Newbie tank stocking suggestions.

[lpsouth1978]

Ok, so this is not for me or my tank. My nephew (22 years old) just purchased a standard, non-drilled 125g tank. He is currently running 2 x Emperor 400B bio-wheel HOB filters and a Fluval 406 canister with ceramic media. I am helping him get things off to the best start with what he has. He wants to start with a FOWLR with the option to add some corals down the road.

While the tank goes through the fishless cycle, I am helping him plan his stocking list and am looking for your thoughts on good fish for a first time saltwater aquarist. Here is my list of possible candidates:

Yellow tang
Kole eye tang
Clownfish pair (probably perc. or occ.)
Flasher and/or fairy wrasses
Dartfish

I am looking for hardy, easy fish that are reef safe as I know he will want to add some easy corals (sooner rather than later). Please let me know what you might change or add to the list. Thanks in advance!

 

[Joshua I.]

dwarf angelfish like a coral beauty is a good option.

 

[lpsouth1978]

dwarf angelfish like a coral beauty is a good option.

Thank you, I have actually mentioned that to him already and it is a likely inhabitant. We are waiting for the next $1/gallon sale to get a QT setup.

 

[monkeysee1]

I suggest a Kole Tang or a Scopas Tang. Both have great personalites and they are Tangs that not everyone and his grandfather has in his tank. Or a jet black Hawaiian, IF you can affordit it. LOL. Perfect for a 125.
How about a Pyramid or Atlantic Long Nose Butterfly?? They are compatible with reefs..
A Basslett and a Dottyback are ALSO good options for reefs!!
DON'T get an oblong Surgeon...your tank is too small......

 

[Alex114]

A blenny is a good option that will not take up much room or be very expensive. They are easy to care for and from what I have seen in my tank, leave corals alone.

 

[Anemone]

dwarf angelfish like a coral beauty is a good option.

Or a Flame Angel.

A single, yellow-tailed blue damsel is also a hardy, colorful addition.

If he doesn't plan on having any shrimp, a Flame Hawkfish is a good "personality" fish.

Also, a yellow watchman goby and a tiger (alpheus) pistol shrimp is an interesting addition. Both are hardy additions.

I also find Royal Gramma are hardy additions.

Good luck,
Kevin

 

[Tastee]

Lawnmower Blennie. Good algae grazer, good personality, coral friendly and non aggressive.


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[lpsouth1978]

Thank you all, these have been some great recommendations. I think I will be sitting down with him this weekend to over options and start really getting the stocking list nailed down.

 

[Uncle99]

If his tank is in the cycle process, when ready, I would start with one real peaceful fish like a Firefish, wait a month, then add one more peaceful, wait a month....etc....

Last fish to go in would be any tangs you select, I would introduce them all at once.

Once the tangs go in its very likely they will tolerate any newcomers.

Always add least agressive first, most agressive last.

 

[Lessa1]

I've found yellow tangs to be quite hardy