Lucked into a 300 Gallon, Fish Suggestions?

[Hugh Mann]

So yeah, I lucked into a 300 Gallon, but here's the Rub, I have no idea what the heck to put in there. I was building a stock list for a 210, but hadn't gotten very far. I appreciate suggestions.

Currently I have
Marine Betta
Maroon Clown
Greyfaced Moray Eel
Hippo Tang (arriving Friday)

I would prefer fewer larger fish to dozens of smaller ones, so I've been looking at things like Harlequin Tusks, Niger Trigger, Snowflake eel, porcupine puffer. Maybe trying to establish a harem of anthias or school of Chromis to swim around.

I won't be keeping any corals beyond GSP, just a bubbletip and maybe a carpet anenome. Already given up on having any significant CUC due to my fondness of eels and other predatory fish.

 

[fishguy242]

the queen angel is one of my favorites,also white tail bristoltooth tang

 

[stephj03]

Unicorn Tang
Vlamingi Tank
Blue Jaw Trigger pair

 

[fishguy242]

uni or vlamingii ,will go from 2" to 10" in 3 years ,would be rehoming ,and they have a dog like personality ,just a thought

 

[Hugh Mann]

I do like the Queen angel, and the blue throats. Unicorn and Vlamingiis are awesome, but I don't like the idea of rehoming fish later on.

Other fish I have had, and want again are Flame Hawks and Dwarf Lionfish. The Hawk probably being one of the smaller fish I'd consider.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Other angels, tangs such as vlamingi, unicorn, or dussomieri
Harlequin tusk, niger trigger and schoolers such as anthias should do well .

 

[nereefpat]

What are the dimensions?

 

[Squidward]

Blonde Naso, Achilles Tang(introduce last), Cuban Hogfish, Red Coris Wrasse, pair of Flamehawks, Potters Angel, Emperor Angel, Scribbled Angel. I'd skip the carpet anemone if I were you. Not worth the risk of it killing your fish.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I do like Flame Hawks. Had one, but it died from complications from a velvet infestation. Awesome little fish. I feel like they might almost disappear in a 300, despite their colour.

All great suggestions, was already looking at a blonde naso.

Tank is 80"x25.5"x30". Bit short for a such a large volume as I understand it. It was a custom build I am told.

 

[Squidward]

I do like Flame Hawks. Had one, but it died from complications from a velvet infestation. Awesome little fish. I feel like they might almost disappear in a 300, despite their colour.

All great suggestions, was already looking at a blonde naso.

Tank is 80"x25.5"x30". Bit short for a such a large volume as I understand it. It was a custom build I am told.

I see my pair all the time. They constantly travel the tank. You'll see them. They don't hide like smaller fish tend to.

 

[nereefpat]

Tank is 80"x25.5"x30"

80 x 25.5 x 30 x 0.00434 gallons / cubic inch = 265 gallons

I would skip any of the Naso spp tangs, especially unicorns or N. vlamingii. Lots of good options and suggestions so far though. I'm a little jealous.

 

[Zionas]

x1 Marine Betta

x1 Maroon Clown (will you try pairing it again?)

x1 Grey Faced Moray

x1 Blue Hippo Tang

x2 Bluethroat Triggerfish

x1 some kind of Rabbitfish

x2 Spot Breast / Bellus / Watanabei’s Angelfish

x2 Heniochus Black and White Butterflyfish

x1 Flame Hawkfish

x1 Long Nose Hawkfish

And a couple of Anthias (Lyretail, Barlett’s etc.)- maybe 4?

And a couple of Chromis, say 6-7.

Feel free to critique.

 

[Hugh Mann]

80 x 25.5 x 30 x 0.00434 gallons / cubic inch = 265 gallons

I would skip any of the Naso spp tangs, especially unicorns or N. vlamingii. Lots of good options and suggestions so far though. I'm a little jealous.

You are indeed correct, hadn't thought to verify the volume with dimensions. Guy must be including the sump in the total volume. Either way, bigger than what I was going to get as a fraction of the cost.

Agreed, I was thinking a potential 18" active fish probably needs closer to 8' of length or more. Am definitely liking some of the larger angels, big, bright, beautiful fish.

 

[Hugh Mann]

I see my pair all the time. They constantly travel the tank. You'll see them. They don't hide like smaller fish tend to.

Then they are on my list again. I might be thinking because I only had a smaller one in a 55, two adults, would be a good splash of colour.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Some awesome suggestions everyone, thank you. Definitely have myself a ton of reading to do to see what can coexist with what, as I am certain there will be conflicts, but I am really liking
Emperor Angel, Queen Angel, Red Coris Wrasse, Niger trigger, blue throat trigger, snowflake eel, Harlequin Tusk, Flame Hawkfish, pairing my Maroon and Marine Betta, Spanish or Cuban hogfish.

Love any and all fairy and flasher wrasses, but am wary of putting a max 4" fish in a tank with a bunch of predators.

 

[nereefpat]

Some awesome suggestions everyone, thank you. Definitely have myself a ton of reading to do to see what can coexist with what, as I am certain there will be conflicts, but I am really liking
Emperor Angel, Queen Angel, Red Coris Wrasse, Niger trigger, blue throat trigger, snowflake eel, Harlequin Tusk, Flame Hawkfish, pairing my Maroon and Marine Betta, Spanish or Cuban hogfish.

Love any and all fairy and flasher wrasses, but am wary of putting a max 4" fish in a tank with a bunch of predators.

I would avoid the queen angel. The Holacanthus angels are huge and aggressive.

 

[TriggerFinger]

Absolutely a Niger trigger and a group of 9 or so lyretail Anthias would be on the top of my list if I got a tank that big. Also a red coris wrasse and a regal angel!

 

[TriggerFinger]

How does one “luck into a 300 gallon”? Please share your secrets so I can have this kind of luck too!!!

 

[Hugh Mann]

Was checking kijiji for a used 20gal long tank to setup as a QT, and there was an ad ,moving sale, for a 300gal, plus an assortment of equipment including multiple powerheads, skimmer, and 250w metal halide lights, for $700. Checked it out, everything looks in great shape. And yeah, sure, the measurements say it's actually 265, not 300, but that's still 55 more than what I was planning on having.

I say lucked into one because my lfs sells reef ready 210s for $1800.

And yes, I do love me some lyretails.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Lots of good suggestions have been given, but here are my top picks— Harlequin Tusk, Purple Tang, Emperor Angel, and Clown Trigger.