Need help picking a "show fish"!

[Joeganja]

My turn! A 135, 30 gallon Sump, with a porcupine puffer, sargassum trigger, queen angel, French angel, majestic angel, flagfin angel, princess parrotfish, naso tang, heniochus butterfly, 3 damsels, 1 chromis, oh and 3 pilotfish. Everyone seems to get along but my show fish is my red tail trigger for sure! Aussie tusk and mystery wrasse are the next additions followed my a purple tang as the last addition. I'm not going for rarity as much as I am my favorite fish of all time. Although red tail triggers aka sargassum, Aussie tusks, and mystery wrasses are all seasonal.

 

[OrionN]

Your fish list is a FOWLR all the way.

 

[125gSW]

Wow, this is so hard. All of you suggested some amazing fish! A lot of beauty in all of you tanks

Depends, really. If you run all your fish through a strict QT procedure, then yes, most tangs are on the hardier end of the spectrum. If you don't quarantine, Tangs are notorious crypto magnets. There are tangs like the Achilles Tang which is a pretty finicky fish, and not one I'd recommend for your system. I'd recommend a White Tail Bristletooth Tang for your system, they're great algae eaters, hardy, and very vibrant color wise.

Beautiful suggestion. Would the white white tail go well with a Yellow Tang or a FoxFace? I want to add some size and color to get the contrast

I like fish that you can see from 50feet away and only fish that has this punch is yellow tangs and anthias... I would add some brightly colored fish that are hardy.. I don't trust butterfly fish even in a FOWLR.. I feel they are very picky eaters and more susceptible to parasites/disease.. If you want to convert to reef eventually id highly recommend tangs, and reef safe with caution fish such as some dwarf angelfish and anthias. Stay away from powder blue, sohal, clown, and Naso tangs

My fish list

3 - Yellow tangs (show fish, eating algae, detritus)
1 - Flame angelfish (for color only)
2 - Clownfish (Nemo duhh)
4 - Lyretail anthias (1 male, 3 females) (for color only)
3 - chromis (to eat small floating food particles)
1 - Melanuarus wrasse (possible pest control)
1 - Sixline wrasse (possible pest control)
2 - Scotter blennies (Pod control)
2 - Hermit crabs (detritus removal)

We are on the same page, right now all of my fish are on the small and young size, so I would love to add color & size. What are the negative aspects of Powder Blue/Brown Tangs? In your opinion, what would pair nicely with a Yellow Tang or with a Purple tang? I am avoiding "Dory"

 

[125gSW]

My fish list in a 320 gal tank:
Angels: Regal(3), Watanabei(2), Flame(3). Copperband But. Tangs: Powder Blue, Yellow,Chevron. Foxface, Harlequin Tusk. Marine Beta(2), Loepard wrasse(3). A. percula(4- atrio and a spare)

A well run 125 gal tank should be large enough to keep most fish that are available in our hobby. Avoid Sailfin tangs, and tang in the Naso genus. They just get too large.
Yellow or Purple tang should be great. Try not to add tangs of the same Genus together. I recently remove a Purple tang because he was beating up my Yellow tang after 4 years. They were both added when they were just over 1 inch quite a few years ago. Power Blue or Power Brown tangs are great fish, you can add one of the two if you feel up to it.
Harlequin Tusk is the definition of a show fish, IMO. Beautiful, hardy, out all the time fish but does have his down side. Mine does not eat my shrimp or small fish, but I feed him well. Hard to add new small fish. Disoriented bite size fish will bring out his killer instinct like you wouldn't believe. He went to bed early so if you add small fish or shrimp, make sure you feed him very well first and add the small fish and shrimp right before the light go out, when he already go to sleep in the rock work.
Harem of Flame Angels are great. I keep a mixed tank, mostly anemones. My Flame angels does not bother any of my corals, anemones, or clams. They are easy to get and until recently easy to get acclimated into captivity. In the evening, spawning of my Flames always impressed people. My regal angels are also a great show fish but they are not easy fish to get to live in captivity initially. Once acclimated, they will do great.

When looking at my tank, non reefers people notice the Harlequin Tusk, Regal Angels, CB Butterfly and the Flame Angels, and of course my Nemo's and anemones.
If you have any specific question, I would be happy ta answer them for you.

My worry is that the tusk would gobble up the shrimps/snails that I have. The fish I currently have are not grown to their mature size yet, so a well sized colorful fish that will not be aggressive to them would be appreciated. I love flame angels but I wish they were a couple inches bigger. I am having difficulty deciding because I want to add 2 "show" fish that have great size and color. The Yellow/Purple tangs are great options, what would pair nicely with them? I want it contrasting so a Yellow Tang and Foxface would be a no for me.

This is so hard because I gotta keep the potential reef conversion in mind too

 

[125gSW]

As for the Anthias recommendation some of you have, I have heard it is difficult to care for them. Can anyone elaborate?

 

[Ashish Patel]

Powder blue tangs do not acclimate well to captivity compared to other tangs mainly because ppl are not aware of the care level. Even experts have a difficult time keeping them alive for long terms.. Not saying it can't be done most of it comes down to finding the right fish and putting in a large tank, not overcrowding, and feeding right.

