Looking for feedback on two potential stock lists for a 120g mixed reef

[GroktheCube]

I have a 120g (4'x2'x2') that's been up and running for about six months. The current inhabitants are a mated pair of Helfrichi's firefish, and one tailspot blenny. I'm trying to figure out where to go from here, and I had two different types of communities in mind.

For one, I'd have a trio of small Anthias (perhaps ignitus), along with a few different species of fairy/flasher wrasses (preferably also in pairs/trios), a smaller tank (either some sort of bristletooth or a smaller Zebramosa), and perhaps a pair of clowns. I think it'd be a fairly peaceable kingdom, with a fair amount of activity, at least once everyone settled in and felt comfortable.

The other way I considered going was picking a half dozen or so different kinds of damsels, along with a smaller tang. I love the way damsels act (spunky, lots of personality, etc), and they are gorgeous fish, but I'm not sure if the tank would be as active, and I'm not sure if the damsels would out-compete the firefish for food/space.

Does anyone have any experience with tanks similar to what I was thinking? How did you like the way things turned out?

 

[Ryan2013]

I like the anthias setup better. The damsels will rule your tank, especially with the firefish. Anthias are significantly more expensive than the damsels though but with the amount you've spent on your tank, the live stocking is where you don't let the price tag hold you back haha.

 

[GroktheCube]

Well, I don't mind spending a little extra stocking the tank, but I also don't see any gem tangs or golden rhomboid wrasses in my future.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[jaa1456]

Skip any damsels, and go with the first stocking suggestion. I have 5 Bartletts in my 120 with a mix of fairy and flasher wrasses. There is also a blotchy anthia, tamarin wrasse and a Argi angel. A small angel like a fishers, Argi or Flameback would be a great addition. They swim around all day and pick at the rocks as well. I do have a Zebarosma in my tank but its not a Gem either, but not one you would fine easily either. I'm not talking about a purple or any hybrids.

 

[GroktheCube]

Hmm, black tang?

Thanks for the suggestions folks.

 

[rssjsb]

I think a black tang may get too big for a 120, but don't have any experience with it. Maybe a kole or tomini?

I think damsels would make an interesting tank, but I wouldn't try it with your existing fish. Your first plan looks good to me. Lots of smaller active, colorful fish make for great tank-watching. I would try to achieve a good mix of fish that weave in and out of rocks (dwarf angel, possum wrasse, pink-streaked wrasse), swim in open water (anthias, flasher or fairy wrasses), and some that perch (midas blenny, starry blenny, barnacle blenny) or lurk in caves (watchman goby).

I'm finding that I enjoy my inverts almost as much as my fish. I've got a hawkwing conch that does a great job on my sand, several harlequin serpent stars, red brittle stars, money cowrie, and some funny little filter-feeding cucumbers that live in the sandbed, several hermits. I don't see all of them all the time, but they're still cool to watch.

 

[jaa1456]

I'm sure it will outgrow my 120, but I have already started remodeling for a 300. So that should be plenty large enough, I might go with a longer tank and a little narrower though.

 

[GroktheCube]

I'm a big fan of inverts too. I've got quite a few hermits in the tank, along with three conches (sold as tiger sans conch, unsure of species), a lot of snails, and some interesting hitch hikers.

Maybe I'll save the damsels for another tank at another time.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I'd go for the first setup. I'm biased as that's how I have my tank setup. A 120g with a pair of clowns, one tang, and a bunch of wrasses, along wth a small blenny and a goby.

 

[rssjsb]

I'm a big fan of inverts too. I've got quite a few hermits in the tank, along with three conches (sold as tiger sans conch, unsure of species), a lot of snails, and some interesting hitch hikers.

Maybe I'll save the damsels for another tank at another time.

Sounds like a plan.

 

[kungfukid]

i think one green chromis and a cloud fish is good to have

 

[Ryan2013]

I really like the look of resplendent anthias but I'm having a tough time finding them. I think they had them at bluezoo but I could be wrong.

 

[Ryan2013]

And I think an Interrupta Angel would complement that gem tang wonderfully haha.