Fish stocking question...

[ShelbyJK500]

Hey all,

I haven't done enough research yet and already seem to be getting a mixed bag of advice. Figured I would extend this out to you all.

I'm very close to getting my FOWLR tank up and running. I was hoping to do a mostly Angel tank. Probably a couple of tangs, a wrasse, etc. thrown in. I'm most likely staying away from triggers. They can be buttheads from the majority of what I've researched.

I know it is very iffy to do pairs of like Angels. However, does this mean that it's fair game to put single's of various Angel species safely? It appears that many reefers have several Angel species in their tank. I just don't know if there is a max (besides tank size) on that or certain ones that work well together and others that don't?? Just looking for some experienced advise before starting down that road.

 

[that0neguy1126]

It's all about how you introduce them into the tank.

The key is to get them all around the same size and put them all in at the same time. Aggressiveness usually is directed at fish of the same body type, not necessarily the exact same species.

 

[DyM]

Completly agree with Derek. Really is also a good idea to buy them small and watch them grow.

 

[rmougey]

Mixed angel tanks are great.... so many beautiful specimens to choose from!

There are several butterflies that will do well, such as Marginalis, Pebbles, Auriga, Saddleback, Golden, Tinkers, Burgess, Declivis, Mitratus, Raccoon, and Longnose to name a few.

Triggers do well (if chosen correctly) in fish only tanks and some can do well in a reef, depending on the species. Typically the Riggens, Sargassum, Pinktail and Crosshatch are well behaved. Undulated, niger, huma, blueline, and Clown tend to be aggressive.

I've had excellent luck mixing adults and juveniles of various angel species. The key is to use an introduction (acclimation) box that allows the existing inhabitants to become used to the new additions.

Mixing large angels (Pomacanthus, Pygoplites, Holacanthus etc) works nicely. Adding smaller angels to the mix such as Apolemichthys, Chaetodontoplus and Genicanthus typically is successful. The biggest problem is attempting to mix groups of pygmy angels (Centropyge). They have a natural hatred for each other! So I'd suggest only one pygmy per tank unless you've paired them. Pygmys get along with the bigger angels though.

Something to consider is pairs of fish. Some like Genicanthus will live in a harem, assuming that your tank is big enough.

 

[dv3]

i think rmougey must be mr. wizard when its comes to fish ....is there anything you dont know about fish?....lol
light-years beyond my knowledge ....i would listen to the man

 

[ShelbyJK500]

Mixed angel tanks are great.... so many beautiful specimens to choose from!

There are several butterflies that will do well, such as Marginalis, Pebbles, Auriga, Saddleback, Golden, Tinkers, Burgess, Declivis, Mitratus, Raccoon, and Longnose to name a few.

Triggers do well (if chosen correctly) in fish only tanks and some can do well in a reef, depending on the species. Typically the Riggens, Sargassum, Pinktail and Crosshatch are well behaved. Undulated, niger, huma, blueline, and Clown tend to be aggressive.

I've had excellent luck mixing adults and juveniles of various angel species. The key is to use an introduction (acclimation) box that allows the existing inhabitants to become used to the new additions.

Mixing large angels (Pomacanthus, Pygoplites, Holacanthus etc) works nicely. Adding smaller angels to the mix such as Apolemichthys, Chaetodontoplus and Genicanthus typically is successful. The biggest problem is attempting to mix groups of pygmy angels (Centropyge). They have a natural hatred for each other! So I'd suggest only one pygmy per tank unless you've paired them. Pygmys get along with the bigger angels though.

Something to consider is pairs of fish. Some like Genicanthus will live in a harem, assuming that your tank is big enough.

Rob...you rock! Thanks for the awesome info. You'll definitely be one of my "go-to" people when I arrive fish shopping. I LOVE angels, and wish I had the money for some of the unreal species out there, like the Conspic! Without spending a few hours looking up much of what you mentioned here is my "initial" stocking wish list;

1) Saddleback or Pakistan Butterfly’s
2) Harlequin Tusk
3) Achilles or Mimic Eibli Tang’s
4) Magnificent Foxface
5) Magestic (Blue Girdled) Angel
6) Blueface Angel (with some concern)
7) Asfur Angel
8) Potters or Eibli Angel (only one as they are dwarfs)
9) Passer Angel (possibly)
10) Marble / Hortulanus Wrasse
- Another angel or two if possible, as well as a pair of clowns...maybe. You mentioned pair's of fish. Are any Angels possible in "pairs"? Any issues/problems with the list so far?

I should have mentioned this will be for a 225g FOWLR tank. It will also be connected to my 110g reef (through sump and equipment), so water quality should be very good in the FOWLR. Thanks again everyone for the input so far!