Recommendations for stocking 120 Gallon ($100/fish limit)

[TCoach]

Looking for ideas to build up my 120gallon reef tank with fish.

Right now just have a similarly sized ~3" Hippo tang and Clarkii clown. I prefer some of the smaller fish and budget wise, need to limit fish to ~$100 or less per fish.

Ideas:
1. Add a small Clarkii to hopefully pair up with my female. (<$40 depending on store)
2. Add a Scopas/Sailfin/Bristletooth tang to help with algae duty (just 1). ($60-80)

Looking for other ideas. What would you suggest. What is in this price range and really interesting/colorful/personality or high utility?

Thanks,
-Chris

 

[TX_REEF]

Dwarf angels can be a good choice for color and personality under $100, I'm partial to Flame Angels and Coral Beauties, never had them bother corals though others have had mixed success. A Starry Blenny is also a good choice - in my opinion, nothing with more personality.

 

[Gtinnel]

If you have a sand bed I’ve always been a fan of Melanurus wrasses. They’re a wonderful combination of pretty and utilitarian. They will likely eat any shrimp and may pick off some crabs and snails too though.

 

[shcrimps]

helfrichi firefish (depending where you live)
price is 90-110 where i am and was my favorite fish i kept
otherwise yellow cori’s are fun to watch
lookin like banana peel or a cleaner wrasse when you have more big fish

 

[that_boy_fini]

Leopard wrasse or a wrasse Cori’s/6-line/flasher

Smaller tangs for example tomini tangs chocolates are usually under the 100$ mark I paid 60$ for my tomini



Pigmy hawk fish would work in this range but a long nose probably wouldn’t this is a no no if you shrimp tho
id say coral beauty but I have one beating the crap out of a sailfin

Tons of little fish in the spectrum and with that size tank you have a lot of options

 

[C_AWOL]

Since this is a reef tank, is it safe to assume there's no intention on gambling with "reef safe with caution?" such as dwarf angels? If not then I would definitely recommend a coral beauty/flame/flameback/cherub angel (possibly a group or harem of one species as well).

If that is out of the question, then fairy wrasse (must have a lid) and anthias would get my vote.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Wrasses are budget friendly for thr most part. And there are MANY choices!! Beautiful fish they are!!

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Wrasses are budget friendly for thr most part. And there are MANY choices!! Beautiful fish they are!!

One spot fox face doesn't ( get too big), yellow wrasse( needs Sand and doesn't harass anyone), Falco hawk ( can be a bully) Blue Green chromis ( just one adds a wonderful color, one yellow tail damsel ( will stake out a small Territory) tailspot blenny or lawnmower blenny,