Formulating Stocking List - 120g with Cowfish

[kput]

Hello all!

I'm picking up an established 120g reef tank and am working out my stocking list. To start things off, I've done tons of research on Cowfish (read every forum post on the internet I can find) so I know what I'm getting into. I plan on upgrading to a 200~ within a couple years for his size.
I'm new to the saltwater world, but keep FW currently. I'm planning on taking things very very slowly, QTing everything properly, and learning as I go.

What I'm wanting; I like bright colorful and peaceful, but want to avoid both yellow and blue colored fish (just don't like the colors lol). I like purples, greens, etc. I also really like Gobies and other unique looking fish. I'd like fish that stay smaller too. So far here's what I'm thinking..

I love inverts and I know they could wind up a snack for the Dogface and Cowfish. I've read Fire Shrimp are fine as they can easily get away. Would love other good invert reccomendations that would be a good fit.
I also love eels and the idea of a Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish, but I think a lot of my smaller fish choices would end up as snacks..

1 Cowfish (Must have)
1 Dogface Puffer (not convinced this is a good fit or not yet)
1 Mandarin Goby
2x Bimaculatus Anthias
2x Goby/Candy Cane pistol pairs (possibly Randall Gobies? Not decided yet)
2x Firefish
2x Lyretail Anthias
1 Flame Angel
1 Orchid Dottyback
2x Blenny's (undecided on which)
1x Leafy Filefish
Fire shrimps



Other contenders that I'm indecisive on, I don't want to overstock:
Fathead Anthias
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse
Neon Goby



Thanks for you guys' help!

 

[kput]

After further research I've ruled out the Bluestreak cleaner wrasse due to difficulties keeping it, and would probably take one mandarin over Blenny's so they aren't competeing for food sources. I think I've also ruled out the Dogface puffer as well unless someone chimes in and thinks it would be a good fit.

Would also consider adding Blue Eyed Cardinals and or Zebra Dartfish, possibly Masked Goby over the Neon.

 

[Hal3134]

Hi kaput. I don’t see any incompatibility between your cowfish and the other fish. As you saw, I have a similar list of fish in my tank with my cowfish.

Although I’ve never had them, even dwarf lion fish would likely eventually eat your gobies, dottyback, blennies, and maybe more. I’ve heard anything that is smaller than half their body length is prey.

The dog face puffer would probably work fine too with the cowfish. I was looking at them, but ultimately decided I wanted a reef tank, and it’s not reef friendly.

Be careful with the “I’ll upgrade when needed...” thought. I’d bet that 95 % of the people who say that never upgrade when needed.

 

[kput]

Updating this list based off comments and other things I've read.

I have a feeling I'm getting close to having a full tank, the Filefish might make or break being overstocked? (21 fish total including the file?)

1 Cowfish (Must have)
1 Leafy Filefish (Still deciding)
1 Flame Angel or Coral Beauty (Still deciding)

1 Mandarin Goby (Adding much later)
1 Goby/Candy Cane pistol pairs (possibly Randall Gobies? Not decided yet)
2x Firefish (Purple, regular, or Excuisite?)
4x Lyretail Anthias
1 Royal Gramma
3x Pajama Cardinals
4x Zebra Dartfish
2x Masked or Neon Goby