
Have you looked at doing a 4'x2' 120gallon tank, they are very popular for reef tanks for the added depth, and it would be easier to light as most fixtures cover 2'x2', saving you a bit on lighting.

Would i still be able to stock the fish I want? I thought a lot of these fish need at least 6 feet of tank length.

AlexStinson · Oct 11, 2017

I think the extra 6" front to back helps more than the extra two feet long as it gives them a bit more of a territory than just going back and forth. But... I'm not a fish so who really knows.