Another 180 stocking list

[BigBearMD]

Looking for some input. I’m ordering a 180gal 72x24x24 this week and starting to plan the stock list.

It’ll be a mixed reef tank. I care more about the coral and my wife and child like the fish.

Must have:
Pair of clowns (probably fancy white)
Powder Blue Tang

Thinking about:
Brown shoulder tang
Blue Hippo tang
Yellow tang
Purple tang
Six or so chromis
Yellow watchman goby
Lawnmower bleny
Wraisse (unsure of what kind)


That may be too many tangs. I’m looking for input.

Any other suggestions? Personal favorites? Any angles you feel are reef safe if well fed?

Thanks.

 

[Maritimer]

There's a decent chance that two Zebrasoma tangs (yellow and purple) or two Acanthurus tangs (powderblue and ... brown shoulder? Not familiar with that name... Powderbrown? Orange shoulder?) will fight. The best way to do it, if you want to have a go, might be to introduce _all_ the tangs at the same time, with those which are naturally more aggressive being the smaller sizes, if possible. @4FordFamily could probably clarify . . .

You might also take a look at some other fish who'll inhabit your rockwork, such as grammas or your sandbed - you can afford more gobies!

~Bruce

 

[4FordFamily]

There's a decent chance that two Zebrasoma tangs (yellow and purple) or two Acanthurus tangs (powderblue and ... brown shoulder? Not familiar with that name... Powderbrown? Orange shoulder?) will fight. The best way to do it, if you want to have a go, might be to introduce _all_ the tangs at the same time, with those which are naturally more aggressive being the smaller sizes, if possible. @4FordFamily could probably clarify . . .

You might also take a look at some other fish who'll inhabit your rockwork, such as grammas or your sandbed - you can afford more gobies!

~Bruce

Spot on. An orange shoulder and powder blue are different enough in the genus acanthurus that it may not pose an issue. However, two zebrasoma can end badly. You’d be better off with a trio with a third species such as a scopas, black, or sailfin.

Also the PBT will require you to quarantine and treat all fish with CP or copper prophylactically as they cannot live in systems where this has not occurred, by and large.

Wrasse suggestions: Melanarus, lineautus fairy

 

[BigBearMD]

Sorry. Yes. My wife likes the orange shoulder tang and I prefer over the brown powder.

I definitely want the staple yellow tang. How does a kole tang fall into this group? Might that balance the yellow and purple?

I’m finishing up a 40breeder cycle for my QT tank. I figured I could QT and treat my smaller more docile fish first, then the tangs 2-3 at a time from least to most aggressive.

 

[BigBearMD]

Spot on. An orange shoulder and powder blue are different enough in the genus acanthurus that it may not pose an issue. However, two zebrasoma can end badly. You’d be better off with a trio with a third species such as a scopas, black, or sailfin.

Also the PBT will require you to quarantine and treat all fish with CP or copper prophylactically as they cannot live in systems where this has no occurred, by and large.

Wrasse suggestions: Melanarus, lineautus fairy

I just read your post about tang aggression. Thanks that was a huge help.

So here’s what I’m thinking.

QT purple, yellow and sailfin together. 40breeder. I’ll head heavily and add them as my first tangs to the tang.

Second round of QT I’m thinking Powder Blue and orange shoulder +/- kole tang. Then add those three together.

I’m hoping that will distribute aggression.

 

[4FordFamily]

I just read your post about tang aggression. Thanks that was a huge help.

So here’s what I’m thinking.

QT purple, yellow and sailfin together. 40breeder. I’ll head heavily and add them as my first tangs to the tang.

Second round of QT I’m thinking Powder Blue and orange shoulder +/- kole tang. Then add those three together.

I’m hoping that will distribute aggression.

Sounds like a good game plan. That’s a lot of tangs but it can be done with exceptional nutrient export, frequent water changes, lots of swimming space, small tangs to begin with, not a ton of other fish, and some luck! :)