Final fish

[Enigma13]

I have a 144 Oceanic half circle reef that I have had setup for almost two years now. I have gone through a slowly paced stocking plan and in the next two months will add the final fish to the tank. I had originally planned an Achilles Tang or PBT as the final show fish, but as my understanding of hobby has increased I have realized that neither of these fish would truly thrive in my tank which is only 54" long. Therefore, I am looking for suggestions for a final fish that will be compatible with my current tank configuration, population and is reef safe (I have lps, sps, and softies).

Current fish:
1- 4" Pyramid Butterfly
1- 6" Regal Tang
1- 4" Yellow Tang
3- 3" Green Chromis
1- 3" Blackcap Gramma
1- 3" Sunrise (Yellowtail) Basslet
1- 3" Bangaii Cardinal
1- 2" Yellowbelly Damsel
1- 5" Solar Wrasse
1- 8" Barred (Doliatis) Rabbitfish (will be moving to 240 FOWLR at the end of the year)
1- 6" Orange Spot Rabbitfish
2- Oscellaris Clowfish

All fish in the tank are well established, with the most recent being added almost 4 months ago, and most having been there more than a year. My problem is that I do not think I can add another wrasse due to my Solar. Leery of putting any more tangs in at this stage due to aggression from existing tangs for the more docile (Chevron had been considered) or not enough room (PBT, Achilles). Tried a Flame Angel and although I never saw him pick I had significant SPS polyp retraction.

Tank is skimmed with a Euroreef 6-2+, and has a well established fuge and nutrients are well within range during testing. Tank has a lot of flow (2 Tunze 6100 streams, plus 1500 gph from two return pumps).

Suggestions?

[erikharrison]

I know it doesn't cost as much, but a blonde naso maybe? They are personable, and pretty.

[erikharrison]

oh yeah, seperate the tangs for awhile, let the naso get established on one side.

[Richard]

I think a Naso would be too large for that tank.

I would look at a safe angel like any in the Genicanthus family (such as a Swallowtail or Watanabei). Maybe even a pair if you can get one.

[Richard]

Or if your tank is covered maybe a couple of tilefish (purple, bluejaw, etc.) instead of one larger show fish.

[ClownReef®]

I think 15 fish are a lot of fish already, and a big fish like a naso would NOT be the best idea, not only because of their size, but because you dont want to cause any friction amongst tankmates. If you really want another fish, go with Richards advice.

[Enigma13]

Definitely agree that a Naso would not be the right fit for this tank. I am stocking a blonde Naso in my 8' FOWLR.

I have always found the tilefish fascinating. Most materials I've read give them a low aquarium suitability. (Scott Michael only gives them a 2 out of 5 in his book). Richard is your experience with them different? I have great respect for your advice and would be willing to give one a chance if you think its chances of survival are good. I have also heard that tilefish prefer dimmer tanks and I have about 800 watts of lighting, so would that effect your opinion?

What about a neon dottyback? I know they are aggressive, but being the last add to an established tank does anybody have experience with that lowering the aggression. I have added fish in a peaceful to aggressive order on that reasoning and so far so good.

Thanks for the input.

[Richard]

Tilefish are pretty easy IME. I had my purple (see banner) for a couple of years. It survived 3 trip thru the overflow, a nasty ick outbreak, and countless "dings" as he bounced off my halides, but he finally leaped over the 6" eggcrate I had along the back of the tank. Then I got a bluejaw who did great but it only took 8 months for him to clear the eggcrate. So a covered tank is mandatory.

I have 2000 watts lighting and they didn't seem to mind it at all. I do have a group of scissortail gobies and the tilefish always liked hanging out with them. So maybe that helped them settle in and get used to aquarium life, although I've never had much problem with them at the store either.

I have a neon dottyback in my 215 and he does not cause any problems at all. I think one would fit in well with your mix and tank size.

[Enigma13]

Richard- Thanks so much for your insight. My tank is not totally covered (though my lighting does a pretty good job of preventing escape by covering the entire opening on the top about 5" above the surface, plus I have an 8" facade/cap around the top of the tank.) I might try a tilefish one day based on your advice. I think I will go with the neon dottyback right now. With your experience and after studying more it seems their aggression is manageable in bigger tanks.

Thanks again for your time.