Largest reef safe fish?

SnT · Jun 20, 2013

Ok really trying to decide on a reef or FOWLR tank. Love corals but I am thinking fish interaction is what I am looking for. What is the largest reef safe fish for 180 gallon? I really fell in love with a cute dog faced puffer at the lfs I know better to ask for help there so I decided to research a little myself and found that they are reef compatible with caution what is everyone's opinion? It is funny that I have not even set up the 180 yet and have already decided I need 2 tanks to keep me happy LOL :tongue:

Connie · Jun 20, 2013

The larger the fish, the harder they will be on corals...(knocking them over). The tangs are the largest I can think of. If you have already decided to have two tanks(I'm jealous), I'd keep the smaller fish in the reef. I have a large Sailfin Tang...he knocks things over all the time in my 180g. He can't help it, he's just big.

SnT · Jun 20, 2013

Thanks Connie! So undecided what to do I know the second tank will not be more than a 125 so I am thinking the 180 should be a FOWLR tank as I like the larger fish (like the puffer) and I am sure they need the room to grow. I am also thinking being as I am new to the hobby it would be easier to start with fish than coral. Regardless of which I choose I have a long wait as I have not started my cycle yet so trying to research as much as I can first

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

1.0reef · Jun 20, 2013

Whale Shark
For a large home aquarium the larget would probably be Unicorn Tangs

SnT · Jun 20, 2013

Lol yeah I don't think I have a tank big enough to house a whale shark lol
So my husband is not really on board with my thoughts he really wants clowns to start they also have character but the tank is so tall I can't see over the top of it ;(

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Squishie89 · Jun 20, 2013

I like bird wrasses (not reef safe). Some of the tangs can get pretty big, like sailfin (reef safe!). If you get large fish and do a reef tank, you need to make sure you leave plenty of room for them to swim around and have holes big enough for them to hide in.

SnT · Jun 20, 2013

Thanks! Looks like I will be losing the battle and the 180 will be a reef tank with reef safe fish of course

just wish the tank was a little lower but due to the internal skimmer we have no choice. ;( for the bigger fish I think I will stay with a yellow tang or something similar

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Connie · Jun 20, 2013

You are doing the smart thing by researching before you start. A lot of people...me included....made choices in the beginning that I now know to be ignorant. I'm vertically challenged too...lol...I went to Lowe's and got a foldable two-step ladder. I also use a toddler's step stool. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.

SnT said:
Thanks! Looks like I will be losing the battle and the 180 will be a reef tank with reef safe fish of course just wish the tank was a little lower but due to the internal skimmer we have no choice. ;( for the bigger fish I think I will stay with a yellow tang or something similar

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

Connie · Jun 20, 2013

A word of caution. When you pick out your clowns, just know that while maroons are beautiful, the will become territorial, very mean, tear up your tank if they get the notion and will bite and draw blood from you.

SnT said:
Lol yeah I don't think I have a tank big enough to house a whale shark lol
So my husband is not really on board with my thoughts he really wants clowns to start they also have character but the tank is so tall I can't see over the top of it ;(

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

SnT · Jun 20, 2013

Thanks again

I think I have computer blindness from research. Of course I have to read everything at least twice before it sinks in so I should be an expert before the water goes in ha ha. Right now we are researching skimmers and lights but got a little side tracked on water evaporation so also looking into the RO/DI systems. We want to have everything in place before the water goes in

maybe I will try my hands at a build thread

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

SnT · Jun 20, 2013

Thanks for the tip on the clowns

I am looking at the Percula (sp?) I like the ones with lots of white sorry still learning the fish part lol

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

DSP · Jun 20, 2013

I say sargassum triggers,niger triggers and blueface triggers,There all pretty reefsafe imo they wont mess with corals but theres a chance they will eat snails and crabs unless you keep them fed well.I know people that have kept them triggers long term in a reef with no problems.But of coarse its always a chance u take