180g Stocking Help.

[Xenoblade]

Hey there! I’m hoping to set up a big ol’ saltwater tank in the future, and I just wanna finalize my stock before any actual setup happens. Just wanted to know if all I’m wanting can fit. I’m basing this off of research I’ve done, and tanks I’ve seen online. Let me know if there’s something I should remove, consider, or if I just should upgrade to a 250 or something.

Tangs: Tomini, Powder Blue, Powder Brown, Purple, Scopas, Lemon

Angelfish: Bicolor, Flame

Triggerfish: Blue Throat Triggerfish (male-female pair)

Clownfish: Gold Lightning Maroon

Other: Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse

Crabs: 1–2 Arrow Crabs, Multiple Emerald Crabs, Various Assorted Hermit Crabs, Lots of Nassarius Snails, 1 Sally Lightfoot

Shrimp: 1–2 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Multiple Kuekenthali Shrimp, Multiple Blood Red Fire Shrimp

Wanting, but unsure of because of size: Blonde Naso Tang, Sailfin Tang, False Moorish Idol, Pistol Shrimp, Starry Blenny (amongst other blennies), Anthias

Coral: Kryptonite Candy Cane Coral, Elegance Coral, Green Stem Duncan, Forest Fire Digitata, Neon Green Trachy Brain Coral, Blasto Welsi, White Zombie Zoas, GSP, Bubble Coral, Pineapple Coral, Kryptonite Kenya Tree, Jack-o’-Lantern Lepto, Venus Fly Trap, Garf Bonsai, and Rock Flowers

I know that was a lot, but I’ve seen 180s filled up and thriving. So long term, would this work? Or would a bigger tank, like a 250, be needed? Did I miss something and one of my choices is actually gonna nuke everything? More than happy to learn, I want everything to be happy and comfortable, but I also don’t want 4-digits worth of gallons if I can avoid it haha

And if you’ve read this far thank you so much just for reading, and I hope you have an awesome day :)

 

[Rocks reef]

There are two ways to look at this.
1) CAN you fit them all in? Sure.
2) SHOULD you fit them all in? No.
Most of the tangs you mentioned will get to approximately 8"
Now, on to the blue throat triggers. These can max out at around 12"... requiring a MINIMUM tank size of about 125g. That's recommended for ONE trigger, not two, let around the handful of tangs. I didn't even mention the angelfish, clownfish and 'other' fish.
I hope I am not sounding harsh, but just because you can "fit" 20 fish in a 20 gallon aquarium, doesn't mean you should.
@Fish Styx , @tbrown what's your thoughts on this?

 

[Xenoblade]

There are two ways to look at this.
1) CAN you fit them all in? Sure.
2) SHOULD you fit them all in? No.
Most of the tangs you mentioned will get to approximately 8"
Now, on to the blue throat triggers. These can max out at around 12"... requiring a MINIMUM tank size of about 125g. That's recommended for ONE trigger, not two, let around the handful of tangs.
I hope I am not sounding harsh, but just because you can "fit" 20 fish in a 20 gallon aquarium, doesn't mean you should.
@Fish Styx , @tbrown what's your thoughts on this?

No worries, I wanna get all of the dumb stuff out of the way before anything’s bought. Or worse, hurt!

So what size would you recommend assuming I kept everything?

 

[Rocks reef]

If you kept everything you listed? You'd be looking at bare minimum 8 foot tank, 3 feet wide. A trigger that is a foot long needs more room to turn than just a 24" wide tank.

 

[tbrown]

There are two ways to look at this.
1) CAN you fit them all in? Sure.
2) SHOULD you fit them all in? No.
Most of the tangs you mentioned will get to approximately 8"
Now, on to the blue throat triggers. These can max out at around 12"... requiring a MINIMUM tank size of about 125g. That's recommended for ONE trigger, not two, let around the handful of tangs. I didn't even mention the angelfish, clownfish and 'other' fish.
I hope I am not sounding harsh, but just because you can "fit" 20 fish in a 20 gallon aquarium, doesn't mean you should.
@Fish Styx , @tbrown what's your thoughts on this?

You just want me to use the Donkey/Bathtub analogy again...

 

[Rocks reef]

I wanted you to see if I left anything relevant out.

 

[tbrown]

Biggest thing I see are coral and invert eaters in with coral and inverts. Beyond size of the fish, have you done any additional research into care and concerns with them or do you just like the way they look?

3 Acanthus tangs and 2 Zebrasoma may invite a good deal of interspecies violence in addition to their potential aggression towards other aquarium inhabitants so you'd definitely want to start them all small and similarly sized. The Sailfin adds a third Zebrasoma to that mix as well.

In a big enough tank, it can be done but maybe it shouldn't be?

I don't know, I'm not really one to ask on these fish as my experience is limited but I see some problems with this stocking list (not just the tangs) and comparability for sure.

 

[Fish Styx]

Hey there! I’m hoping to set up a big ol’ saltwater tank in the future, and I just wanna finalize my stock before any actual setup happens. Just wanted to know if all I’m wanting can fit. I’m basing this off of research I’ve done, and tanks I’ve seen online. Let me know if there’s something I should remove, consider, or if I just should upgrade to a 250 or something.

Tangs: Tomini, Powder Blue, Powder Brown, Purple, Scopas, Lemon

Angelfish: Bicolor, Flame

Triggerfish: Blue Throat Triggerfish (male-female pair)

Clownfish: Gold Lightning Maroon

Other: Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse

Crabs: 1–2 Arrow Crabs, Multiple Emerald Crabs, Various Assorted Hermit Crabs, Lots of Nassarius Snails, 1 Sally Lightfoot

Shrimp: 1–2 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Multiple Kuekenthali Shrimp, Multiple Blood Red Fire Shrimp

Wanting, but unsure of because of size: Blonde Naso Tang, Sailfin Tang, False Moorish Idol, Pistol Shrimp, Starry Blenny (amongst other blennies), Anthias

Coral: Kryptonite Candy Cane Coral, Elegance Coral, Green Stem Duncan, Forest Fire Digitata, Neon Green Trachy Brain Coral, Blasto Welsi, White Zombie Zoas, GSP, Bubble Coral, Pineapple Coral, Kryptonite Kenya Tree, Jack-o’-Lantern Lepto, Venus Fly Trap, Garf Bonsai, and Rock Flowers

I know that was a lot, but I’ve seen 180s filled up and thriving. So long term, would this work? Or would a bigger tank, like a 250, be needed? Did I miss something and one of my choices is actually gonna nuke everything? More than happy to learn, I want everything to be happy and comfortable, but I also don’t want 4-digits worth of gallons if I can avoid it haha

And if you’ve read this far thank you so much just for reading, and I hope you have an awesome day :)

Hey there! As far as the tangs go, I would eliminate the powder blue and Scopas from that list. Both are absolutely beautiful fish, so I know you have good taste

Here's why though:

Powder blues, while on the smaller side, are an extremely aggressive Acanthurus sp. Now, while all fish are individuals, for the most part these guys become demons even in the largest of tanks. I would say it is best to steer clear of them for a 180g, especially if you want a group of tangs. The Powder Brown is a much more striking fish IMO anyway.

While you can likely get away with it in a 180, for best health and longevity, I personally wouldn't put a Scopas in anything less than an 8' tank. They are on the larger size for a Zebrasoma.

Now, that being said, you'd definitely have more room for some more members of your tang gang after that! Just make sure that the purple is the last one you add, especially if you decide on another Zebrasoma sp. like a yellow.

Okay, let's see what else you've got on your hit list...

Only put one angel in there. I would stay dwarf here to allow more room for the other larger fish on your list.

You can get away with a pair of Blue Throats in here. As far as Triggers go, they stay on the smaller size, especially in captivity. If you do, maybe limit your additional tangs to just two more. Another Acanthurus and a Ctenochaetus (I would choose flauvicauda) would be the ideal mix.

That clown is a monster. You do you, though, boo boo. Lol

Depending on the coral you want to keep, you may reconsider the butterfly.

You'll still have room for more fish, too. Maybe a nice harem of Anthias?

Okay, that's about what I've got for you here. My opinion and a couple of bucks will get you a latte.

Happy reefing!

