Need new fish in established tank

Mjrjj23 · Dec 22, 2018

Looking for some advice/recommendations on the difficult task of adding fish to an established tank. Over the last 2 years Ive lost a few fish for unknown reasons so I would like to get my stock back up. I have a 120gal mixed reef with following stock
1 blue hippo
1 Male Bellerus
1 Female Belerus
1 clown
2 golden ora basslets
2 Azure Damsels
1 fire shrimp
1 pistol shrimp (lost his goby)

Not looking for anything specific but just a few more to get some more movement and colors. I know this won't be easy with some of the grump a$$es in the tank so needed some advice

Was thinking my best bet would be to add a handfullof wrasses ?
Was also thinking foxface since they tend to fend off others.
Thanks in advance

Doc Lemonjello · Dec 23, 2018

My suggestions: a Watchman Goby, either a Flame or Longnose Hawkfish, a Halichoeres wrasse or two (melanurus, canary, etc.), and some fairy wrasses. Can't wrong with a foxface IMO either.

Mjrjj23 · Dec 23, 2018

Will either Hawkfish give my clam or fure shrimp problems ? The shrimp is pretty good size

Doc Lemonjello · Dec 23, 2018

They won't bother clams at all and larger established shrimp they will likely ignore as well.

Mjrjj23 · Dec 23, 2018

Thanks! Love all those recommendations

The Reef Dork · Dec 23, 2018

Doc Lemonjello said:
My suggestions: a Watchman Goby, either a Flame or Longnose Hawkfish, a Halichoeres wrasse or two (melanurus, canary, etc.), and some fairy wrasses. Can't wrong with a foxface IMO either.

Hawks and shrimp/goby pairs are the best characters in the hobby in my opinion!

Oh, except blennies

Jesterrace · Dec 23, 2018

Wrasses would be solid choices, but an established Blue Tang in a 4 foot tank could be a problem to new additions. Foxface are generally okay due to their venomous spines deterring more aggressive fish. I had an established Melanurus Wrasse and Coral Beauty start swimming up to my One Spot Foxface right after I added it as if to say "Hey this is our turf" The Foxface just flexed it's venomous spines and the CB and Mel quickly turned tail and went the other way. That was it and after that there haven't been any issues between them.

Mjrjj23 · Dec 23, 2018

Yea Im not estatic about the blue hippo. He's gorgeous and still Bout 5" big, but the wife demanded a hippo tang (she did buy the aquarium and stand) so hard to deny her that. I figured I would add a few to help with any aggresion

Jesterrace · Dec 23, 2018

Its usually around the 6 inch mark where they start having trouble in 4 foot tanks.

Mjrjj23 · Dec 23, 2018

Jesterrace said:
Its usually around the 6 inch mark where they start having trouble in 4 foot tanks.

Yea Im guessing the next year i'll find out. I told her once it gets to a point the tang has to go

Mjrjj23 · Dec 23, 2018

Jesterrace said:
Its usually around the 6 inch mark where they start having trouble in 4 foot tanks.

This was her early November so she's still good to go for now... Right hand side of tank

AbnormalReefer · Dec 25, 2018

You’ll be fine with the hippo tang as a juvi, but not as it grows older, but you can cross that bridge when it comes to you.

I’d recommend a fox-face or kole tang (shouldn’t fight with the hippo, which is in the Paracanthurus genus while the kole in the Ctenochaetus).

If you’re up for it try some leopard wrasse. Beware though, they are finicky eaters and don’t ship well. Mine have been model citizens, but I’ve heard many stories otherwise.

Jesterrace · Dec 25, 2018

With Leopard Wrasses it's a matter of picking the right fish. If you get one that's been at your LFS for a few weeks and is active and eating well then you stand a good chance of getting an adaptable individual that should do well.

Mjrjj23 · Jan 12, 2019

I know its been awhile but I think Ive narrowed mt choices down and going to order as soon as I get back from vacation. My probably purchase
1 spot fox face
1 melanarus wrasse
1 orchard back dotty
Possible group of fairy wrasses.
I would love a hawk but do not want it to eat my fire shrimp

lion king · Jan 12, 2019

I didn't realize your original post was in December, my 1st thought was a foxface and some wrasses. So i would say your thoughts are good. If you are going with a orchid dottyback, the captive bred ones are a bit more laid back. And yeah the hawk would be a big risk to your shrimp.

Mjrjj23 · Jan 12, 2019

Yea was a couple weeks ago. Just been doin my research. Also bout to leave for a week on vaca and wanted to wait tillI got back.
Figured the dottyback with all the fiesty fish I already have would be a good time to add one