Another newbie stocking question

Jon Fishman · Aug 22, 2019

My tank is all set up. Corals etc moved to new tank, fish from previous tank (only had two) rehomed. I had a 3rd fish previously (Tang) that got ich/velvet/who knows and went from fine, to dead during a 16 hour work day, so the progression was swift. Either way, due to that, I am running the new tank fallow for 3 months. When the tang quickly died/was discovered, the remaining 2 fish stayed in the tank, unaffected for 2+ months until today when I removed them and rehomed them, so there is a chance the Tang had nothing contagious etc, but like I said, new tank is staying fish-free for 3 months a precaution.

I don’t have the ability to quarantine now, so my plan is to get 2-3 fish and keep them hopefully for the long-haul and if I ever decide to add after that, or I lose a couple, then start a quarantine then.

I am 100% sold on a Quoyi Parrotfish, so I am looking at any 2 other fish that are hardy and can live with it.

Tank, having a small bioload leaves a lot of options, so Boxfish etc are something of interest. It is a full reef tank, so reef safe is a must. I am willing to rehome something if it outgrows the tank. Tank is 8’ long, shallow, 200g total with 160 or so display

Recommendations?

Jon Fishman · Aug 22, 2019

I guess I need to want Tangs if I want to get recommendations here!

Auquanut · Aug 22, 2019

Are you looking primarily at larger fish? With an 8' length you have a lot of options. Also, are you trying to keep your bioload low? I checked out the Quoyi Parrotfish you mentioned, and WOW! That is one beautiful fish.

mta_morrow · Aug 22, 2019

If I had an 8’ tank the first fish I would add would be 20-25 azure damsels.

Super low bio load and constant color and activity. And pretty mild mannered.

Then a few big fish if that is your desire. To go with the parrot fish, a pair of blue throat triggers would be awesome, or a trio of bellus angelfish. Maybe a yellow or purple tang.

Jon Fishman · Aug 22, 2019

Auquanut said:
Are you looking primarily at larger fish? With an 8' length you have a lot of options. Also, are you trying to keep your bioload low? I checked out the Quoyi Parrotfish you mentioned, and WOW! That is one beautiful fish.

Yeah, just trying to not have a maintenance nightmare and I am focusing on a few fish and a bunch of coral

Jon Fishman · Aug 22, 2019

mta_morrow said:
If I had an 8’ tank the first fish I would add would be 20-25 azure damsels.

Super low bio load and constant color and activity. And pretty mild mannered.

Then a few big fish if that is your desire. To go with the parrot fish, a pair of blue throat triggers would be awesome, or a trio of bellus angelfish. Maybe a yellow or purple tang.

Not sure I am up for the feeding requirements of the trigger.

Jon Fishman · Aug 22, 2019

If I wanted to do wrasses, what types can live peacefully together and don’t require a sandbed?

Katrina71 · Aug 22, 2019

I have no experience with the big guys suitable for your tank.

JuanGutz · Aug 22, 2019

I would of suggested most of what everyone else has. Not to many wrasses that don’t require a sandbed and are reef safe. You really only have a few more fish to look at. Anthias possibly? You had a bad go with one tang could always try again...

vetteguy53081 · Aug 22, 2019

With that parrot, you can add Harlequin tusk wrasse, a niger trigger, tang and even a larger angel such as queen/blue/majestic/passer or emperor

Auquanut · Aug 22, 2019

I would love to have a harlequin tusk, but I'm too attached to my inverts. I also always wanted a niger trigger. A well respected LFS owner keeps one in his one of his display tanks, and says as long as he's well fed he doesn't bother the corals.

CindyKz · Aug 22, 2019

Jon Fishman said:
If I wanted to do wrasses, what types can live peacefully together and don’t require a sandbed?

Fairy and Flasher wrasses do not require sand beds and there are lots of species to choose from, although most don't get very large. There's a very in-depth sticky about combining wrasses in the Aquarium Fish forum you could check out. You could fit an awful lot of wrasses in that size tank!