 

[Xenoblade]

Biggest thing I see are coral and invert eaters in with coral and inverts. Beyond size of the fish, have you done any additional research into care and concerns with them or do you just like the way they look?

3 Acanthus tangs and 2 Zebrasoma may invite a good deal of interspecies violence in addition to their potential aggression towards other aquarium inhabitants so you'd definitely want to start them all small and similarly sized. The Sailfin adds a third Zebrasoma to that mix as well.

In a big enough tank, it can be done but maybe it shouldn't be?

I don't know, I'm not really one to ask on these fish as my experience is limited but I see some problems with this stocking list (not just the tangs) and comparability for sure.

Yes, I work with coral so most of my experience in saltwater is with clownfish, crabs, and coral. I do take care of a 180 that has 6 smaller tangs in it right now, so I feel I understand aggression more.

But I have done research into aggression, and I feel as prepared as I can be for someone who has yet to do something haha.

Same with coral, I understand some pieces like the elegance and bubble need lots of space. I’m aware some also need more and less flow, light, etc.

Mainly it’s just the size I’m worried about. Because this is THE tank I want to have. So I’d rather not upgrade it in 5 years if I don’t have to. Since I come from freshwater, I feel equipped for the actual care, it’s just the actual full size of the saltwater fish I’m still not used to.

 

[Fish Styx]

Yes, I work with coral so most of my experience in saltwater is with clownfish, crabs, and coral. I do take care of a 180 that has 6 smaller tangs in it right now, so I feel I understand aggression more.

But I have done research into aggression, and I feel as prepared as I can be for someone who has yet to do something haha.

Same with coral, I understand some pieces like the elegance and bubble need lots of space. I’m aware some also need more and less flow, light, etc.

Mainly it’s just the size I’m worried about. Because this is THE tank I want to have. So I’d rather not upgrade it in 5 years if I don’t have to. Since I come from freshwater, I feel equipped for the actual care, it’s just the actual full size of the saltwater fish I’m still not used to.

You are doing all of the right things by conducting research and asking questions. I can't wait to see this come together and follow along on your journey!

 

[littlefoxx]

You just want me to use the Donkey/Bathtub analogy again...

I just snorted water out my nose

 

[Fish Styx]

I just snorted water out my nose

Yeah, that made me giggle-snort, too!

 

[Xenoblade]

Hey there! I’m hoping to set up a big ol’ saltwater tank in the future, and I just wanna finalize my stock before any actual setup happens. Just wanted to know if all I’m wanting can fit. I’m basing this off of research I’ve done, and tanks I’ve seen online. Let me know if there’s something I should remove, consider, or if I just should upgrade to a 250 or something.

Tangs: Tomini, Powder Blue, Powder Brown, Purple, Scopas, Lemon

Angelfish: Bicolor, Flame

Triggerfish: Blue Throat Triggerfish (male-female pair)

Clownfish: Gold Lightning Maroon

Other: Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse

Crabs: 1–2 Arrow Crabs, Multiple Emerald Crabs, Various Assorted Hermit Crabs, Lots of Nassarius Snails, 1 Sally Lightfoot

Shrimp: 1–2 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Multiple Kuekenthali Shrimp, Multiple Blood Red Fire Shrimp

Wanting, but unsure of because of size: Blonde Naso Tang, Sailfin Tang, False Moorish Idol, Pistol Shrimp, Starry Blenny (amongst other blennies), Anthias

Coral: Kryptonite Candy Cane Coral, Elegance Coral, Green Stem Duncan, Forest Fire Digitata, Neon Green Trachy Brain Coral, Blasto Welsi, White Zombie Zoas, GSP, Bubble Coral, Pineapple Coral, Kryptonite Kenya Tree, Jack-o’-Lantern Lepto, Venus Fly Trap, Garf Bonsai, and Rock Flowers

I know that was a lot, but I’ve seen 180s filled up and thriving. So long term, would this work? Or would a bigger tank, like a 250, be needed? Did I miss something and one of my choices is actually gonna nuke everything? More than happy to learn, I want everything to be happy and comfortable, but I also don’t want 4-digits worth of gallons if I can avoid it haha

And if you’ve read this far thank you so much just for reading, and I hope you have an awesome day :)

Hey there! As far as the tangs go, I would eliminate the powder blue and Scopas from that list. Both are absolutely beautiful fish, so I know you have good taste

Here's why though:

Powder blues, while on the smaller side, are an extremely aggressive Acanthurus sp. Now, while all fish are individuals, for the most part these guys become demons even in the largest of tanks. I would say it is best to steer clear of them for a 180g, especially if you want a group of tangs. The Powder Brown is a much more striking fish IMO anyway.

