120g Reef Stocking

[Antrias]

Hello Everyone,

I was hoping I could get some help stocking my 120g mixed reef. I had a general idea of what I like but it seems in my research I have found there are a million things to consider when getting fish - what to put with what and when to to put it in (order wise)...ect.

So I'll give you guys a general idea of what I like and any suggestions or tips would be awesome!

I currently have a black clown, Bangaii Cardinal, Royal Gramma, and a Purple Firefish

I like:
Harlequen Tusk
Copperband Butterfly
Flame Angel- I had one but it died to a disease while in QT
Some Sort of Trigger
Some sort of Tang
Dwarf Lionfish
Cleaner Wrasse?
Leopard Wrasse
There are some Chromis' that i find look really nice (have like blue dots on them?)

I'm sure there are a ton more options than this too this is just what I have found and like i said just not sure what to do! Any help, suggestions, input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[kien]

Your dwarf lionfish is a predator that could eat your cleaner wrasse

[Antrias]

I suspected a dwarf lion may be a no no they are so cool though! Not that i'd necessarily get a cleaner wrasse either though i just thought it might be a good idea? I Saw one at a fish store and it looked cool how i saw other fish being cleaned by it and opening their gills and stuff to be cleaned haha. Maybe a cleaner shrimp is a better idea?

[kien]

Originally Posted by Antrias

I suspected a dwarf lion may be a no no they are so cool though! Not that i'd necessarily get a cleaner wrasse either though i just thought it might be a good idea? I Saw one at a fish store and it looked cool how i saw other fish being cleaned by it and opening their gills and stuff to be cleaned haha. Maybe a cleaner shrimp is a better idea?

Your harlequin tusk, lion fish and possibly your trigger (depending on which one you get) could go after your tasty cleaner shrimp.

[mrhasan]

The harlequin (although it depends on the individual) can tear down your whole tank (and you too ). Apparently, this species doesn't like other fishes unless its a very big tank. Don't know about how it will cope up with others in a 125 though.

[Antrias]

Sounds like i'll need a fish shock collar and train them as if they are a dog getting into your garbage - then i'll setup a webcam on the tank so i can watch 24/7 :P

That's to bad the Harlequin was amongst my favorite!

[Taipan]

Hi there. There are a few options for you regarding your list. This is from personal experience and not just "text book" theory. Everyone will have their own experiences and advice.

If you're set on a Harlequin Tusk; you can try looking for a juvenile or smaller one. The smallest I've seen are approx. 2" in length. Watching it grow and morph in colour over time is very cool.

As for triggers; most of the genus: Xanthichthys are considered to be a little more docile and "Reef Safe" with caution. These include - Blue Throat and Sargassum (both of which I have); Crosshatch, Kiri Tirgger (now known as Xanthichthys greenei. At the end of the day...they still are trigger fish....with teeth. Mine have never looked at any corals or even the smallest of shrimp (ie. harlequin). However; I do make it a point to keep them well fed. I've extended the periods of time and frequency of feedings to acclimate them to longer periods without food....no missing inhabitants so far. Except the odd snail. It's an innate response for them to grab and chip away at the odd snail. Tehy will want to grind their teeth on something hard (like a beaver). In keeping these fish; I'm more than willing to sacrifice a few snails.

I'm also keeping in my display (120 Gallons) a Purple Tang, and Red Lined wrasse. All inhabitants seem to get along well and have been for an extended period of time now. It is possible. Good luck.

I can share some pictures of my collection if you wish. Let me know if you want them posted on your thread or sent to you privately. Cheers.

[Antrias]

I would like to see that setup! Sounds like a setup similar to what I am looking to have. Some pics on the forum would be good - i'm sure other people would like to see.

Purple Tang was even my #1 choice for tangs too - just to bad they are expensive!

[Antrias]

A Moorish Idol and a Foxface might be a really good choice by the looks of it - reef friendly with no huge downsides (from what i saw) and nice looking

EDIT:

Well JL Aquatic says that the Moorish Idol it's reef safe however live aquaria shows differently... /shrug

[Taipan]

I had to dig around for some pics. I'm in the process of a minor display upgrade that's taking forever. Enclosed is are a few Full Tank Shots and pics of the fish that are in my display......that may also be on your list Enjoy.

Full Tank Shots (FTS):





FTS with Purple Tang:



Triggers:





Baby Harlequin Tusk: