42g stocking suggestions - colors, colors everywhere!

[brett559]

I love my new 42g tank. I really love it. Everything is going really well so far. I currently have 2 green chromis and a clown pair. I have an oversized skimmer, rated for over 100+ gallons.

I intend to add my next fish in about a month or so.

My goal was to achieve a variety of shapes, colors and swimming patterns. As for the remaining fish, there are really two options:

Option 1
Red - Flame hawkfish
Yellow - Midas blenny
Purple - Coral beauty

Option 2
Red - Flame angel
Yellow - Midas blenny
Purple - Helfrichi firefish

Now, please be kind and respectful here. There is a part of me that has thought about a yellow tang. A small one, with the understanding that it would be re-homed. My research - online and asking around - has indicated that yellows are slower growing. Liveaquaria used to rate them at 75g and saltwaterfish.com still does. As is probably evident, I really want one, but sort of know I shouldn't. And I probably won't, BUT I REALLY WANT ONE!

That's basically an aside, my main question is about the options above. Thanks!

 

[Betta132]

I would not suggest the yellow tang. Yes, you could theoretically rehome it, but it might get stressed before you realize that it's low on space, and stressed tangs are known to kill other fish.
I'd suggest a clown goby or two in there somewhere. They're small and have low bio-loads, plus they taste FOUL and most fish will leave them alone.
Maybe also a shrimpgoby/shrimp pair? Again, small fish with low bio-loads, and they come in a few nice colors.
I think either stock could work, though any angel should definitely be added last.

 

[brett559]

Thanks for the input. I'm not a huge fan of gobies. Yes, the angel would be added last.

 

[ginpang]

Small tank for an angel even centropyge. Midas Blenny is good , though like the fire fish could be risky if you have an open top reef tank... Female clownfish take their hangout spot seriously[emoji16]

 

[Fishkeeper44]

I would try the flame hawk. I like them a lot. Midas blenny is good too. +1 on betta