While you can likely get away with it in a 180, for best health and longevity, I personally wouldn't put a Scopas in anything less than an 8' tank. They are on the larger size for a Zebrasoma.

Now, that being said, you'd definitely have more room for some more members of your tang gang after that! Just make sure that the purple is the last one you add, especially if you decide on another Zebrasoma sp. like a yellow.

Okay, let's see what else you've got on your hit list...

Only put one angel in there. I would stay dwarf here to allow more room for the other larger fish on your list.

You can get away with a pair of Blue Throats in here. As far as Triggers go, they stay on the smaller size, especially in captivity. If you do, maybe limit your additional tangs to just two more. Another Acanthurus and a Ctenochaetus (I would choose flauvicauda) would be the ideal mix.

That clown is a monster. You do you, though, boo boo. Lol

Depending on the coral you want to keep, you may reconsider the butterfly.

You'll still have room for more fish, too. Maybe a nice harem of Anthias?

Okay, that's about what I've got for you here. My opinion and a couple of bucks will get you a latte.

Happy reefing!

I’ve heard that about the Powder Blue, and it’s a shame because it’s my favorite of the tangs (if you can’t tell from my profile pic haha).

I’m also ready to be bitten by the clown, the clown at my work already loves to nibble at me haha.

Also are you saying that I would need a 600 gallon tank?

As I mentioned in another comment it’s mainly the size that’s throwing me off. I’ve dealt with aggressive fish in the past, and I’ve been doing my research and feel about as equipped as I can for not actually having done it myself yet. But yeah the size is something I’m not used to mostly coming from freshwater haha.

So take out the flame angel, reconsider the butterfly. If I remove the scopas, then a 180 would work with everything else?

Obviously I know one persons word will not 100% guarantee success. I’m looking for opinions to make sure that the 180 can be the final big boss tank. Unless if I would need to make it 250 to fit everything I want, or something more. Sorry if I’m phrasing weird, again it’s just the size that’s throwing me off haha.

 

[Fish Styx]

I’ve heard that about the Powder Blue, and it’s a shame because it’s my favorite of the tangs (if you can’t tell from my profile pic haha).

I’m also ready to be bitten by the clown, the clown at my work already loves to nibble at me haha.

Also are you saying that I would need a 600 gallon tank?

As I mentioned in another comment it’s mainly the size that’s throwing me off. I’ve dealt with aggressive fish in the past, and I’ve been doing my research and feel about as equipped as I can for not actually having done it myself yet. But yeah the size is something I’m not used to mostly coming from freshwater haha.

So take out the flame angel, reconsider the butterfly. If I remove the scopas, then a 180 would work with everything else?

Obviously I know one persons word will not 100% guarantee success. I’m looking for opinions to make sure that the 180 can be the final big boss tank. Unless if I would need to make it 250 to fit everything I want, or something more. Sorry if I’m phrasing weird, again it’s just the size that’s throwing me off haha.

No apologies, bud. This is why we're here!

No to the 600, lol.

To tie that into your last question, I would say that, if it is an option, I would go with an 8' 240g. Then add the PBT and Purp last, and at the same time. Note though, that you still may have issues with it, but at least you can have even more tangs to spread that aggression around more. Make sense?

Trust me, once your 180 has matured you're gonna regret not going 8' if it was an option from the get-go. I can tell that you've already been bit by the bug.

 

[Xenoblade]

I’ve heard that about the Powder Blue, and it’s a shame because it’s my favorite of the tangs (if you can’t tell from my profile pic haha).

I’m also ready to be bitten by the clown, the clown at my work already loves to nibble at me haha.

