Bummer's FISH LIST - input appreciated

BummersReef · Jul 20, 2016

ok it is time to work on our Fish Wish List. Tank size is 125 gallon with 125+ in sump/refug.
We first have to set up the QT but once that happens we will be able to start adding fish. This is our list so far and will edit as we go. I'm putting the MOST DESIRED at the top and working the way down, so it will not be organized by which will go in first (that is what we need to figure out, the order in which we will stock the tank)

1. Desjardini Sailfin Tang (must have)
2. as many other tangs as will get along with the sailfin! (Naso, Hippo, Kole)
3. two clownfish
4. reef-safe butterfly (copper-banded?)
5. lyretail anthias (3 or 5)
6. blue green chromis (3 or 5)
7. white spotted puffer
8. chalk bass

what else would be nice and play nice?
and what should go in first?

thanks!
Carla

BigNick24 · Jul 20, 2016

Your tangs want to be last since they will be largest and most aggressive, would probably start with chromis and clowns to make sure water is good then add from there. As long as the tangs have different body types you should be ok with multiple in the tanks, but that can be up for discussion.

BummersReef · Jul 20, 2016

I understand clowns can get territorial but also hear of many people starting with clowns ?? would like to start with the clowns but don't want to turn them into bullies
and having a heck of a time agreeing on what to name them. 5 people in the family it's impossible to get everyone to agree. John and Yoko? Bonnie and Clyde, I need suggestions for popular male/female duos .... (wanted Brianne of Tarth and Jamie Lannister but my 13 year old has no idea who they are!)

Duke4Life · Jul 20, 2016

How about an eel? A 125g is big enough to where a chainlink wouldn't be stressed and make a great addition.

BummersReef · Jul 20, 2016

Duke4Life said:
How about an eel? A 125g is big enough to where a chainlink wouldn't be stressed and make a great addition.

lol my husband is scared of snakes and eels freak him out! so eel is out (bummer)

BigNick24 · Jul 20, 2016

The tank should be big enough to start with clowns, they will not be aggressive immediately since they need time to settle in, that being said they will only be territorial of their spot. Advise getting them a nem to host that would help too.

eatbreakfast · Jul 21, 2016

Especially if the clowns are percs or ocellaris they will be fine going in early.

The copperband will benefit by being an earler addition, as they are easily intimidated.

I recommend going with 5 anthias rather than just 3.

The tangs you listed should all coexist. Just have an exit strategy for the naso and the hippo tang, eventually they will outgrow the 125.

For other possibilities, as long as the tank is covered, fairy and flasher wrasses and a purple tilefish.

JennyGutt · Jul 21, 2016

I started with clowns and they didnt become mean till they started laying eggs. That was 4 mnths afterward. They are really mean since. I cant even stick my hand in the water to clean or change the algea clip without getting attacked. Lol. They were nice to all the other fish that i added as long as they didnt stay in their spot however i added a butterfly recently and the clowns and mostly my flame angel wont let it out of one corner of the tank far away from them. I wish i wouldve added the flame last she has become the boss of the tank for sure. I have black and white clowns we named them salt and pepper.

spscrackhead · Jul 21, 2016

Clownfish typically claim a small section of the tank (their anemone or whatever they choose to host) and protect that small area. Clowns are't a concern as far as aggression is concerned IMO. You want to add tangs last and all at the same time if you can as they can be quite nasty towards each other.
It was mentioned earlier but try and get some that have different body shapes as this will help curve aggression. I am surprised nobody has jumped on this yet, but your tank is too small for sailfins. Both Zebrasoma Desjardini and Zebrasoma Velifer get over a foot long! I would stick to Ctenochaetus and other Zebrasoma OTHER than the sailfins.
While for temperment reasons, it is advisable to add butterfly like a copperband early on, sometimes they don't like to eat prepared foods. Which is a bigger deal in a newer tank. Get one you KNOW eats prepared foods.

eatbreakfast · Jul 21, 2016

I don't necessarily agree with spscrackhead about a desjardini being too big for a 125. They do get big, but aren't as active, nor aggressive as many of the Acanthurus species of tangs.

If the tank is aquascaped fairly openly, there will be adequate room for the desjardini.

BummersReef · Jul 21, 2016

eatbreakfast said:
Especially if the clowns are percs or ocellaris they will be fine going in early.

The copperband will benefit by being an earler addition, as they are easily intimidated.

I recommend going with 5 anthias rather than just 3.

The tangs you listed should all coexist. Just have an exit strategy for the naso and the hippo tang, eventually they will outgrow the 125.

For other possibilities, as long as the tank is covered, fairy and flasher wrasses and a purple tilefish.

thanks for great info ... didn't realize that about the copperband! why 5 anthias instead of 3? (I want 5 but hubby doesn't want to fork over the cash for 5) we know the naso and hippo will eventually outgrow and are blessed to have an excellent LFS that will take them. They currently home quite a few biggies that outgrew customers' tanks. clowns will be ocellaris so likely will get them first

can chalk bass go in anytime?
I am not familiar with tilefish ... will look it up
thanks!

BummersReef · Jul 21, 2016

JennyGutt said:
I started with clowns and they didnt become mean till they started laying eggs. That was 4 mnths afterward. They are really mean since. I cant even stick my hand in the water to clean or change the algea clip without getting attacked. Lol. They were nice to all the other fish that i added as long as they didnt stay in their spot however i added a butterfly recently and the clowns and mostly my flame angel wont let it out of one corner of the tank far away from them. I wish i wouldve added the flame last she has become the boss of the tank for sure. I have black and white clowns we named them salt and pepper.

we are having major battles over the naming .... lol. we may have to resort to putting names in a hat (it was just as hard to come up with a name when our youngest was born ... too many opinions in the kitchen!)

BummersReef · Jul 21, 2016

tank is very openly scaped for sailfin and yes I know there are differing opinions on what is and is not too small for many tangs. As mentioned above, we have a really awesome LFS that re-home fish that outgrow customers' tanks ... there's Frank the Naso and Pete the HUGE rabbitfish ... beloved by many. Sailfin is what we want the most but also know he should go in last so I suppose if we end up with another tang that gets bossy we might change our mind near the end of the stocking

eatbreakfast · Jul 21, 2016

BummersReef said:
thanks for great info ... didn't realize that about the copperband! why 5 anthias instead of 3? (I want 5 but hubby doesn't want to fork over the cash for 5) we know the naso and hippo will eventually outgrow and are blessed to have an excellent LFS that will take them. They currently home quite a few biggies that outgrew customers' tanks. clowns will be ocellaris so likely will get them first

can chalk bass go in anytime?
I am not familiar with tilefish ... will look it up
thanks!

Squammipinnis are a feistier anthias. Having a larger group helps to diffue aggression and helps stabilize the social dynamics. I'm not saying having just 3 can't work, itjust more stable and a better display IMO.

Chalk bass can go in at anytime.