My old tank is still setup its got a yellowtang and hippo tang (both are 10 year old).

My system after adding fish..

 

[Ashish Patel]

As for the Anthias recommendation some of you have, I have heard it is difficult to care for them. Can anyone elaborate?

I think the lyretail is very hardy - Other anthias care level may be more difficult. I have a lot of Pods and an automatic feeder that drops 3 times per day and then I feed mysis before lights out. I think not overcrowding with fish is the key with anthias. Aslong as they have the space and food they should be fine

 

[125gSW]

Powder blue tangs do not acclimate well to captivity compared to other tangs mainly because ppl are not aware of the care level. Even experts have a difficult time keeping them alive for long terms.. Not saying it can't be done most of it comes down to finding the right fish and putting in a large tank, not overcrowding, and feeding right.

My old tank is still setup its got a yellowtang and hippo tang (both are 10 year old).

My system after adding fish..

Beautiful tank, love the colors. How is the flame angel doing in that tank along with the tangs?

 

[Ashish Patel]

Thanks,, The flame angel gets along with everyone.. The tangs fight from time to time when I add new corals. I've since added hiding spots behind the rockwork and its helped with aggression.. I may have to remove 1 tang if it gets violent.

 

[OrionN]

Currently have a 125 gal 6ft tank have fish in there already but it really lacks a big beautiful fish or two.

My current stock:
2 Chromis
2 Clownfish
2 Banggai Cardinal
2 Firefish
2 YellowHead Jawfish
1 Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
1 Yellow Goby (Paired with Tiger Pistol)
2 Cleaner Skunk shrimp
2 Nass. snails that are sand ninjas

I know a lot of pairs lol. The set up is currently FOWLR but I will transition next year to reef. I really wanted to do Butterfly Fish but I all I got were bad stories from my LFS and friends. If any of you have cool suggestions, please drop the name! I have been stuck for awhile, so many beautiful fishes out there

Can you post a FTS of your tank? What is the rock structure like? Are you up to keeping difficult to keep species?
When I first started out I keep this book with me when I go to LFS. Most useful book IMO to have
Marine Fishes : 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species
by Scott W. Michael

 

[AtulR]

Can you post a FTS of your tank? What is the rock structure like? Are you up to keeping difficult to keep species?
When I first started out I keep this book with me when I go to LFS. Most useful book IMO to have
Marine Fishes : 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species
by Scott W. Michael

Great suggestion Minh.
To the OP, I'd avoid going with too many tangs. A 6ft 125 is a good size for a lot of the smaller tangs, but I'd stay away from the Powder Blue's, and other Acanthurus tangs. A White Tail should have very little problems with a Foxface.

 

[125gSW]

Can you post a FTS of your tank? What is the rock structure like? Are you up to keeping difficult to keep species?
When I first started out I keep this book with me when I go to LFS. Most useful book IMO to have
Marine Fishes : 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species
by Scott W. Michael

Thanks! As of right now, I do not want any super picky eaters. I dont mind seaweed, occasional pods and etc...

This is the pic I have on me right now, It's a little more populated then it seems from this picture. Also the rocks now have a bit of diatom which is reducing really fast and corraline slowly growing. Also there's space behind the back liverocks, the fairy wrasse loves swimming in between them and in the back

 

[OrionN]

My current stock:
2 Chromis
2 Clownfish
2 Banggai Cardinal
2 Firefish
2 YellowHead Jawfish
1 Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
1 Yellow Goby (Paired with Tiger Pistol)
2 Cleaner Skunk shrimp
2 Nass. snails that are sand ninjas

Harlequin Tusk will likely be fine with your fish if they go in ahead of him, and if you added a small one, and don't leave him really hungry. They really prefer hand feed rather than go hunting. when I climb on my ladder to get to the back of my tank (in the fish room) the HT would come over and beg for food. I have cuts of sea food and feed him until he would eat no more. several times a week. In addition to this I feed my tank daily in the AM. He would also get his fill then. After several year he have not eat any of my fish or shrimp. Snails are fine but the smaller, tiny snails. He hunt them to extinction. I have several population of snails reproducing in my tank, not anymore. He ate all the babies. Cleaner shrimps are fine, he even let them clean him. All the larger snails, over 1/4 inch or so are fine.
He (an Australian Harlequin Tusk) is an extremely handsome fish to say the least, and draw the most wow in my tank (other than my Nemo's)

 

[lion king]

My harlequin mainly cruises through the rocks, he's not out show boating but he's not hiding, he just prefers to cruise through the rocks. You've mentioned a foxface, I have a one spot, they are not really a show fish on their own, but a very nice fish. A foxface and purple tang introduced together would make a fantastic show. If you are bold enough, purple tangs are notorious for being aggressive. I also have a yellow mimic tang which turns into a chocolate tang as an adult. Any pictures you see of a chocolate tang does not do it justice, in person they are spectacular. Although adult chocolate tangs aren't know to be hardy, it's best to get a mimic tang and let them change. Those are some of the smaller tangs to consider. A yellow tang is a dime a dozen and seen everywhere, and it would limit any other addition, if not just for the fact they are yellow. Bristletooth tangs are cool, just not show fish.

