Perfect Fish Combo

[Clay Murphey]

Is there such a thing as the perfect fish combination? You know, everybody gets along and serves a purpose.

I've got a 40 gallon tank and am looking for the perfect combination. Any opinions?

With 2 small children, the more colorful the better.

I know I need to trade the damsel in for something new, but how about the common yellow tang?

thanks for the help.

[wasabi]

hello clay. i have always chosen fish based on their ability to serve a purpose in my reef rather than fish that look good. i'd rather look at a butt ugly fish than a pile of hair or other algea. my school of chromis and pair of clowns are the only exceptions. i have a yellow a naso and a sohol they pick rock continually. lawnmowers are great fish. foxface rabbitfish cant be beat. yea i like fish that serve a purpose to. actually the tangs are great workers and look good too.

[JennM]

40 gallons is small for a yellow tang - if you plan to get a tiny one and swap him for another when he grows, then I suppose it's doable - but when choosing fish, consider their aggression level, their utility (Curtis makes some good points) and their needs.

Jenn