Need recomendation for stocking a 125 gallon

[84scrambler]

I purchased a 125 gallon tank (long) so that I can give my Lunare wrasse a mansion. He is in a 25 gallon right now(just a juvenile). I also have a serpent star and about 20lbs of live rock and CC for substrate. I am going to be converting over to LS and use lava rock to take up room in the tank(lava rock came with the tank) eventually will replace it with LR. I have two fluval 404's and a powerhead. I need suggestions on what to stock the tank. I think I will leave it fish only. And also is the lava rock ok to use?

I really like queen angels and emperor angels
Regal angel fish
Was thinking about a pair of clowns
flame angel
coral beauty
Possibly a few schooling fish (bannerfish) I think they school(they get kind of big)
hippo tang
Powder blue tang
copperbanded butterfly fish (suppose to be difficult to feed)

These are the types that I like. Not sure whats compatible with what. The angels are pushing the tank size so I don't know if they will be a good idea. Please recommend anything else that might work out.

I would consider doing a reef type tank except the cost for lighting is to much for me right now. I do have some coral growing right now that my wrasses leaves alone under a standard florescent, have had it setup for about 5 months (even have a mush room).
Thanks

[steve1s]

I think I will leave it fish only. And also is the lava rock ok to use?

If the tank has previously been in opperation with the lava rock, then any impurities should have leeched all their going to and should not be a concern.

I really like queen angels and emperor angels
Regal angel fish

Only one large angel per tank or you will risk constant fighting.

Was thinking about a pair of clowns

Good choice, but only one species per tank. Mated pair and tank raised if possible. Please skip the anemone!!

flame angel
coral beauty

Two dwarfs can be risky but there is always the exception if introduced at the same time. Personally I'd choose just one.

Possibly a few schooling fish (bannerfish) I think they school(they get kind of big)

Too big is right. That combined with the possible tangs would not be a good choice.

hippo tang
Powder blue tang

One or the other but not both. Again with the large angels you are pushing the space limits for large fish.

copperbanded butterfly fish (suppose to be difficult to feed)

Could be possible but the same thing. Space constraints for large fish. Might be something to consider at a later date when the tank has had time to mature. You are also correct about feedings. They can be extremeley difficult to care for unless you see them feeding prior to purchase.

These are the types that I like. Not sure whats compatible with what. The angels are pushing the tank size so I don't know if they will be a good idea. Please recommend anything else that might work out.

The only compatability issues will be what I have pointed out already. Just make sure you stock slowly adding a new fish only once a month or so and properly QT all new arrivals to ensure you are not risking the health of your soon to be FOWLR tank.... :wink:

Cheers
Steve

[84scrambler]

Thank You for the input..
The tank did have the lava rock in it previously but I was told that it was torn down for a few months and the rock has been sitting outside. I just plan on cleaning it and placing it into the tank for about a month before I transfer my fish.

Is there going to be an issues with a dwarf angel and a full grown angel?

Is their a type of clown that you would recommend? Personally I like false clowns and maroon clowns. I havent seen a tank raised maroon clown though. I will skip the anenomy.

i guess here would be my stock..
mated clowns
angel (either queen, regal, or emperor)
Lunare wrasse
flame angel/coral beauty (I will do more research on these two)
hippo tang

I am also considering exchanging the lunare wrasse for cleaner wrasse.. Would this be a good idea? My wrasse is somewhat aggressive and it would probably kill any cleaner wrasse that I put in there.

I will have my old 25 gallon that I will setup as my quarantine tank so no problems there, I already learned my lesson on that after loosing a lion fish and almost my wrasse to ich.

Could you recommend an order of placing these fish into the tank. i will most likely get them as juveniles. Thanks

[steve1s]

Is there going to be an issues with a dwarf angel and a full grown angel?

Not if there is enough rock area's to create sufficient hiding places and territorial "zones".

i guess here would be my stock..
mated clowns
angel (either queen, regal, or emperor)
Lunare wrasse
flame angel/coral beauty (I will do more research on these two)
hippo tang

That list actually sounds fine to me. I think either choice of clown would be fine in that tank. Maroons can bit a bit nastier as they age or are protecting newly spawned eggs but the other fish in the above list can hold their own. ;)

I wouldn't worry too much about a cleaner wrasse and a lunar, they would be fine. The main concern would be getting a cleaner wrasse that will eat aquarium prepared foods. Their survivla raye is actually quite dismal. Make sure it eat prior to purchase or leave it.

Keeping the 25 as a QT would be great. So I guess the first fish in after the cycle would be the lunare wrasse. Then in order clown, hippo, dwarf angel and finally the large angel.

Juveniles are a good choice. They are best added when 2-3".

I have attached a pic I thought you'd fund amusing... 8)

Cheers
Steve

[uscharalph]

flame angel
coral beauty

"Two dwarfs can be risky but there is always the exception if introduced at the same time. Personally I'd choose just one."

I just added a Flame Angel to may tanl which already contained a Coral Beauty... The CB chased the FA around for a day. He must've gotten tired, because they can at least tolerate each other for now.

[uscharalph]

flame angel
coral beauty

"Two dwarfs can be risky but there is always the exception if introduced at the same time. Personally I'd choose just one."

I just added a Flame Angel to may tanl which already contained a Coral Beauty... The CB chased the FA around for a day. He must've gotten tired, because they can at least tolerate each other for now.


My tank is reef by the way.