How to decide on first fish

[sdt11]

with my tank almost ready to start cycling i am thinking to get my first fish into QT so they are ready. I list below is the start of my want list . The tank is 6x2x2 eventually a mixed reef.

2 Clownfish (of course)
1 blue hippo tang
1 yellow tang
2 firefish
1 Midas blennie
1 Orange spotted Goby
2 Bangai cardinals

So what would be safe to start with and any suggestions on what to add to the list would be appreciated

 

[Leslie Tabor]

Hi! I like your list...might skip the Hippo just for room sake but otherwise. I think clowns are always a good place to start! Lots of different options, many captive bred, and hardy little critters! They will forgive your "oopsies" more than others!

 

[Leslie Tabor]

P.S. Orange Spotted Gobies are so pretty! I was just looking at mine and he has these blue scales under his gills...I love them!

 

[Fishy212]

Hey! Good looking list. I recommend adding your tangs last as they are the most aggressive. If you are going to have a sand bed, I highly recommend getting a sand sifting goby. I have a sleeperbanded goby. They are very fun to watch and are a very beneficial part of your ecosystem. When your tank is more established or you have a refugium setup or decide to supplement pods, get a mandarin

 

[sdt11]

Thanks everyone. I will heading to the LFS as soon as the QT cycles. I would order online but the mail is so unreliable right now I wouldn’t want to chance it.

 

[PatW]

I agree, hippo tangs get big and may well be too large for a 180. Everything else is fine. If you are willing, I would suggest substituting a kole tang, or a member of the same genus, for the hippo tang. These tangs are good algae eaters and tend to be pretty peaceful.

You might consider adding a couple of reef safe wrasses. Many of them are very colorful and peaceful.