Thoughts on fishies for IM 150 INT build .....

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chapter7

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Hi Reefers ..... as I get closer to getting my build wet, I've started planning out the livestock. I would like to get all the fish small, like 1"-1.5", give or take, with one of each except for the Anthias, which will be three of each. Do you guys see any potential issues with my list here? Thanks for the input .....

Screenshot 2025-07-02 at 3.01.13 AM.png
 
Just keep in mind how big the naso and convict will get, other than that, your list looks nice! Keep us posted on your build too!
 
Just keep in mind how big the naso and convict will get, other than that, your list looks nice! Keep us posted on your build too!

Thanks Rocks Reef! Yeah, my main concern was the Naso Tang as I’ve seen some huge ones throughout the years at my LFS. But I saw a tiny 1.5” one the other week and gotta get one! 🙂
 
Go for it! You may have to rehome it in a few years, but you can enjoy it while you have it! They are a beautiful tang.
 
I looked up and found your tank’s a 4’ tank. Consider me different but personally I’m not a big fan of buying fish you know will likely or certainly outgrow the tank, only to enjoy them “for a while / for a few years.” It spares you the heartache of knowing it’ll have to be moved on, if you really wanted that fish as your focal point, and the hassle of finding someone with a tank that’ll be able to house it for the rest of its lifespan (especially if you only do local pick-up). Some of these bigger Tangs grow quite fast, I’m not sure if the Naso’s one of them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was. Expect a 10-12” fish (in captivity) at full length. Melev’s Reef has had a Blonde Naso for I think 20+ years by now and it’s about 10-11” and it stands out as the biggest fish by far in a 7’ 400.

A lot of people go “but I’ll upgrade”, but a lot of times it never happens for one reason or another. They started with the same tank a decade ago that they still have currently. So unless you have a solid timeline for an upgrade and you have at least the bulk of the details in place, I’d hold off on getting anything that doesn’t already fit what you have.

Sorry, I know that feeling and it sucks, but maybe consider a Ctenochaetus (Bristletooth) Tang as a third Tang? Tomini, Square Tail, White Tail, Twin Spot and cf Striatus, Cyanocheilus.

Or consider one of those smaller large Angels like a Genicanthus, or a CB Lemon Butterfly from Biota.

And for the Clowns, I’d look into getting a good CB pair of the Pink or Orange Skunks. Underrated IMO and prettier, more natural than any designer Clown. Cheaper too.
 
yea if its a 4ft tank i would 100% skip the naso maybe even the convict too
 
Yea, I definitely want to make sure the animals are happy and have the space they need. I was hoping that the 3 foot width would help make up for the 4 foot length a little. And I'm hoping to not clutter the tank too much as I'm going for an NSA scape to leave lots of room for the fishes to swim. It's a tough call. Thank you both. I still have a lot of time to think about it.

How fast do the tangs grow? Specifically, the Convict or the Blonde Naso?
 
if ur willing to post the fish on here and give it away for FREE to get it out of ur tank ASAP when the time comes i suppose you could do them all just think of the fish and not ur pocket at the end of the day
 
I went with a tomini tang and a biota yellow tang in my IM150. They are still fine several years later, but i don't think I would have gone with any larger fish. I also have chromis, several wrasse, a blenny, a pair of clowns, a goby/pistol shrimp pair, and a royal gramma. I think eventually I would love to add some anthias
 

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