New Fish Ideas

[bambo]

Hello everyone. I have just ordered a new tank after being out of the hobby for about 15 years. That being said my knowledge is very limited with fish. My new setup is a 48x24x21 roughly 100 gallons. I’m looking for ideas for fish to put in it. I plan on doing a mixed reef setup. Planning on a little over 100 lbs of rock. Needing must have fish ideas. Fish that will all get along and benefit my tank with. Pictures would be very helpful. Let’s hear your thoughts…..

 

[littlefoxx]

Clownfish is always a must for me! Love them. I have a tomato and clarkii right now :) some of the dwarf angels are good with corals. Blennies are always a must have on my list, cute little personalities. The rest depends on if you want more aggressive or peaceful tank?

 

[bambo]

Clownfish is always a must for me! Love them. I have a tomato and clarkii right now :) some of the dwarf angels are good with corals. Blennies are always a must have on my list, cute little personalities. The rest depends on if you want more aggressive or peaceful tank?

What do you mean by more aggressive or peaceful? I know what the words mean but do you mean like that fish are aggressive to each other?

 

[littlefoxx]

What do you mean by more aggressive or peaceful? I know what the words mean but do you mean like that fish are aggressive to each other?

Yeah, for example my fish are aggressive and semi aggressive (moray eels, puffer, more aggressive wrasse at the moment with plans to add tangs and angels) vs shy peaceful fish like gobies, blennies, firefish, cardnial if that makes sense

 

[bambo]

Yeah, for example my fish are aggressive and semi aggressive (moray eels, puffer, more aggressive wrasse at the moment with plans to add tangs and angels) vs shy peaceful fish like gobies, blennies, firefish, cardnial if that makes sense

Can I have aggressive fish in a reef tank with coral? I really like anthias. Maybe a tang or 2. Maybe some clowns

 

[littlefoxx]

Can I have aggressive fish in a reef tank with coral? I really like anthias. Maybe a tang or 2. Maybe some clowns

Yeah you could do like a bristletooth tang (just one is best in your size tank) and a dwarf angel. However I wouldnt put anthias in with more aggressive fish in a smaller tank they are skitty and should be in a harem, so if you like anthias you could do a male and 4 females, a bristletooth tang, and maybe another couple of small fish. Thing with aggressive fish is stocking it correctly and with fish that can hold their own so there are not bullying issues

 

[bambo]

Yeah you could do like a bristletooth tang (just one is best in your size tank) and a dwarf angel. However I wouldnt put anthias in with more aggressive fish in a smaller tank they are skitty and should be in a harem, so if you like anthias you could do a male and 4 females, a bristletooth tang, and maybe another couple of small fish. Thing with aggressive fish is stocking it correctly and with fish that can hold their own so there are not bullying issues

If I did the anthias could I do a purple tang with them?

 

[Zionas]

Pink or Orange Skunk Clowns could use some love. With the proliferation of designer strains these days, I much prefer something more natural and not a target for selective breeding.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

They have a reasonable variety of captive bred fish now (vs 15 years ago). Please consider them.

 

[danet888]

That setup sounds awesome! For a mixed reef, you’ll want fish that are reef-safe and get along. Clownfish are a no-brainer, plus a Royal Gramma for some color. A Yellow Tang helps with algae, and a Watchman Goby with a Pistol Shrimp is always fun to watch. Maybe throw in a Cleaner Shrimp or Wrasse to help keep things tidy

 

[Tamberav]

I would suggest a Yellow Wrasse or Leopard wrasse. Peaceful and eat pests.

I would only do one tang, tomini or yellow gets my vote.

 

[littlefoxx]

If I did the anthias could I do a purple tang with them?

I would not put a purple tang in that size tank, they are ***** agressive

 

[bambo]

I would not put a purple tang in that size tank, they are ***** agressive

dang
What other tangs would be ok?

 

[littlefoxx]

dang
What other tangs would be ok?

Bristletooth is what I would recommend or a biota yellow. Purples are just nasty temper wise and get even crankier in small tanks

 

[bambo]

Bristletooth is what I would recommend or a biota yellow. Purples are just nasty temper wise and get even crankier in small tanks

How about powder blue or Atlantic blue

 

[littlefoxx]

How about powder blue or Atlantic blue

No and no, atlantic blues are huge and powder blues are the most aggressive tangs. With your tank size you really can only get a yellow or a bristletooth, the other tangs are pretty much a no go in a 48” tank. Most yangs require at least a 6 foot tank.

 

[littlefoxx]

And for the Atlantic blue they get around 15 inches (a dinner plate).

 

[Uncle99]

A yellow tang would be on my list for sure.
This fish, while expensive is both a great looking fish and an absolute expert at rock cleaning.

 

[56longroof]

I have a purple and tomini in my 48" 150. There is a little spirited chasing between the 2 but nothing serious. I get more aggression from the Ornate leopard wrasse than the tangs.

 

[guppygoliath]

I’ve become a big fan of the cleaner gobies like the neon, Sharknose and yellow stripe.