 

[125gSW]

Harlequin Tusk will likely be fine with your fish if they go in ahead of him, and if you added a small one, and don't leave him really hungry. They really prefer hand feed rather than go hunting. when I climb on my ladder to get to the back of my tank (in the fish room) the HT would come over and beg for food. I have cuts of sea food and feed him until he would eat no more. several times a week. In addition to this I feed my tank daily in the AM. He would also get his fill then. After several year he have not eat any of my fish or shrimp. Snails are fine but the smaller, tiny snails. He hunt them to extinction. I have several population of snails reproducing in my tank, not anymore. He ate all the babies. Cleaner shrimps are fine, he even let them clean him. All the larger snails, over 1/4 inch or so are fine.
He (an Australian Harlequin Tusk) is an extremely handsome fish to say the least, and draw the most wow in my tank (other than my Nemo's)

Would you say he's easy to take of if you're away out of town and left the responsibilities to a friend? Last time I let my friend take care, my nitrates rose while i was gone.

Also you think he'd attack the pistol shrimp I have? he's a tiny fella

My harlequin mainly cruises through the rocks, he's not out show boating but he's not hiding, he just prefers to cruise through the rocks. You've mentioned a foxface, I have a one spot, they are not really a show fish on their own, but a very nice fish. A foxface and purple tang introduced together would make a fantastic show. If you are bold enough, purple tangs are notorious for being aggressive. I also have a yellow mimic tang which turns into a chocolate tang as an adult. Any pictures you see of a chocolate tang does not do it justice, in person they are spectacular. Although adult chocolate tangs aren't know to be hardy, it's best to get a mimic tang and let them change. Those are some of the smaller tangs to consider. A yellow tang is a dime a dozen and seen everywhere, and it would limit any other addition, if not just for the fact they are yellow. Bristletooth tangs are cool, just not show fish.

Any other suggestions? And if I do a yellow tang, honestly it would be the last addition. This is difficult for me to decide. Thanks for thoroughly explaining your reasoning

 

[125gSW]

My turn! A 135, 30 gallon Sump, with a porcupine puffer, sargassum trigger, queen angel, French angel, majestic angel, flagfin angel, princess parrotfish, naso tang, heniochus butterfly, 3 damsels, 1 chromis, oh and 3 pilotfish. Everyone seems to get along but my show fish is my red tail trigger for sure! Aussie tusk and mystery wrasse are the next additions followed my a purple tang as the last addition. I'm not going for rarity as much as I am my favorite fish of all time. Although red tail triggers aka sargassum, Aussie tusks, and mystery wrasses are all seasonal.

Your tank makes me want to get another tank and load it up with triggers haha, absolutely beautiful

 

[ngoodermuth]

I have a powder brown, regal angel, and harlequin tusk as my "show" fish in my 120...but since this tank is only about 6-7months old -and two of those fish were added yesterday- I can't claim long term success.

Honestly though, I'm already thinking about upgrading or maybe starting another 180+ FOWLR system in the next year or two for the tusk. He really likes to swim.

Here's a short clip feeding them today

 

[125gSW]

I have a powder brown, regal angel, and harlequin tusk as my "show" fish in my 120...but since this tank is only about 6-7months old -and two of those fish were added yesterday- I can't claim long term success.

Honestly though, I'm already thinking about upgrading or maybe starting another 180+ FOWLR system in the next year or two for the tusk. He really likes to swim.

Here's a short clip feeding them today

Beautiful set up! Have you had any problems with the fish? Have they bothered any small critter in there?

 

[ngoodermuth]

Beautiful set up! Have you had any problems with the fish? Have they bothered any small critter in there?

Thank you. So far, no. But, the powder brown and tusk literally just came out of QT last night. I have a clam, cleaner shrimp, and a handful of different snails and hermits.

The regal Angel is very picky, and only eats live little neck clams and a specific kind of a flake food. The tusk will eat anything it can fit in its mouth, and can slurp down a small clam easily. The existing cleaner shrimp and clam are both pretty big for him, but I wouldn't add smaller. I'm also fully expecting to have to replace part of my cleanup crew here and there.

The powder brown eats everything and is very active, but came riddled with velvet and flukes so I would definitely recommend QT.

 

[Maritimer]

My turn! A 135, 30 gallon Sump, with a porcupine puffer, sargassum trigger, queen angel, French angel, majestic angel, flagfin angel, princess parrotfish, naso tang, heniochus butterfly, 3 damsels, 1 chromis, oh and 3 pilotfish. Everyone seems to get along but my show fish is my red tail trigger for sure! Aussie tusk and mystery wrasse are the next additions followed my a purple tang as the last addition. I'm not going for rarity as much as I am my favorite fish of all time. Although red tail triggers aka sargassum, Aussie tusks, and mystery wrasses are all seasonal.

For what it's worth, your princess parrot is really a Quoy's parrotfish, Scarus quoyi - nice one, too!

Show fish in my tank would be the kole tang, flame angel, and regal angelfish. (Quoy's parrotfish is on my shortest list...)

~Bruce