Could I add another fish?

Andresnyc93 · Jul 23, 2022

Hellos fellow reefers,

I’m debating if I can add another fish to my established reef. I have an 85 gallon hexagon shaped tank and it’s tall rather than wide, I was thinking on adding a one spot foxface since I’ve always liked their personalities and love how sociable they are. I haven’t made a new addition in a couple of months and the last fish added were a paired clownfish. Other stock in the tank is a Yellow tang who runs the tank, flame angelfish, mystery wrasse, midas blenny, royal gramma, diamond goby and mandarin goby. Also as far as coral goes I don’t mind them nipping here and there but most of the information I’ve read points to them being model citizens if you keep them well fed.

Would this work? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Goby Bryant · Jul 23, 2022

I think you would be fine, just make sure it isn’t a jerk.

Andresnyc93 · Jul 23, 2022

fishmanhenry said:
I think you would be fine, just make sure it isn’t a jerk.

I plan to get them small so they don’t come in thinking they’re the biggest fish in the tank so hopefully that helps

fish farmer · Jul 23, 2022

I would think the yellow tang would have issues since they both each algae. I've had foxfaces in a 120 gallon before, they grow fast topping out around 8 inches.

Andresnyc93 · Jul 23, 2022

fish farmer said:
I would think the yellow tang would have issues since they both each algae. I've had foxfaces in a 120 gallon before, they grow fast topping out around 8 inches.

I thought the tang was going to bully my flame angel but once he let him know he was boss they all got along.
I also like the one spot ones since they’re the smaller of their species and most recommended tank size are around 70-90 gal

louivee · Jul 23, 2022

Should be ok as someone mentioned before make sure he’s not a jerk also recommend maybe adding him when lights are off ?

Andresnyc93 · Jul 23, 2022

louivee said:
Should be ok as someone mentioned before make sure he’s not a jerk also recommend maybe adding him when lights are off ?

Haven’t tried the lights off method but will do. I usually do the acclimation box for couple of days making sure they have enough food to stay in there but given how wide those fish are I might just have to let them go in right away

fish farmer · Jul 23, 2022

I just googled minimum tank size at 90, Petco recommends 100 gallons, just don't want to see you have issues down the road.

Lutzerman · Jul 24, 2022

Might be a little tight for a one spot foxface. They get big. You shouldn't have any problems with aggression from the tang though. You could get a juvenile and trade him when he seems too big for the tank. 2 spot or magnificent foxface are a little smaller I believe. And the magnificent would give you a little contrast from the yellow tang.

Andresnyc93 · Jul 24, 2022

Lutzerman said:
Might be a little tight for a one spot foxface. They get big. You shouldn't have any problems with aggression from the tang though. You could get a juvenile and trade him when he seems too big for the tank. 2 spot or magnificent foxface are a little smaller I believe. And the magnificent would give you a little contrast from the yellow tang.

I keep looking it up online and apparently the smallest one is the one spot. Every other fox face seems to need more than 125 gal to live well

Lutzerman · Jul 24, 2022

Yeah, you're right. They still get pretty big but probably okay. It won't get as big in a smaller tank

Lutzerman · Jul 24, 2022

I've had a magnificent for about a year and it's about the same size as my medium sized yellow tang, just a different shape. If your tang isn't cramped the foxface will be fine.

Andresnyc93 · Jul 24, 2022

Lutzerman said:
I've had a magnificent for about a year and it's about the same size as my medium sized yellow tang, just a different shape. If your tang isn't cramped the foxface will be fine.

Yeah my tang is a model citizen and hasn’t killed any fish I’ve added so far. I also plan to get them small so they don’t come in being jerks and also try to nip any LPS