Centerpiece for 120

[jsharp13]

Hello,

I am currently working on setting up a 120 gallon reef tank and planning the fish that I will be including in the tank. I want to focus first on a centerpiece for the tank, and then kind of build around that.

I am thinking of tangs, looking at including a Purple, a Kole, and a Blue Hippo. From the research I have done, it appears these will get along fairly well and not bother the coral I plan on adding. So, here are my questions:

-First, of course, is this a good idea? Is the tank big enough?

-I have heard that you should add these all at the same time. So, to avoid having the 3 tangs in a 10-gallon QT, can they be the first fish I add? Will that cause any issues? Of course, after live rock, CUC, and getting everything balanced. I'm in no hurry, setting my expectation at first fish after 8 weeks with the hope that it will be earlier.

-Where to buy? I haven't seen a Purple at any LFS around me, though they have said they can order it. My concern there is that I won't get to see it before I commit hundreds of dollars to buying it. I have looked at LiveAquaria.com, and they seem to have a great track record. Though I still wouldn't be able to see it, at least I know I am getting it from a good source and it has a guarantee.

-Any suggestions on other fish to add? Any suggestions on good coral? I think my only "must-have" is a pair of clowns with an anemone.

Appreciate your help. I would include a pic of my tank but, well, I just picked it up yesterday and it is still sitting in my garage.

 

[gone fishin]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946079

the link is RC's recommendation for tang tank sizes. Also at the top of this forum is a sticky about setting up, it may be of some interest to you.

Welcome to the forum and good luck

 

[pyithar]

-the tank is not big enough for 3 tangs. two tangs is at the max. hippo tang need a larger tank.
- i'd add them last.
- no experience with online shopping fish
- a pair of clowns, a royal gramma, a firefish, a couple of flasher wrasses

just my opinions.

Welcome to RC. :wave:

 

[ericarenee]

-the tank is not big enough for 3 tangs. two tangs is at the max. hippo tang need a larger tank.
- i'd add them last.
- no experience with online shopping fish
- a pair of clowns, a royal gramma, a firefish, a couple of flasher wrasses

just my opinions.

Welcome to RC. :wave:

I have 3 tangs in my 7x2 foot tank and they still only Tolerate each other .

I am however going to add 1 or 2 at some point ... But def not a Hippo

 

[thegrun]

In a 120 I would only add one of the listed tangs (and as posted above not the Hippo). I would go with the Kole as Purples are usually very aggressive.

 

[davocean]

In my 120g I'm setting up right now I plan to have just one tang, I like having a grazer but I do not want any aggression issues.
It seems most everyone is usually tang crazy at first, but really there are so many other cool choices for fish.


[welcome]

 

[jml1149]

Hello,

So, to avoid having the 3 tangs in a 10-gallon QT, can they be the first fish I add? Will that cause any issues?

Maybe a 29g QT would be more suitable?

Also, I'm looking at upgrading to a 120. How much was yours, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[nuxx]

Think you'll be OK with a small Purple Tang. Could try a Kole as well. You should be fine for a few years, just don't be surprised if you'd need to get a larger tank down the line.

 

[jsharp13]

Hmm...I think I may have been confused. I went back and looked at my notes, and I think I was looking at a Powder Blue, not a Hippo. You are right, Hippo will definitely not work.

However, it sounds like not even those three (Purple/Kole/Powder Blue) would be smart. Now I just have to figure out which 2 I would like to have. The purple being $200 or more may make the decision, especially with me being new.

As far as my 120, I got a package deal with everything from my LFS, but the tank and stand ended up around $800-$900, I think. It is a Deep Blue rimmed. It looks beautiful, even without fish!

So, any other suggestions on good centerpiece fish? Maybe you can change my mind about Tangs.

 

[davocean]

I know on my 120g I'm shooting for something that fits best, but kind of different.
I'm looking at squaretail or two spot bristletooths myself(check liveaquaria)
I suppose my "centerpiece" fish will be a really nice pair of clowns, and then a nice group of anthias, most likely lyretails.
There are so many other smaller animals that really draw you in, tailspot blenny's, grammas, various inverts.
I love tangs too, but I know my favorite ones just get too big for my size tank.

 

[nuxx]

Powder Blue is a big swimmer and probably more aggressive than the Purple.

I'd skip it on a 120...

 

[3dees]

I have the same tank and as much as I like tangs, I would not add one. I think a 4' tank, even a 120, is just too small. these fish need room. yeah, a kole or yellow may work. powder blues can get really aggressive as can a purple. I don't want to add a fish that I will have to remove in a year or two. too many other fish to pick instead of these ich magnets. even 3 small tangs in a 10 gal. is asking for problems. go with at least a 29.

 

[Shawn O]

Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus)
Yellow Tang - Hawaii (Zebrasoma flavescens)
Convict Tang (Acanthurus triostegus) The nicest looking of the smaller tangs, IMO.
Mimic Lemon Peel Tang (Acanthurus pyroferus)
Lavender Tang (Acanthurus nigrofuscus)
should all work (not all of them together, of course) in a 120, can't give info regarding compatibility between them and other fish.

You could also look into Dwarf Angels, Some of the smaller butterflies and Rabbitfish. The only trigger LA lists for that sized tank who is only listed as semi-aggressive is the Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus).

You may find it more entertaining to have a lot more small fish than just a few large fish. What would definitely look good is one big(ish) fish and a bunch of smaller ones.

There is a whole ocean (pun intended) of choices out there. Don't overlook the large varieties of Gobies, Blennies, Anthias and Wrasses available.

 

[Deleted member 336650]

I know on my 120g I'm shooting for something that fits best, but kind of different.
I'm looking at squaretail or two spot bristletooths myself(check liveaquaria)

One of these 2 tangs and a Genicanthus angel are my goal for "centerpiece" fish.