Also are you saying that I would need a 600 gallon tank?

As I mentioned in another comment it’s mainly the size that’s throwing me off. I’ve dealt with aggressive fish in the past, and I’ve been doing my research and feel about as equipped as I can for not actually having done it myself yet. But yeah the size is something I’m not used to mostly coming from freshwater haha.

So take out the flame angel, reconsider the butterfly. If I remove the scopas, then a 180 would work with everything else?

Obviously I know one persons word will not 100% guarantee success. I’m looking for opinions to make sure that the 180 can be the final big boss tank. Unless if I would need to make it 250 to fit everything I want, or something more. Sorry if I’m phrasing weird, again it’s just the size that’s throwing me off haha.

No apologies, bud. This is why we're here!

No to the 600, lol.

To tie that into your last question, I would say that, if it is an option, I would go with an 8' 240g. Then add the PBT and Purp last, and at the same time. Note though, that you still may have issues with it, but at least you can have even more tangs to spread that aggression around more. Make sense?

Yeah I googled “8 foot tank” and the first option was 600 gallons so sorry about that lmaoo.

And yeah this is all theoretical right now. Ideally I wanna make it as small as I can without cramming everything together. So if 240 is the smallest I can go without any cramming, abundant fighting, etc. then I’ll go 240.

And yeah, thank you and everyone else for the help. I know I’m not the first person asking dumb questions, nor will I be the last, but I just wanna make sure it’s done well on the first try without needing to upgrade and do a massive construction project for no reason haha.

And about the scopas, how many more gallons to add that guy from 240? Or should I just give up on the lovely earth tone tang haha

 

[tbrown]

Yeah I googled “8 foot tank” and the first option was 600 gallons so sorry about that lmaoo.

And yeah this is all theoretical right now. Ideally I wanna make it as small as I can without cramming everything together. So if 240 is the smallest I can go without any cramming, abundant fighting, etc. then I’ll go 240.

And yeah, thank you and everyone else for the help. I know I’m not the first person asking dumb questions, nor will I be the last, but I just wanna make sure it’s done well on the first try without needing to upgrade and do a massive construction project for no reason haha.

And about the scopas, how many more gallons to add that guy from 240? Or should I just give up on the lovely earth tone tang haha

The only dumb questions are the ones people ask and then argue about why they're not going to take the advice.

This forum is all about asking questions and collaboration!

 

[Fish Styx]

Yeah I googled “8 foot tank” and the first option was 600 gallons so sorry about that lmaoo.

And yeah this is all theoretical right now. Ideally I wanna make it as small as I can without cramming everything together. So if 240 is the smallest I can go without any cramming, abundant fighting, etc. then I’ll go 240.

And yeah, thank you and everyone else for the help. I know I’m not the first person asking dumb questions, nor will I be the last, but I just wanna make sure it’s done well on the first try without needing to upgrade and do a massive construction project for no reason haha.

And about the scopas, how many more gallons to add that guy from 240? Or should I just give up on the lovely earth tone tang haha

Oh, 240 is just fine for the Scopas!

Also, there are no dumb questions here.

 

[littlefoxx]

No apologies, bud. This is why we're here!

No to the 600, lol.

To tie that into your last question, I would say that, if it is an option, I would go with an 8' 240g. Then add the PBT and Purp last, and at the same time. Note though, that you still may have issues with it, but at least you can have even more tangs to spread that aggression around more. Make sense?

Trust me, once your 180 has matured you're gonna regret not going 8' if it was an option from the get-go. I can tell that you've already been bit by the bug.

I started with a 70… then was like no I like tangs! Look at this huge 6 foot 125 gallon! Amazing! Well thats small in the sw world.. here I am now with an & foot 300 gallon tank go for that 240

 

[tbrown]

I'm still trying to figure out which tang fits in my 8 gallon... They had this beautiful 1.5" Sailfin at Petco today. And a 2" Klein's butterfly!

 

[Fish Styx]

I'm still trying to figure out which tang fits in my 8 gallon... They had this beautiful 1.5" Sailfin at Petco today. And a 2" Klein's butterfly!

Darn it, Tim! I already told you: no more than 2 mingies!!